a.He needs more money to impress the girl
~
QUESTIONS
Act One, Scene Two
-How do Portia's first words compare with Antonio's?
a.They are both sad/unhappy
-What was the reason for her mood?
a. Because she didn't get the choice on who she will marry.
-Do you think Nerissa is a help to her?
a.Yes because she remembered Bassanio, which she liked.
-Sum up, in a word or a short phrase, Portia's attitude to her suitors so far...
a. She is unhappy because she doesn't get to choose her mans.
~
QUESTIONS
Act One, Scene Three
-Shylock is a moneylender. Does he seem eager to do business with Bassanio? How do you know?
a.He does not in my opinion it's just the way it is read and worded he doesn't seem too eager.
-Which does Shylock think is safe, his business or Antonio's? Why?
a.I say Antonio's because he has his hopes up he will get his money back.
-What strict principal of his is Antonio breaking to help Bassanio?
a. Never lend money or borrow it.
-Shylock tells a bible story to prove that the taking of profit is blessed, as long as thieving is not involved. Does he convince Antonio? Give Evidence...
a. No because Antonio basically just burned him!
-Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole catalogue of nastiness. How does Antonio answer the chargers?
a. Antonio admits and says he has done it once before.
-How does Bassanio react to the proposed bond?
a.He hates hit and thinks that the bond is stupid.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene One
-We have watched racial and religious tensions at work in A1S3. The Prince Of Morocco opens A2S1 with another sensitive issue. What is it?
a. To not judge him by his skin colour.
-If Antonio loses his gamble, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. What must Portia's suitors give up if they fail to win her?
a.That if they choose incorrectly they must never talk about marriage to any woman again.
-Shylock practices 'usury'. What is it?
a. Usury means lending a high amount of money in interest to others.
-Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other?
a.Shylock hates Antonio because hes a Christian and that he charges no interest on his loans.
-What is Portia's opinion of the Prince Of Morocco- give examples.
a.She doesn't seem to dislike The Prince Of Morocco because of the words she says.
b. His skin colour doesn't mind her, the reason why is she states that she wouldn't have held his skin colour against him if she had married him.
~
CHARACTER WEB:
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Two
-Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Copy out 2 quotes from the text to support your thinking. E.g A2S2 (act 2, scene two) line 26, 102
a. He says that he doesn't get fed
b. Launcelot says Shylock is a Jew Devil.
-Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont?
a. Because Gratiano is a party animal and if he gets drunk and does stupid things it's going to make Bassanio look bad in front of Portia.
-Launcelot and his father are very anxious to find Launcelot a new job. They both want to impress Bassanio. This leads to...
a.frequent interruptions
b.contradictions
c.misuse of words to impress.
Find examples of these in the text...
a.When Launcelot's father (Gobbo) starts saying "Here's my son sir, a poor boy-" Launcelot cuts him off and tries to make it more horrible so every sentence Gobbo says he always gets cut off.
b. This is because Launcelot always says "As my father shall specify-"
c.Again Launcelot always cuts his dad off and gives him ideas so his dad can tell Bassiano how good Launcelot is.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Three
-What does Jessica think of her life at home?
a. Is a hell and thou, a merry devil
-Which of Bassanio's friends is Jessica planning to marry?
a. Lorenzo
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Four
-How does Jessica get a message to her lover?
a.She drops it on the ground
-How will she be disguised for the elopement?
a. She puts on boys attire
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Five
-Why is Shylock uneasy about going out for the evening?
a. He is just nervous and not sure if he should go out.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Six
-How does Launcelot manage to tell Jessica that Lorenzo will be there that evening?
a. Bassanio tell's her
-What does Jessica throw down to Lorenzo?
a. A chest of money
-Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano?
a. Because Gratiano got left behind.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Seven
-Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia's portrait?
a. The gold one because gold is expensive
-How is Portia feeling in A2S7 - at the beginning, - while the Prince is making his choice, at the end.
a. She is nervous and at the end she is like "haha"
-What was Portia's father trying to achieve by the use of the caskets. Does this seem to be working?
a. He doesn't want someone horrible to have his daughter. He is just trying to get the perfect guy and loving guy for her.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Eight
-What double disaster has struck Shylock?
a. His daughter stole his money and she ran away.
