Merchant of Venice Lesson Plan

In lines 1 - 14 of act V, Lorenzo and Jessica compare themselves to several love stories in classical mythology. Who are the legendary couples they reference? What might be the significance of this?

Lorenzo and Jessica compare themselves to Troilus and Cressida, Pyramus and Thisby, Dido and Aeneas, and Jason and Medea. It is odd that this seemingly happy couple would compare themselves to these lovers from classical mythology since all four of these relationships end tragically. Perhaps Shakespeare is hinting that all will not be well in Lorenzo and Jessica's future.

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