9th Grade Honors English

Merchant of Venice
Study Questions
Act 1, Scene 1
1. Antonio seems to have it all. Why, then, is Antonio so sad? Why doesn't he know the
cause of the sadness? What guesses do Solanio and Salerio have about the cause of his
depression? What lifts his depression?

2. What has Bassanio come to tell Antonio?

3. Why does Bassanio set his sights on Portia? What stands in his way? How does he plan
to overcome those barriers?

4. Bassanio lives well beyond his means. Why, then, does Antonio continue to lend him
money willingly, even though Bassanio has yet to pay him back? Would you lend money
to him?

5. What plan does Bassanio have to pay Antonio back?

6. Although he is condemned usury the past, Antonio doesn't need much convincing to go
into debt for Bassanio. Why? What would he get out of granting him the loan?

7. What does Antonio get from his relationship with Bassanio?

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Act 1, Scene 2
1. Shakespeare often juxtaposes (placing seeming opposites near one another) scenes (and
therefore characters, settings, ideas) for a purpose. Read I, ii carefully to see what
purpose Shakespeare had in placing the scenes next one another.

2. How does Venice differ from Belmont?

3. How does Portia and Nerissa’s relationship different from Antonio and Bassanio’s? How
is it similar? Look at the way they speak. How does Shakespeare show differences in
their personalities and social stature through dialogue?

4. How is Portia’s mood similar and different from Antonio's at the start of I, i?

5. How does Portia feel about her deceased father's method of selecting a husband for her?
So far, how successful has it been in eliminating inappropriate suitors?

6. Portia mocks each of her potential suitors intern. What faults does she see in each one?
How do those faults reflect the Elizabethan viewpoints of each of these cultures? What is
different about her criticism of Morocco?

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 7. How does Portia first encounter Bassanio? What kind of social status does he have?

8. Reread lines 126-130. Does Portia’s racism shock you?

Act 1, Scene 3
1. Again, Shakespeare places a scene in Belmont against one in Venice. What contrast does
he want us to see in these locations? What are the main concerns/issues of importance in
Belmont? Look for repeated word choices in the scene. How does the language reflect
this?

2. Bassanio contacts Shylock regarding the loan. What are the terms of the loan? What does
it mean for Antonio to be "bound" to a loan?

3. What does it mean when Shylock says, "Antonio is a good man" (I.12.)? How does
Bassanio take his meeting? What distinction does the show between the two men in terms
of their priorities or states of mind?

4. Shylock does a risk analysis of Antonio's ability to repay the loan in II.13-26. What are
the risks? What does Shylock say outweighs those risks for him? Would this be enough
for you to lend him the money?

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5. Bassanio invites Shylock to eat with Antonio and him, but Shylock refuses. What reasons
does he give? Why does he seem so bitter all at once? What underlying rancor is there?

6. Once Antonio enters, Shylock’s aside gives us insight into why he dislikes Antonio. How
was his feelings reflect the political position Jews held in Elizabethan society? How
would his attitude towards the merchant influence his risk analysis?

7. Examine Shylock's speech patterns. What patterns do you notice? What figures of speech
does he tend to use?

8. Describe Shylock. What stereotypical characteristics do you notice in the way

9. Shylock’s love of money is undeniable. Why does Shylock tell the story of Jacob and
Laban? How does Shylock interpret the story? How does Antonio? Review Genesis 30
and determine if there is a distinctly "Christian" as opposed to "Jewish" interpretation.
Which does the play seem to support?

10. Why does Shylock drop the Biblical discussion as soon as Antonio challenges him? What
does this say about Shylock's place in the Venetian society? How do Antonio's words and
11.93–98 reflect this Elizabethan perception of Jews?

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11. Shylock directly confront Antonio regarding the way Antonio has treated Shylock in the
past. What wrongs has Antonio committed against Shylock?

12. How does Antonio react to the charges against him? How does he reconcile that apparent
hypocrisy? Why does he say this is even more reason to grant the loan? Give proof from
the text (including line numbers) in your answer.

13. What are Shylock's terms of the loan? He says he grants in terms of "merry sport" (I.142).
Is he joking or serious? How does Antonio take it? How does Bassanio? Give proof from
the text (including line numbers) in your answer.

