The Merchant of Venice Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Norton Shakespeare edition.

Quote #7

SHYLOCK
Jessica, my girl,
Look to my house. (2.5.16-17)

Here Shylock seems to trust his daughter, and "my girl" seems affectionate enough (for Shylock at least). That he trusts her with his house, his wealth, and her dignity is a mark of his love for her. Of course, he's about to be betrayed big time, so this doesn't bode well for him loving and trusting again. If she's the only character in the play he can love, and she betrays him, then there's really no turning back his hatred.

Quote #8

LANCELET
There will come a Christian by
Will be worth a Jewess' eye. (2.5.43-44)

Not even love can surmount religious restrictions. Though Lorenzo and Jessica may be bound together in love, they're still defined and separated by their religious identities.

Quote #9

SALERIO
O, ten times faster Venus' pigeons fly
To seal love's bonds new-made than they are wont
To keep obligèd faith unforfeited. (2.6.6-8)

When Graziano notes that Lorenzo is late, the ever-cynical Salerio notes that only fresh and new love makes the heart beat fast. Once love starts to get old, it becomes a chore.