Whom does Bassanio agree to bring with him to Belmont?

Concept: In literal-comprehension questions about a narrative, the correct answer is the character named in the exact request-and-consent exchange the question describes — a specific scene where one character asks for something and another grants it — not merely any character who appears in the same general storyline or location.

Application: In Act II of “The Merchant of Venice,” Gratiano approaches Bassanio and asks for leave to join him on the voyage to Belmont. Bassanio grants the request, naming Gratiano directly, though he cautions him to temper his usual boisterous manner once they arrive. This request-and-consent exchange is the exact textual event the question is asking about.

Cross-check — the other named characters do not fit this specific exchange:

• Old Gobbo appears in a separate household scene in Venice, formally transferring his son Launcelot's service to Bassanio; he never asks to travel with Bassanio to Belmont.

• Antonio stands as guarantor for the bond that funds the voyage and remains occupied with that obligation in Venice; he is not part of the travelling party Bassanio consents to.

• Jessica reaches Belmont through her own elopement with Lorenzo, arranged independently of Bassanio; there is no request-and-consent exchange between her and Bassanio.

Result: the request-and-consent exchange the question describes is between Bassanio and Gratiano.