Contents Act One Scene 1 1 The Play Begins - Act One Scene 1 2 "In sooth I know not why

I am so sad" 3 Act One Scene 2 4 Questions on Act One Scene 2 5 Act One Scene 3 6 Questions on Act One Scene 3 7 Cloze passage: The Story of Act One 8 Act Two Scene 1 9 Act Two Scene 2 10 Act Two Scene 3 11 Act Two Scene 4 12 Act Two Scene 5 13 Act Two Scene 6 14 Act Two Scene 7 15 Act Two Scene 8 16 Shylock discovers that he has been robbed 17 Act Two Scene 9 18 Cloze passage: the story of Act Two 19 Act Three Scene 1 20 Act Three Scene 2 21 Act Three Scene 3 22 Act Three Scene 4 23 Act Three Scene 5 24 Cloze passage: The story of Act Three 25 Act Four Scene 1 (Section One) 26 Act Four Scene 1 (cont.) 27 Act Four Scene 1 (cont.) 28 Act Four Scene 1 (cont.) 29

Act Four Scene 2 30 Cloze passage: The Story of Act Four 31 Act Five Scene 1 32 Questions on Act Five Scene 1 33 Cloze passage: The Story of Act Five 34 Sh~ock 35 Jessica and Lorenzo 36 Jessica and Lorenzo; Gratiano and Nerissa 37 Father and Daughter 38 Portia 39 Portia 40 Bassanio 41 Antonio 42 The Play in Pictures 43 Written Assignments 44 A Merchant of Venice Quiz 45 A Merchant of Venice Quiz Answer Sheet 46 The materials contained in this resource pack are photocopiable and may be copie d by the purchasing individual/institution only for use by their own staff or st udents. Permission does not extend to additional individuals / institutions. The purchasing individual/institution may not lend out or make copies for other ind ividuals / students / establishments. Act One Scene 1 The Story The play opens in Venice. Antonio is the first to speak. He says that he feels s ad but doesn't know why. His friends Sale rio and Solanio tell him that he is probably worried about his merchant ships which are at sea. Antonio says t his is not the reason he is sad. He says that he has not trusted all of his fort une in one ship. Solanio then says that Antonio must be in love. Antonio dismiss es this idea immediately. His friends Bassanio, Lorenzo and Gratiano arrive. Salerio and Solanio leave. Gratiano also notices that Antonio seems to be downhearted. Gratiano makes a spe ech saying that his object in life is to have a good time. Gratiano and Lorenzo say goodbye and leave Bassanio alone with Antonio. Bassanio tells us about his poor financial position and admits that he has many debts. He tells us that he already owes a great deal to Antonio - in friendship

and in money. He tells Antonio about his plan to make his fortune. He says that there is a ric h and beautiful lady in Belmont and that many suitors are trying to win her hand in marriage. He, too, would like to go to Belmont to court her. To do this he n eeds to borrow more money to put on as good a show as the other suitors. Antonio says that he will lend him the money. Antonio does not have enough cash immediately available as all his fortune is tied up in his merchant ships which are still at sea. He says that he will borrow the money to lend to Bassanio. Points to note 1. The play opens on a sad and gloomy note. It is not only that Antonio tells us that he is sad. Much of the imagery in this opening scene is concerned with loss io says that Antonio is worried about his ships, and his speech, friend Solanio, is full of references to the hazards of the sea the winds, the shallows, flats and dangerous rocks. In this way for Antonio's later losses - we expect his ships to go down. and ruin. Saler and that of his - the ocean and we are prepared

2. When Gratiano arrives he provides an immediate and vivid contrast with Antoni o. Antonio is melancholic and inward-looking; Gratiano is out-going and eager fo r life. Questions on Act One Scene 1 Who is the Merchant of Venice? Which two characters try to cheer him up at the beginning of this scene? Which o f the characters was always talking? Which character says that Gratiano won't give him a chance to speak? Who is Port ia? Where does she live? Explain why Antonio needs to borrow the money to lend to Bassanio. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The Play Begins Act One Scene 1 In the first scene of the play many parts of the story are introduced. We meet A ntonio, whose life will be threatened. We meet Bassanio who needs to borrow mone y from Antonio. We learn about the rich lady in Belmont. We find out that all An tonio's wealth is at sea in his ships. We find out that Antonio needs to borrow money to lend to Bassanio. 1. After each of the sentences below you are given three short quotations from t he play. Only ONE of these three quotations matches the sentence you have been g iven. Copy out carefully each sentence AND the correct quotation to go with it. We have done the first one for you to show you how to set out your work. (a) Antonio does not know why he is feeling sad. i. Your mind is tossing on the ocean.