14. What is the difference between Bassanio's and Antonio's perception of the loan terms?
What accounts for those differences? Give proof from the text (including my numbers) in
your answer. Would Bassanio have done the same for Antonio?

15. How does Shylock’s loan to Antonio differ from Antonio's loan to Bassanio?

16. Given the scene, what is important in Venice? Look for repeated word choices for
evidence. How does language reflect that values system?

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Act 2, Scene 1
1. Examine Morocco's opening lines. What issues does he address?

2. Look at the language he uses in II.1-12 and 22–38. How does the imagery in his speech
reflect the Elizabethan perception of Moors?

3. What is Portia’s reaction to Morocco? Based on her previous comments to Nerissa, do

4. Notice how careful Portia is with her words. Why do you think this is? What does this
indicate about her intelligence?

5. Why do you think there is no Biblical imagery in this scene, only mythological imagery,
and this scene?

Act 2, Scene 2
1. What is Launcelot’s debate about?

2. When Old Gobbo enters and Launcelot recognizes, him, why doesn’t Launcelot reveal
himself to his father? What is the purpose in hiding his identity, even briefly?

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 3. What purpose does the scene between Launcelot and Old Gobbo have?

4. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock’s service? How do his comments affect our
perceptions about Shylock?

5. Why does Bassanio accept Launcelot as his servant so quickly? Can he afford a servant?

6. Why does Gratiano want to go with Bassanio to Belmont?

7. What terms does Bassanio give him in order to go? Under what terms does Gratiano
agree?

Act 2, Scene 3
1. What does Jessica give Launcelot?

2. What clues from I, iii and II, ii and this scene would indicate that Shylock’s house is
“hell” (l.2)?

3. What “compliment” is Launcelot trying to give Jessica? What is ironic about Launcelot’s
speech in lines 10-13?

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 4. Why is Jessica so ashamed to be a Jew?

5. How much of her running away is related to her oppressive father, and how much is
related to her faith? What evidence do you have for your argument?

6. What similarities are there between Launcelot and Gobbo’s relationship and Jessica and
Shylock’s? What are the differences you can see this far?

Act 2, Scene 4
1. Why would torchbearers be considered vile?

2. What does Jessica’s letter say?

3. What is her plan?

Act 2, Scene 5
1. What does the word gormandize (l.3) mean?

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 2. What is Shylock’s initial reaction to Launcelot’s leaving his service?

3. Why does Shylock say he will accept Bassanio’s invitation?

4. How is Launcelot’s “misused” word (reproach, l.20) actually accurate?

5. Why does Shylock say at the end of the scene that he is glad Launcelot is leaving?

6. How does Shylock perceive himself as a master and a father? Give evidence from the text
to support your answer.

7. This is the first time Launcelot and Jessica are together with Shylock onstage. How
accurate were Launcelot’s and Jessica’s descriptions of Shylock’s household? How does
this further develop our understanding of Shylock’s character?

Act 2, Scene 6
1. Why are Gratiano and Salerio anxious?

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 2. What do the two men say about the nature of love? What view of love does Gratiano
take? What kind of boyfriend do you think he would be?

3. Gratiano swears by his “hood” that Jessica is “gentle, and no Jew” (l.51). What do his
puns refer to? How do his words reflect the Elizabethan values system? What do they say
about Gratiano’s character?

4. Review Bassanio’s speech in I, i, ll.161-176. How is Lorenzo’s love for Jessica different
from Bassanio’s love for Portia? How are they the same?

5. Do you think Jessica will be happy with Lorenzo? Why or why not?

Act 2. Scene 7
1. How does Morocco’s mind work, that is, what do his words say about who he is? Based
on his reasoning, what is his opinion of Portia? Where do his priorities lie?

2. How does death represent “what many men desire” (l.37)?

3. Do you think Morocco would have been a good match for Portia? Why or why not?

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 4. Is Portia racist? Give evidence for your claim.

Act 2, Scene 8
1. What does Solanio report that he heard Shylock say?

2. Do you think Solanio is an accurate reporter? Why or why not?

3. If he is accurate, what new insights do you have about Shylock? What does he value
more, his money or his lost daughter? Give evidence from the text to support your
opinion.

