"The old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you, sir: you have the grace of God, sir, and he hath enough" (Shakespeare II.ii.124-26).
Lancelot would like to become Bassanio's servant for fear of his reputation. Lancelot recognizes that Shylock is disliked in society, so he does not want to be associated with him. Lancelot tells his father, "I am a Jew if I serve the Jew any longer" (II.ii.91-92). Lancelot does not want the discrimination Shylock faces to be reflected on to him. Lancelot views Shylock as an outcast in Venetian society, and therefore he seeks to become Bassanio's servant. Bassanio seems to be surprised by this desire, however, because he says, "Shylock thy master spoke with me this day, And hath preferred thee, if it be preferment To leave a rich Jew's service to become The follower of so poor a gentleman" (II.ii.120-123). Lancelot would rather work for a "poor gentleman" than for a "rich Jew" because he does not want to subject himself to damnation. Lancelot believes that working for Bassanio will provide him with "the grace of God," and he will be able to work in conjunction with his Christian faith.
Katie--You do a very good job of examining the rationale behind Lancelot's change of masters. How about the moral implications of this change? What's the audience supposed to think? What do you think?
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