ii. I should not see the sandy hour-glass run / But I should think of shallows a nd of flats. iii. In sooth I know not why I am so sad. Answer: (a) Antonio does not know why he is feeling sad. "In sooth I know not why I am so sad" (b) Salerio says Antonio is worrying about his ships. i. I would have stay'd till I had made you merry. ii. Your mind is tossing on the ocean. iii. I have much ado to know myself (c) Antonio says that he has not trusted all his money in one ship. i. I know Antonio / Is sad to think upon his merchandise. ii. My ventures are not in one bottom trusted. iii. Thou know'st that all my fortunes are at sea. (d) Gratiano tells Antonio that he worries too much. i. then let us say you are sad / Because you are not merry. ii. And let my liver rather heat with wine / Than my heart cool with mortifying groans. iii. You have too much respect upon the world. (e) Bassanio already owes Antonio money. He tells Antonio that if he lends him s ome more he could get all of it back. i. Tis not unknown to you Antonio / How much I have disabled mine estate. ii. to you Antonio / lowe the most in money and in love. iii. but if you please / To shoot another arrow that self way (f) Bassanio tells Antonio that Portia has many suitors. i. In Belmont is a lady richly left. ii. And many Jasons come in quest of her. iii. Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth. (g) Antonio tells Bassanio to find someone in Venice to lend him money. i. therefore go forth / Try what my credit can in Venice do ii. Thou know'st that all my fortunes are at sea. iii. My purse, my person, my extremest means / Lie all unlock'd to your occasion s.

2. Write a short paragraph describing the important parts of the story which we learn about in Act One Scene 1 . . "In sooth I know not why I am so sad" Act One Scene 1 The play opens with Salerio and Solanio talking with their friend Antonio. In th is picture, showing the three men, which of the characters do you think is Anton io? Why do you think this? 1. Copy out, in the box below the picture, a few lines from Act One Scene 1 which y ou think are being spoken at this point in the play. Copy very carefully, making sure you end each line at the right point. 2. Explain, in your own words, why Antonio's friends thought he was sad. 3. What is your opinion? Why do you think Antonio was sad? Does there have to be a reason, or do you think someone can be sad for no reason at all? 4. Act One Scene 2 The story The scene changes from Venice to Belmont The rich and beautiful lady, Portia, li ves in Belmont. When her father died he left instructions that whoever wanted to marry her must choose one of three caskets - one made of gold, one of silver an d one of lead. The correct casket contains a portrait of Portia. Each suitor had to promise that if he chose the wrong casket he would leave immediately, would never marry and would never tell anyone else which casket he chose. At the beginning of this scene Portia is talking with her lady-in-waiting, Neris sa. They discuss the terms of Portia's father's will and some of the six men who have already been to Belmont as suitors. Each of these has left Belmont without attempting the casket lottery. Nerissa reminds Portia of a Venetian, a scholar and soldier, who had once visite d Belmont. Portia remembers him immediately - Bassanio. A servant tells Portia that the Prince of Morocco will soon arrive to try his ha nd at the lottery Points to note 1. Venice is a real place - an Italian city on the Adriatic Sea. When Shakespear e was writing The Merchant of Venice Venice was already a thriving sea-port with an important commercial life. This, then, was the very real place where Antonio did business