-Where did Shylock think Lorenzo & Jessica might be?
a. Velmont
-How did Bassanio and Antonio part?
a. Bassanio went on Antonio's boat and Antonio stayed behind.
-What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio?
a. A boat full of lots of money sunk between France and England.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Nine
-What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets?
a. That the princes/person choose the right one and if they don't they have to listen to the rhyme.
-Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden casket?
a. He reads on the sliver casket which says "Who choosenth me shall get as much as he deserves" The prince thinks he deserves to win and chooses the wrong casket.
-Complete this quote from the golden casket:
a. 'He who chooseth me shall get what many men desire'
-Finish this quote that shows us Portia's reaction to Bassanio's arrival '
a. Come, come, Nerissa; for I long to see quick Cupid's post that comes so mannerly'
~
QUESTIONS
Act Two, Scene Nine
-Why does Portia want Bassanio to delay his choice?
a. Because Portia doesn't want him to choose the wrong one and she will loose pleasure of his company and Portia instructs music to be played so if Bassanio chooses wrong he will at least make a swan like end.
-Complete this quote:
a. 'I pray you tarry, pause a day or two before you hazard, for in choosing wrong I lose your company'
-What makes Bassanio choose lead over the silver and gold caskets? Finish this quote:
a. 'Thou meagre lead which rather threatenest than dost promise aught, thy paleness moves me more than eloquence, and here choose I'
-Complete Portia's speech that tells us the expected roles of a woman in marriage.
a. "Myself and what is mine, to you and yours is now converted."
-What does the above quote mean?
a. In my opinion I think it means that whatever is her's is Bassaino's too.
-What did Gratiano's and Nerissa's wish to marry depend on?
a. If Bassanio chose the right casket.
-How does Portia know that the letter contains bad news?
a. Because when Bassanio reads it first he goes pale.
-What help does Portia offer straightaway?
a. Portia offers to pay off Antonio's debt twenty times over.
-Why do we not expect this help to be successful?
a. Because they want to get married.
-Do you think Portia would still be in love with Bassanio if she knew he had lied about his wealth?
a. Of course because it isn't about money it's about who they are.
~
SHYLOCK CHARACTER STUDY #1
-Make a list of the insults and names Shylock has been called in the text so far
a. Jew
b. Shylock
c. Dog
d. User
-Find quotes in the text that show Shylock's hurt, his rage, his loneliness.
a."It will feed my revenge."
b."Many a time and oft in the rialto you have rated me."
-Do you think he cares more about losing the ducats or his daughter? Why?
a. He's more upset his daughter took his money than when she left.
-Shylock is powerless to get back his daughter or his ducats but Antonio is now in his power. Find the first mention of Shylock taking revenge on Antonio. Do you think his thoughts of revenge are justified? Give reasons:
a. I think it could be because Antonio has been rude and nasty to Shylock.
-What is Shylock trying to express here, do you find sympathy for him?
a. I do find sympathy so much for Shylock because he has been through so much especially loosing his daughter and money so yes I do.
-Choose one 'Hath not..' quote and explain it.
a. (Quote) 'I am a Jew, Hath not a Jews eyes? Hath not a Jaw hands, organs, dimensions, senses. affections, passion; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, heal'd by the same means, warm'd and cool'd by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, do we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.'
This quote here that Shylock spoke means that both Shylock and the Christians have lessons to learn, before this play is over, about humanness and humility.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Three, Scene Three
-Antonio is now convinced that he knows the reason for Shylock's insistence on claiming his bond. What is it, use quote from text to support answer...
a. 'His reason well I know. I oft delivered from his forfeitures many that have at times made moan to me.'