4. Solanio reports that Shylock calls out for “Justice! The law” (l.17), and Salerio
acknowledges that the Duke knows about Jessica’s running off with Lorenzo. What
benefit could arise from the involvement of the law in this situation?

5. What reaction do the Venetians have towards Shylock’s grief?

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 6. What impact will Jessica’s running away with the Christian Lorenzo have on Shylock
and his bond with Antonio? Why?

7. What rumor does Salerio hear about Antonio’s ships?

8. What impression do you get about Antonio’s and Bassanio’s relationship based on
Salerio’s description of their parting?

Act 2, Scene 9
1. What can you tell about Portia’s attitude towards Aragon? What text clues do you have to
support this?

2. What is Aragon’s logic in selecting the silver casket? How does his logic reveal his
character? How is his thinking different from Morocco’s? Is he more or less intelligent
than Morocco?

3. What does Portia mean in her response to Aragon’s questions (ll.60-1)?

4. What does Nerissa’s comment mean (ll.81-2)? What do you make of her character thus
far?

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 5. Why is the messenger so favorable in his description of Bassanio?

6. What is Portia’s response to the messenger?

Act 3, Scene 1
1. How are minor characters such as Salerio and Solanio designed to reflect Venetian
society at large?

2. Why is it such a crisis for Shylock that his daughter converted and married a Christian?

3. Why does Shylock channel his grief over Jessica’s leaving into anger at Antonio?

4. According to this scene, were Salerio and Solanio’s report about Shylock’s reaction to
Jessica’s escape correct? How has this affected your opinion of those two characters?
How has the reaction you actually see from Shylock affected your opinion of him?

5. Which does Shylock miss more: Jessica or his money? How would his grief and anger
affect the way he talks about the losses?

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 6. Based on how Shylock has been treated by Christians, is it wrong for him to want
revenge? If positions were reversed, would Antonio demand fulfillment of the bond
according to the terms that were set?

7. Why is the loss of the ring even more agonizing to Shylock?

8. Is Shylock a villain or a victim of persecution?

Act 3, Scene 2
1. How is Portia’s demeanor with Bassanio different from that with her other suitors? What
new side of Portia are we seeing? Give support for your answer from the text.

2. Why the new emphasis on music (l.43)?

3. Examine the end rhymes of Portia’s song as well as the images it includes. How might
these be construed as hints?

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4. Look at the circumstances under which Bassanio has come to court Portia. Is he the type
of man Portia’s father would have chosen for her? Does he have an unfair advantage in
her hints?

5. Compare Bassanio’s logic in selection with Morocco’s and Aragon’s. How does his
elimination process differ from theirs? How does his description of the world also
describe himself? Would he have been able to choose without Portia’s hints or
encouragement? Why or why not?

6. Portia gives Bassanio the ring with a warning, and Bassanio accepts the ring with his own
pledge. How is this contract or bond similar to and different from the one made in
Venice? What significance did rings have in Elizabethan England? Do they have the
same significance today?

7. What news do Gratiano and Nerissa have? What bet do they make with Bassanio and
Portia?

8. Look at the “welcome” given to Jessica (ll.218 and 237). How does she try to fit into
Belmont society? What will life be like for her?

9. Bassanio comes clean about his financial status (ll.250-271). What effect does that have
on Portia?

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 10. How does the news from Venice change the language used in Belmont?

11. What does Antonio’s letter indicate about his feelings for Bassanio?

Act 3, Scene 3
1. Why does Shylock insist on the punishment for forfeiting the bond?

2. Why does Solanio think the Duke will forgive the forfeiture? Why doesn’t Antonio?

3. Much of this play has to do with Christian vs. Jewish standards of morality. What takes
precedence in Venetian law, where commerce is king?

Act 3, Scene 4
1. Why would Portia even consider helping Antonio?

2. What does she tell Lorenzo that she and Nerissa will do? What is their actual plan?

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 3. What does Portia’s speech about their disguises (ll.60-78) say about her opinion of men?