- and where Shylock made his money by lending money. There is always the need fo r money-lending in the commercial world. Belmont, on the other hand, is not a "real" place in the same way. It is a ficti onal place which is some distance from Venice and can be reached by water. Every thing there belongs to the land of fairy tale - the bizarre casket lottery, the rich and beautiful Portia, the magic moonlit evening at the end of the play. Its very name suggests beautiful mountain - Bel mont. It is the land of romance and contrasts with the hard reality of life in Venice where there are thieves and s windlers, where there is cruelty and deception, where there is hatred and violence. 2. The opening of this scene is similar to the opening of Act One Scene 1. Antonio's opening line was "In sooth I know not why I am so sad". Porti a's opening line is "By my troth Nerissa, my little body is aweary of this great world." In Act One Scene 1 Gratiano tried his best to cheer up Antonio. Here Ne rissa tries to do the same thing. 3. Portia had nothing good to say about the six suitors she described to Nerissa but had once obviously been very attracted to Bassanio. She remembers his name as soon as Nerissa refers to him. She will clearly be predisposed in his favour. Questions on Act One Scene 2 Section A 1. Where is this scene set? 2. Who is Portia's waiting-woman? 3. What does Portia say at the beginning of this scene which is similar to Anton io's first words at the beginning of Act One Scene 1? 4. Describe briefly the arrangements Portia's father made for choosing the man w ho would marry his daughter. 5. Which of Portia's suitors did she describe as "a colt indeed"? 6. Why did she call him a colt? 7. Which of her suitors did "nothing but frown"? 8. Who did Portia say would "fence with his own shadow"? 9. Who was the English baron who wanted to marry Portia? 10. What did she say about his knowledge of languages? 11. What did she say about the way he dressed? 12. Which man did Portia say "hath a neighbourly charity in him"? 13. Who, according to Portia, drank too much? 14. Who had once visited Belmont in the "company of the Marquis of Montferrat"?

15. Which new suitor was expected at the end of the scene? Section B 1. When Portia says at the beginning of this scene, "my little body is aweary of this great world", her waiting-woman, Nerissa, comments "for aught I see, they are as sick that surfeit with too much, as they that starve with nothing". What does Nerissa mean? Do you agree with her? 2. After reading this scene what impression has Portia made on you? Do you like her? Do you approve of her? At the end of this scene Nerissa tells Portia that the Prince of Morocco will so on arrive to attempt the lottery. Portia replies "if he have the condition of a saint, and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me". What does Portia mean? Does this affect your opinion of her? 3. We have already met Bassanio, asking Antonio to lend him more money so that h e can travel to Belmont to try to marry Portia. In this present scene Nerissa an d Portia remember Bassanio from an earlier visit. Nerissa refers to him as "a sc holar and a soldier". Portia comments that he was worthy of Nerissa's praise. Do you agree with the opinions of Nerissa and Portia? 4. Write one paragraph describing Venice as you imagine it to be in Shakespeare' s play. Write a second paragraph describing Belmont as you imagine it to be. 5. What is your opinion of the lottery devised by Portia's father? Would you like your husband to be chosen by lottery? Would you like to choose yo ur wife by taking part in a lottery? Act One Scene 3 The story The scene now returns to Venice where Antonio is trying to borrow the money from Shylock to allow Bassanio to go to Belmont in style. Shylock, the Jewish money-lender, is considering lending Antonio three thousand ducats for a period of three months. We are immediately aware that Shylock hates Antonio. In an aside he says he hate s "him for he is a Christian" and because he lends money free of interest and th erefore damages Shylock's business. For his part Antonio clearly hates Shylock a nd refers to him to his face as a devil. Shylock points out that Antonio has often abused him but now wants to borrow mon ey. Antonio replies that he will very probably abuse him again. Shylock proposes, "as a merry sport", that he won't charge interest on the loan but if Antonio fails to repay at the appointed time he will forfeit one pound of his flesh to Shylock who will be entitled to cut it from any part of Antonio's body that he pleases.