-Why can the Duke not 'deny the course of law' according to Antonio?
a. Because if he lets Antonio off then everyone else can get let off.
-What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate. What two important realisations is this based on?
a. It is that Antonio has given money to people who are unable to repay his bond and Shylock hates him for that.
-Do you think Antonio's feelings towards Bassanio have changed since the beginning, why?
-I think not because they are close friends. Antonio is still hoping he can pay off the bond showing he still cares about Bassanio.
-Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy, but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas:
-Is mercy the same as forgiveness? No because mercy refers to the kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could of been treated harshly and forgiveness is letting go of anger or your feelings against someone.
-Is it easier to show mercy or look for revenge? It's a 50/50 chance to me, it depends how someone has treated you. But in this case you first want to give revenge but soon calm down and show mercy instead.
-Is justice the same as fairness? They are not the same thing justice should be looked at of the rules of conduct, where fairness is more someone gets something and so does the other person.
-Is it true justice possible in this case? No because if Shylock get's his pound of flesh like he wants, it will suck for Antonio because he will die. Where if Antonio doesn't have to give Shylock a pound of flesh Antonio would be breaking the bond.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Three, Scene Four
-What is Lorenzo's opinion of Antonio?
a. I think his opinion is that Antonio is a faithful gentleman that whose life will not only benefit him but also Portia and Bassanio.
-What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do?
a. Portia intents to send the money to Antonio with no regrets.
-What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why?
a. She asks that if Lorenzo and Jessica can manage the house until Bassanio comes back.
-Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike?
a. Because they are best friends and best friends must have lots of things in common to be that close.
-Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men?
a. They said they were going to the monastery when on reality they were to go to the court and help Antonio.
-How does Portia describe the behaviour of young men?
a. She explains that they walk with manly stride, wear their swords gracefully, talk about their fihts manliness proudly and exaggerate about their talks with ladies.
-Does it seem likely that Portia is going to obey the expected behaviour of a wife?
a. No because she is willing to help out her husband and friends herself rather than Bassanio helping himself like what would be expected of him.
~
CAN DO TASK:
Act Three
-Vocabulary; Find the meaning's of...
a. Tainted - Tainted means contaminate or pollute (something.)
b. Ecstasy - This means an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.
c. Converted - To change the form, character, or function of something.
d. Vantage - This word means a place or position affording a good view of something.
e. Oration - A formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion.
f. Constitution - This means a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.
g. Envious - Envious means feeling or showing envy.
h. Forfeit - Lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing.
-Create; If you were on Antonio's boat when it sunk...
It was a chilly, dark night in a few more weeks we would be back to land and deliver Antonio's money to him. I felt a gust of wind going through my old, damp jacket as my arm started getting goose bumps. I guess I should go see my what my close mate is up too? I walked along the ship's deck to the cabin. I opened the creaky door and CRASH went a wave on the side of the boat. I got my balance back and walked inside the toasty cabin and saw my close mate. He looked up at the noise of the door and smiled at me. I got my coat and next minute BANG! I scrambled up my gloves, hat etc and ran up stairs to the highest point of Antonio's ship. I saw water spilling into the boat and some of the crew sliding off, this is it I thought. I closed my eyes and got carried away by a wave, I'm sorry Antonio I murmured.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Four, Scene One
-What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do?
a. He thinks Antonio is going to show Shylock mercy.
-What does Shylock intend to do?
a. That Antonio has to give Shylock a pound of his flesh asap.
-Finish this quote that tells us why...
a. 'You'll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh, than to receive three thousand ducats. I'll not answer that, but to say it is my humour; is it answered?'
-What two loopholes does Portia find in the wording of the contract?
a. That if Antonio bleeds Shylock's land will be confiscated.
b. Shylock has to take exactly one pound.
-Shylock now has to pay penalties. Complete the quote...
a. 'I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. For half thy wealth, it is Antonio's, the other half comes to the general state.'