4. How is she equipped to portray a man?

5. What does Jessica’s cross-dressing have in common with Portia and Nerissa’s? What
purpose does each serve?

6. What disadvantages do you see with Portia, coming from Belmont to Venice? What
advantages does she have?

Act 3, Scene 5
1. Antonio quips that the devil can cite scripture for his own purpose (I, iii, l.95). How does
the scriptural debate between Launcelot and Jessica serve each character’s purpose? This
debate has the potential to explode the harmony of Belmont. How does Shakespeare
diffuse this?

2. How has the relationship between Jessica and Launcelot changed since Launcelot became
Bassanio’s servant and not Shylock’s? Has his change in master changed his personality?
Explain.

3. Why does Launcelot use wordplay as humor? What effect does his humor have?

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 4. What do Jessica and Lorenzo think of Portia? Why is their opinion important enough for
Shakespeare to show?

Act 4, Scene 1
1. What is Antonio’s mood going into the trial? How does this compare with his mood in I,
i? Why do you think this is?

2. What comparisons does Antonio make concerning Bassanio’s arguing with Shylock?

3. How is others’ treatment of their slaves comparable to Shylock’s treatment of his ‘pound
of flesh,’ according to Shylock? How does this argument test Venetian law?

4. If the courts do not uphold Shylock’s claim, what does that mean for the laws of Venice?

5. How do those in the courtroom react to Shylock? How would you describe their
behavior? How is their behavior similar to and different from behavior towards him in the
streets of Venice? Find evidence from the text for your comparison.

6. What appeals does Portia make in petitioning Shylock to have mercy? What effect do
these appeals have on Shylock?

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7. Why is Shylock so adamant about the law and in his refusal to grant mercy, despite the
offer of double and triple repayment? What is greater than his religion and his love of
money?

8. Does it surprise you that Portia upholds the law instead of bending it in this case? Why or
why not?

9. What does it mean for Shylock to call Portia a “Daniel”?

10. Why does Shylock refuse to get a doctor to attend to Antonio?

11. What effect do Bassanio’s pleas have?

12. What is Antonio’s reaction to the trial?

13. How does Gratiano respond to the proceedings?

14. How does Portia save Antonio’s life?

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15. What is the legal punishment for conspiring against a Venetian’s life?

16. What mercy does the Duke show? Before he gives his punishment, the Duke tells
Shylock that he will “see the difference of our spirit” (l.367). What is the spirit of the
Venetians, and by extension, Christians?

17. What about Antonio’s mercy? What are his conditions?

18. How does Shylock feel about the outcome of the trial? How do you feel about it?

19. Was this a fair trial? Explain.

20. What do the Venetians gain from Shylock’s conversion to Christianity? Why would this
punishment be viewed as a virtuous one?

21. What new insights do Portia and Nerissa have into their husbands’ natures as a result of
this trial?

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 22. Shakespeare calls this play a comedy. How does the outcome of this trial help the play
qualify?

23. Why would Portia ask Bassanio for the ring he had promised not to give away? What
does this say about her character?

24. What excuse does Bassanio give the disguised Portia for not initially giving her his
wedding ring?

25. How easy is it for Antonio to change Bassanio’s mind? What does Antonio say Bassanio
should value more than the ring?

Act 4, Scene 2
1. What does the fact that both Bassanio and Gratiano give their rings away say about
relationships between men and relationships between men and women?

2. How serious will the consequences of giving the rings away be? How do you know?

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 3. What is Shakespeare’s intent in bringing in the ring plotline here? What purpose does it
serve?

Act 5, Scene 1
1. How does the dramatic shift in setting affect the tone of the play at this point?

2. Why does Shakespeare return us to Lorenzo and Jessica? What can we glean about their
relationship? Are they a good match? Explain your answer.

3. What effect does music have on the characters specifically, and on the scene in general?

4. Examine the argument about the ring (ll.192-208). What is the tone of that argument?

5. How do you know this? How has Shakespeare molded the language to convey this tone?

6. How is this scene the comic inverse of the courtroom scene from IV, i.?

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7. How is Portia’s intelligence an asset to her marriage? How is it a hindrance?

8. Note the language play in this scene. How does it reflect the emotional tone of the scene?

9. The act starts in moonlight and ends as morning comes. Why?

10. Does this play have a “happily ever after” ending? Why or why not? What contributes to
that feeling? What detracts from it?

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