How like a fawning publican he looks! I hate him for he is a Christian: But more, for that in low simplicity He lends out money gratis, and brings down The rate of usance here with us in Ve nice. Bassanio is uneasy about the arrangement but Antonio is untroubled and sees it a s a sporting kindness on the part of Shylock, not realising that Shylock intends him harm. Points to note 1. In this scene Shakespeare points up the racial tensions in the play and makes us begin to think. Shylock's hatred for Antonio is matched by Antonio's hatred for Shylock. Shylock and Antonio stand as representatives of their different cultures and religions. 2. From the beginning Shylock's motives seem to be bloodthirsty and vengeful. He says "If I can catch him once upon the hip, / I will feed fat the ancient grudg e I bear him". He is prepared to go without financial gain from his loan to Anto nio in the hope that he may gain a more dreadful outcome - the death of Antonio. 3. If we look at Antonio's attitude from our twentieth century perspective he do es not come out of this scene unblemished. He readily admits to hatred of Shyloc k and has no intention of behaving differently towards him. 4. The Merchant of Venice is classed as a comedy. Although we can find plenty of examples of romance and humour there is a powerful dark side to the play. We fe el it in this scene with its macabre arrangement between Shylock and Antonio. An tonio accepts the deal as a "merry sport" and a kindness on the part of Shylock. We know that Antonio's fortunes will change and that Shylock will insist on his legal rights. S. At the end of the scene Bassanio says that he feels uneasy about the bond but doesn't try very hard to persuade Antonio not to enter into it. He needs the mo ney to go to Belmont. He puts self-interest first. Questions on Act One Scene 3 Section A 1. Who is the money-lender? 2. How much money does Antonio want to borrow? 3. How long does he want to borrow it for? 4. Where were four of Antonio's ships sailing to? 5. What was the trading centre where the merchants met to do business in Venice called? 6. Shylock says that he hates Antonio. What reasons does he give for hating him? 7. Shylock does not have enough money to hand to lend Antonio. Who does he say w

ill let him have the money? 8. Shylock said he would lend Antonio the money without taking interest. What di d Shylock propose instead as "a merry sport"? 9. What does Bassanio feel about the arrangement with Shylock? 10. If you had been in Antonio's place would you have thought the deal was just "a merry sport"? Section B 1. (a) Why does Bassanio need more money? (b) What is your opinion of Bassanio? What do you think about his friendship with Antonio? Would you have allowed your friend to borrow money from Shylock on those terms? (c) Bassanio seems to be popular with his friends. Portia and Nerissa certainly think highly of him. Why do you think Bassanio was so well liked? Section C 1. What do they really think? People often say one thing but secretly think something quite different. Imagine that the three people directly involved in the bond - Shylock, Antonio a nd Bassanio - each kept a journal. Write the entries in their journals these men might have made after making the a greement with Shylock. In your entries try to reveal the secret thoughts of each man. You could begin Antonio's journal with the words, "Today I borrowed three thousa nd ducats from the Jew, Shylock ... " Bassanio's journal could begin with the words, "Today Antonio borrowed money fro m Shylock to lend to me ... " Shylock's journal could begin "Today I arranged a bond with Antonio ... " The Story of Act One Section A 1. Copy out the passage below. Use the words in the list below to fill the brack ets. three thousand ducats Belmont casket

Venice lead silver gold Antonio Bassanio sad cash borrow Nerissa Shylock Portia pound ships ] is a rich merchant who lives in [ ]. He makes his money by trading with other countries. Most of his money is invested in the [ ] he has sent abroad. Antonio is very [ ] but does not know why he is sad. Bassanio is Antonio's closest friend. [ ] is not very careful with money. He owe s a lot of money to Antonio. Bassanio has plans to marry a rich and beautiful la dy who lives in [ ]. To go to Belmont looking good he needs to [ ] some more mon ey from Antonio. Antonio is willing to lend him more money but does not have muc h ready [ ]. He tells Bassanio to make enquiries in Venice to see if he can borr ow the money in Antonio's name. Portia is the rich lady who lives in Belmont. She has a waiting-woman called [ ]. [ not free to marry who she likes. When her father died he made a will which said that whoever wanted to marry his daughter must choose one of three caskets - one made of [ ], one of ] and one of [ ]. The person who made the correct choice would find a portrait o f Portia in the [ ] and would be free to marry her. Shylock is a wealthy Jewish money-lender. He is willing to lend Antonio [ ]. Ant onio makes no secret of the fact that he does not like money-lenders and does no