-Are the penalties fair?
a. Shylock has to have half his possessions taken and given to Antonio, where the other half are given to the state of Venice. So they are being fair because Shylock did break the law.
-How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?
a. Antonio said that he would go along with Shylock's punishments as long as his money was put in a trust to give to Lorenzo and Jessica.
-What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?
a. She got the wedding ring of her husband, the ring Bassanio agreed not to ever lose or give away.
-Portia tells Shylock 'the quality of mercy is not strained.' How does she try to persuade Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to sow him?
a. Portia makes a long speech about mercy saying... "No one shows mercy because he has to." She is willing to show him mercy.
~
LINE STUDY
Act Four, Scene One
-Antonio gives us three short images of how useless any attempt by Bassanio to save his life will be...
- (a.) What are they?
- (b.) What do they tell us about one of Shakespeare's interests?
- (c.) Do you think this is an extreme and impossible, what influence does this have on how you expect the rest of the scene to develop?
a. Antonio says "You may question with the wolf Why he hath made the ewe bleat for lamb; You may as well forbid the mountain pines To wag their high tops and to make no noise When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven; You may as well do any thing most hard As seek to soften that-than which what's harder?-"
b. I think that he likes nature or something like that???
c. I think that this was a good part Antonio said because it shows a picture in your head of what he said and I think that's what Shakespeare wanted.
-Shylock uses vivid comparisons when he wants to make a point.
- (a.) What example does he use to illustrate the fact that the pound of flesh is his:"tis mine and I will have it"
- (b.) It is much longer comparison than the three used by Antonio but do you think it is more striking/effective/convincing?
a. Shylock uses the terrible living conditions to compare what he was saying.
b. In my opinion I think it is because he is relating to Antonio more.
~
QUESTIONS
Act Four, Scene Two
-What invitation does Portia refuse and why?
a. She refuses to go to dinner with Bassanio. She does it because her and Nerissa had to go bac kto Belmont to arrive there before their husbands.
-What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?
a. She plans to get her husband's ring.
-Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel. Use examples to support your thinking.
a. I really still admire her the same as I did at the start. I think she has a good mindset and shes brave. So shes fine.
~
SHYLOCK CHARACTER STUDY #2
| Shylock makes his last appearance in Act Four, Scene One |
-How does he behave when he thinks he is winning?
a. Shylock acts childish.
-Is his behaviour what you expected of him based on the story so far?
Yeah I guess because Shylock has acted similar in other situations.
-Why do lines 40-46 offer a particularly chilling comparison. What is Shylock saying?
a. Shylock says "You'll ask me why I rather choose to have A weight of carrion flesh than to receive Three thousand ducats. I'll not answer that But say it is my humour. Is it answered? What if my house be troubled with a rat And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats To have it banded? What, are you answered yet?" On spark notes it translates too...
"You're going to ask me why I'd rather have a pound of decaying flesh than three thousand ducats. I won't answer that. Let's just say it's because I feel like it. Is that enough of an answer? What if I had a rat in my house, and I felt like paying ten thousand ducats to have it exterminated? Do you have your answer yet?"
-How does Shylock react when he becomes the victim?
a. He becomes very helpless with what is happening.
~
CAN DO TASK:
Act Four
-Vocabulary; Find the meaning's of...
a. Rigorous - This means extremely thorough and careful.
b. Remorse - Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
c. Malice - Malice means the desire to harm someone; ill will.
d. Abject - (of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree.
e. Epitaph - A phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.
f. Inexecrable - Impossible to stop or prevent.
g. Ravenouse - Extremely Hungry
h.
Impugn - Dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into a question.
-Research; In the Shakespeare court we have a judge. What positions are needed in a modern law court to hold a fair trail and how does each function. Which system do you think is fairer, that in the play, or that of modern day?
