Merchant of Venice

Act One, Scene One:

1. Antonio is depressed without knowing why. What two possible reasons do his friends suggest? He's in love and broke
2. Do you think Gratiano’s contributions help Antonio’s mood?

Yes because he can convince him to be in a better mood

1. What are your first impressions of Bassanio?

I think hes in love Is he in love? yes because he told the other person about

this girl he had liked

2. Why does he need to borrow money again now

because his money is out at sea and he has none with him

1. Shylock is a moneylender. Does he seem eager to do

business with Bassanio? How do you know?

yes because he will give him more because he has interest

Which does Shylock think is safe, his business or Antonio’s? Why? yes because he thinks it is safe

Why doesn’t Shylock want to dine with Bassanio and Antonio?

1. What strict principal of his is Antonio breaking to help

Bassanio?

because he is in trouble

1. 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? no because it does not seam like Antonio is convinced

Give evidence.
Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole catalogue of nastiness. How does Antonio answer the charges? by blaming Shylock

1. How does Bassanio react to the proposed bond?

upset

Act Two, Scene One

1. This scene opens with the words ‘Mislike me not for my

complexion’ Why does the Prince think Portia will have a problem

with his complexion? because he has a darker skin

In Act 1 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? A2S1 Line 37-42 he would never talk to a lady again and get married

Portia tells the Prince of Morocco- ‘Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair as any comer I have looked on yet for my affection’ What does this mean? (if you’re unsure check sparknotes translation) because he does not think hes not ging to win her

Shylock practices ‘usury’. Explain this in your own words?
it means you borrow money 

Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other?

because Antonio spat on Shylock

1. Complete this quote that tells us what Jessica threw down to Lorenzo. ‘Here, ___ this casket, it is worth the pain’ A2S6 (Black Pg. 69, Blue Pg.31)

2. Jessica says ‘I am glad tis night, you do not look on me, For I am much asham’d of my exchange’ A2S6 (Black Pg. 69, Blue Pg.31). Why doesn’t Jessica want Lorenzo to see her?

she is dressed as a boy and she does not want Lorenzo

3. 
   
4. Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano? (Black Pg. 71, Blue Pg.52)

hes looking for him because the boat is about to le

act 2 scene 7
Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to
contain Portia’s portrait? gold

Complete this quote ‘Is’t like that lead contains her; ‘Twere

damnation to think so base a thought’ (Black Pg. 79, Blue Pg.54)

Portia’s father uses the casket test to find her the most
suitable husband. Do you think his test is working? yes
because it seams like she is buying it

act 2 scene 8

1. What two disasters have happened to Shylock?
2. Complete this quote that tells where Shylock think
3. Lorenzo & Jessica have gone? ‘The villain gew with
4. outcrises raised the duke, who went with him to search
5. bassanio ship’ (Black Pg. 81, Blue Pg.55)
6. How did Bassanio and Antonio leave Venice? on he ship
7. ‘In the narrow seas that part the French and English, there
8. miscarried a vessel of our country richly fraught’
9. (Black P. 83, Blue P.56) What is the first suggestion of trouble
10. for Antonio?

his boat sunk.

ct Two, Scene Nine

1. What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets?
2. Why does the Prince of Aragon discard the golden casket?
3. Complete this quote from the golden casket  
4. ‘He who chosen me shall gain what many men desire’
5. (Black Pg. 87, Blue Pg.58)
6. Finish this quote that shows us Portia’s reaction to
7. Bassanio’s arrival ‘Come, come,
8. Nerissa; for I long to see quick cupid's post
9. that comes so mannerly’ (Black Pg. 91, Blue Pg.61)