t like Shylock. [ ] says that he will lend the money to Antonio without charging interest but if Antonio fails to repay the money at the proper time he will forfeit a [ ] of his flesh. Antonio agrees to t he bargain. Section 8 In Act One we learn about three different stories - the story of Bassanio who wa nts to marry Portia; the story of Antonio who borrows money from Shylock; the st ory of Portia whose husband must be chosen in a lottery. Which of these stories interests you the most? Write as much as you can about th e story you have chosen. ] is Act Two Scene 1 The story The Prince of Morocco has arrived in Belmont to take the casket test. Portia war ns him that he must promise that if he chooses the wrong casket he must never sp eak to another woman about marriage. The Prince of Morocco agrees to the terms. Points to note 1. This scene gives the director the chance to indulge in theatrical effects. Th e actor playing the part of Morocco needs to be an imposing figure. He should be splendidly dressed in white and should have an almost equally impressive group of followers. His entry is marked by a flourish of cornets. The setting can be balanced by Portia - also magnificently robed, followed by Ne rissa and others of Portia's household. Questions on Act Two Scene 1 Section A 1. Which of Portia's suitors do we meet in this scene? 2. How is he dressed? 3. He says that only one thing would make him want to change the colour of his s kin. What was it? 4. Write a vivid description of the scene when the Prince and Portia, with their followers, arrive on stage. Section B 1. Explain simply, in your own words, what each of the following short quotation s means: (a) "Mislike me not for my complexion" (b) "I would not change this hue, / Except to steal your thoughts my gentle quee n" (c) "But if my father had not scanted me, And hedg'd me by his wit to yield myse

lf His wife, who wins me by that means I told you, Your self (renowned prince) then stood as fair As any comer I have look'd on yet For my affection" Section C 1. The Prince of Morocco seems to have a very high opinion of himself. Copy out two short quotations from this scene which show this side of his charac ter. 2. The Prince of Morocco seems to be rich and well-regarded in his own country. Why do you think he wants to risk his future happiness by taking part in the lot tery to marry Portia? Act Two Scene 2 The story Launcelot Gobbo is a comic character. He is Shylock's servant. He is listed in t he stage directions as "clown" which probably indicates that he is a rustic char acter someone from the country. His father has no doubt come from the country to visit him. He talks a lot in a funny, witty manner. At the beginning of this scene he is debating with himself whether to leave the service of Shylock or to stay with him. He says he is torn between two devils the Devil himself or Shylock who "is the very devil incarnation". He has just de cided to follow the prompting of the Devil himself and leave Shylock when his ol d father arrives to visit him. His father is almost blind and does not recognise his own son. Launcelot teases his father, deliberately misleading him. Old Gobbo has brought a present for Shylock. Launcelot tells his father that he has decided to leave Shylock's employment and seek service with Bassanio. At tha t moment Bassanio enters. Launcelot tells Bassanio that he wants to serve him. Bassanio agrees and gives instruction s for him to be given a livery - a servant's uniform. Gratiano arrives and asks Bassanio if he can go with him to Belmont. Bassanio ag rees but says that Gratiano will have to behave in a less wild manner in Belmont . He doesn't want his friends to give Portia a poor impression of him. Points to note 1. Throughout the play Shylock becomes more and more isolated. He is isolated by his religion - he belongs to a minority group. He looks different from the othe r characters in his Jewish clothing. He has few friends. In this scene Launcelot complains about him and leaves him. Launcelot's complaints about Shylock help t o build up a picture of Shylock as a mean, joyless, miserable, narrow-minded man with a powerful hatred for Christians. 2. The actors playing Launcelot and his father need a repertoire of comic gestur es, movements and facial expressions. The scene should be made visually funny. Questions on Act Two Scene 2