~
QUESTIONS
Act Five, Scene One
-Why do Lorenzo and Jessica remind each of the stories of classical lovers?
a. Because they relate a bit to Gnomeo and Juliet, how Jessica sneaks out and runs away from her father (Shylock.)
-What are Portia's feelings as she approaches the house?
a. I think she was a bit nervous but happy that Antonio is safe. I also think shes sad because her husband gave his ring away.
-What is the first argument to break out?
a. It is about the rings.
-How do Gratiano and Bassanio try to justify parting with the rings, are they successful?
a. They say that they gave it to the doctor and the lawyer who helped Antonio, but their wife's still are not happy.
-Was Bassanio right to give away the ring, give reasons for your thinking.
a. A part of me think it wasn't ok because he swore but then part of me think it was ok because they helped his friend stay alive.
-How can the newly-weds threaten to sleep with the men who took their rings- and mean it?
a. Because they are yelling and are keeping a straight face.
-What effect do these arguments have on Antonio?
a. I think he feels bad and very uncomfortable.
-Portia and Nerissa have the rings. What does this prove to Antonio, Gratiano and each a Bassanio?
a. That they helped Antonio and that Bassanio and Gratiano have married good people.
-How do Antonio, Lorenzo and Jessica benefit from news that Portia brings?
a. Because they are free and happy.?
~
SHYLOCK CHARACTER STUDY #3
Many characters hold anti semitic views, but in places Shakespeare lets Shylock speak from the heart and suddenly see him as a human, not stereotype.
-Find scenes and speeches where Shakespeare does this, take not of the act scene, lines and quotes.
a. I think on is when Shylock says "Hath not a Jew eyes?"
-In Act One, Scene Three when Shylock offers to lend money without interest some argue that he is being kind, discuss your thoughts.
a. I think he is being kind because he would just give it to the person.
-In Act Three, Scene One Shylock suffers great losses. Look for suggestions of his sorrow, loneliness and feelings for his dead wife.
a. When Shylock says "Why, there, there, there, there! A diamond gone cost me two thousand ducats in Frankfurt- the curse never fell upon our nation till now! I never felt it till now- Two thousand ducats in that, and the other precious, precious jewels. I would my daughter were dead at my foot and the jewels in her ear! Would she were hearsed at my foot and the ducats in her coffin! No news of them? Why, so. And I know not what's spent in the search. Why thou, loss upon loss! The thief gone with so much, and so much to find the thief- and no satisfaction, no revenge. Nor no ill luck stirring but what lights o' my shoulders, no sighs but o' my breathing, no tears but o' my shedding.
-In Act Four, Scene One when Shylock is sentences, we again feel pity for him. Why is this an achievement for Shakespeare (consider his audience.)
a. Because I feel like he wants us to feel emotion and feel like we are there in the story too.
-The Merchant Of Venice is considered a comedy, however the character of Shylock makes it feel more of a tragi-comedy. Do you feel he is portrayed more as a villain or victim. Write a paragraph explaining your thoughts with supporting evidence from the play.
a. I think he is more a victim than a villain. I think this because Shylock made a bond and Antonio agreed to it.
-It has been argued that the play should be renamed 'The Jew of Venice'. Why do you think this is? Would it change your initial view of the play? Would it be a more suitable name?
a. I mean the story is based off a Jew who wants to cut a pound of flesh out of Antonio so in some ways yes but then I think not much people know's what the word "Jew" is so I say just stick to the original name.
~
CAN DO TASK:
Act Five
-Vocabulary; Find the meaning's of...
a. Vehement - In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner; with great feeling.
b. Riveted - Join or fasten (plates of metal) with a rivet or rivets.
c. Zeal - Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.
d. Stockish - Like a stock: stupid.
e. Quiring - Is gathering together a set of 24 or 25 pieces of paper that are the same size and the same paper stock.
f. Elopement - An act or instance of running off secretly, as to be married.
g. Quarrel - A heated argument or disagreement, typically about a trivial issue and between people who are usually on good term.
h. Void - Not valid or legally binding.
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