Dysfunction

While reading it is impossible to notice the complete dysfunction of everyone involved, which can be broadened to the whole society. Just beginning with 2.2, the exchange between Lancelot and Gobbo illustrates the extent at which there is a certain madness to the play. Gobbo encounters Lancelot, his son, and asks for directions to Shylock. Without Gobbo knowing it is son allows Lancelot to fool him: “O Heavens, this is my true-begotten father who, being more than sand-blind-high-gravel-blind knows me not. I will try confusions with him” (lines 28-30). Although his joke with him is in good humor, it is neither the time nor place for jokes. Gobbo is clearly a somewhat confused man, and to top it off, Lancelot tells Gobbo that his son is dead. The humor in this joke relies on his blindness, but this is also what makes it such a cruel gesture.
Adding to the dysfunction of the play is Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, leaving the house to live with Lorenzo. The whole operation of leaving becomes a huge ordeal because Jessica is Jewish and Lorenzo is a Christian. It becomes a mess because Lancelot is the messenger for Jessica, who tells Lorenzo how the plan will be executed, who then gets his friends, Graziano, Salerio, and Solanio to aid in the plan to help Jessica escape, which includes her dressing up in men’s clothing. Further, adding to the confusion is Lancelot recently resigning from employment with Shylock, who he then goes to work for Bassanio. The humor is that Lancelot is working for Bassanio, who is in debt to Shylock through his good friend Antonio. The utter confusion that this story creates is amazing. Everyone is intertwined with each other through some channel, and they are often difficult and confusing matters. The best part is how true this play stays even today. The issues of race, religion, money, and love are the driving forces behind everything we do, and Shakespeare was able to combine them in such a twisted way to create this comedy.