1. Who does Launcelot Gobbo work for? 2. What is Launcelot Gobbo trying to decide at the beginning of this scene? 3. Who does Launcelot Gobbo say is "a kind of devil"? 4. Who arrives to ask Launcelot Gobbo for directions? 5. What present has he brought with him in his basket? 6. Why doesn't he recognise Launcelot Gobbo? 7. Describe the tricks Launcelot Gobbo plays on the old man. 8. What was the name of Launcelot Gobbo's mother? 9. Who does Launcelot Gobbo want to work for? 10. What favour does Gratiano ask of Bassanio? 11. Bassanio grants Gratiano his wish. What does Bassanio ask of Gratiano? Act Two Scene 3 The story In this brief scene Jessica, Shylock's daughter, talks with Launcelot who is say ing goodbye to her. Jessica tells him that she is sorry he is leaving. She says that their "house is hell" and that Laucelot with his comic ways and merry talk helped to make it a little less miserable. She gives Launcelot a ducat, (a coin, probably gold), as a parting present. She knows that Launcelot is going to serve Bassanio. She gives Launcelot a letter to give to Lorenzo, a friend and guest of Bassanio. She tells him to do this secre tly. Launcelot is obviously fond of Jessica and says goodbye a little sadly. At the end of the scene Jessica tells us that she is planning to leave her fathe r. She intends to become a Christian and marry Lorenzo. Points to note 1. A new strand of the story develops in this scene - the relationship of Jessic a and Lorenzo. 2. Shylock in this scene is once more condemned - this time by his own daughter. Her plan to leave her father adds to Shylock's isolation. Even his own daughter is leaving him. Questions on Act Two Scene 3 Section A 1. What does Jessica say about her home? 2. What does she call Launcelot Gobbo? 3. What does she give Launcelot Gobbo as a leaving gift?

4. What does she ask Launcelot Gobbo to deliver for her? 5. What does Launcelot Gobbo call Jessica? 6. Who does Jessica hope to marry? 7. Why is this a problem? Section B 1. This is the first appearance of Jessica. What impression does she make on you in this scene? Read her two speeches in thi s scene very carefully. Can you find anything in this scene to anticipate her fu ture conduct? Act Two Scene 4 The story Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salerio and Solanio are making plans to attend a masque. Laun celot arrives and gives Jessica's letter to Lorenzo. Launcelot says that he is r eturning to Shylock's house with an invitation for Shylock to have supper with B assanio. Lorenzo tells Launcelot to tell Jessica that he will not fail her. At the end of the scene Lorenzo tells Gratiano about Jessica's plan to leave her father and to take his gold and jewels. She will be disguised as a pageboy and will act as torch-bearer for Lorenzo. Points to note 1. Lorenzo and his friends are preparing for a masque. A mask was a form of ente rtainment. Those taking part wore elaborate costumes and were disguised - masked . They were accompanied by torchbearers. 2. The main purpose of this scene is to move the story on quickly. The audience has been quickly and economically given details of the Jessica - Lorenzo story. 3. Shylock is subjected to more abuse. Lorenzo refers to him as "a faithless Jew " by which he means that he is not faithful to the Christian religion. Questions on Act Two Scene 4 Section A 1. Which four friends are planning a masque at the beginning of this scene? 2. What does Lorenzo receive from Launcelot Gobbo? 3. What message does he send back? 4. Where do the four friends agree to meet? 5. Explain clearly what Jessica is planning to do. Section B 1. What impression do you get of Lorenzo in this scene? Think carefully about wh at he says and what he plans to do.

2. Launcelot Gobbo brings Lorenzo a letter from Jessica. Write the letter she sent to Lorenzo. 3. What similarities are there in Lorenzo's desire to marry Jessica and Bassanio 's desire to marry Portia? Act Two Scene 5 The story Launcelot Gobbo has arrived to take Shylock to supper with his new master, Bassa nio. Before he leaves Shylock gives his daughter, Jessica, his keys. When he hea rs from Launcelot that there is to be a masque he tells Jessica to make sure tha t she has locked his doors. He tells her not to look through the upstairs window s at the revellers in the street. Launcelot manages to tell Jessica that a Christian Lorenzo - will come by. Points to note 1. Shylock shows himself in this scene to be a thoroughly unpleasant person. He is alarmed when he discovers that there will be a masque and revellers. He te lls Jessica to close everything up and forbids her to watch. He does not want to go to supper with Bassanio but says he will "go in hate". He makes comments about Launcelot's appetite and obviously begrudged him the food he ate. He hopes that Launcelot will waste Bassanio's money. Jessica was right when she said that it was a miserable place to live. take no pleasure in life. Shylock seems to A nineteenth century illustration of Shylock leaving his keys with Jessica when he leaves with Launcelot Gobbo to go for supper with Bassanio. 2. At this point in the play our sympathies are with Jessica who has had to live wi th such a miserable father. Questions on Act Two Scene 5 Section A 1. What does Shylock mean when he says to Launcelot Gobbo, "thou shalt not gorma ndize / As thou hast done with me"? 2. Shylock does not really want to go to supper with Bassanio. What reason does he give for deciding to go?

