Why does Gobbo have trouble in recognising Launcelot? What purpose does this scene serve in the context of the play?
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The Merchant of Venice Questions and Answers
by William Shakespeare
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Explain the interaction between Launcelot and Old Gobbo in Act II Scene ii of The Merchant of Venice.
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BRAYAN EFFERTZ eNotes educator | CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
The interaction between Lancelot and his father, Old Gobbo, in this scene, is based on a comic misunderstanding: Old Gobbo is nearly blind and does not even recognise his own son. Lancelot therefore decides to have some fun with him. He asks Lancelot where his son is and Lancelot pretends he is dead. Old Gobbo is shocked, as he was relying on his son for support in his old age. Lancelot finally drops the pretence, but at first Old Gobbo still does not recognise him. When he finally does, Lancelot admits he’s thinking of leaving Shylock, who is a hard master. He wants to serve Bassanio instead. Bassanio coincidentally turns up, and old...