3. What instructions does Shylock give Jessica before he leaves the house? 4. Shylock said that Launcelot was kind enough but had a lot of faults. What did Shylock find to complain about in Launcelot? 5. Copy out Jessica's final line in this scene. What does she mean? Section B 1. Shylock is worried when he learns that there will be masquers - revellers - i n the streets at night. This would be a procession of wildly costumed merry-make rs on a torch-lit procession to someone's house. Imagine you were organising this scene for a film version of The Merchant of Ven ice. Describe the scene as you imagine it. In separate paragraphs deal with ligh ting, colour, costumes, movement, sound effects. Act Two Scene 6 The story Gratiano and Salerio wait for Lorenzo. Lorenzo arrives and they set off for Shyl ock's house. Jessica appears above, dressed in boy's clothing. She throws a cask et to Lorenzo telling him that it will be worth his trouble to catch it. Lorenzo tells Jessica to come down and join them. She tells him that she will steal mor e ducats and will then fasten the doors and join him. They leave to join the masque. Antonio arrives and tells Gratiano that the winds are favourable and that Bassan io has gone aboard his ship and will soon set sail for Belmont. Gratiano, who is to go with him, leaves the masquers and goes to the ship. Points to note 1. Jessica spoke the final words in the previous scene - dressed as a girl - it is only a few minutes since she left the stage. At the beginning of this scene Gratiano and Salerio chat idly as they wait for L orenzo. Lorenzo arrives and they move on to Shylock's house. The casual conversa tion and the late arrival of Lorenzo is necessary to give the actress (the boy a ctor on Shakespeare's stage) time to change into his page-boy disguise - Shakesp eare was a very practical dramatist. 2. Perhaps we don't feel the same about Jessica after seeing her in this scene. She has not only deserted her father and her Jewish faith but she has stolen his jewels and money. We see her here as a thief. 3. Shylock is now further isolated. His daughter has gone. Questions on Act Two Scene 6 Section A 1. Describe briefly what happens when Lorenzo and his friends arrive at Shylock' s house. 2. What news does Antonio bring at the end of this scene? Section B

1. Draw a simple sketch showing the rear of the Elizabethan stage (the tiring ho use) with its balcony, and explain in one paragraph how the stage would have bee n used by Shakespeare's company to play this scene. 2. Lorenzo says this about Jessica: And true she is, as she hath prov'd herself: And therefore like herself, wise, fair and true, Shall she be placed in my const ant soul. What is your opinion of Lorenzo and Jessica in this scene? Act Two Scene 7 The story The scene now changes to Belmont and the Prince of Morocco is about to make his choice of the caskets. He reads out each of the inscriptions on the caskets in t urn. Portia tells him that if he chooses the right casket he will find inside it a picture of herself. After much deliberation he chooses the gold casket. He opens it and finds inside a skull with a written scroll in one of the eye sockets. He has lost and leaves immediately. Points to note 1. The scene opens with a flourish of cornets and gives the director of the play the chance to indulge in a moment of pageantry. The imposing figure of Morocco dressed in whit e, followed by his servants, the beauty of Portia, magnificently dressed and the drama as the curtains are pulled aside to reveal the caskets, create a scene wh ich contrasts sharply with the shabby night scene which has just preceded it. 2. Morocco accepts his defeat graciously and makes a dignified exit. 3. If we read Portia's final words from our twentieth century viewpoint we have to find them deeply offensive. Her comments on the colour of Morocco's skin, how ever, would probably not have offended Shakespeare's audience. Questions on Act Two Scene 7 Section A 1. Copy out the inscription on the gold casket. 2. Copy out the inscription on the silver casket. 3. Copy out the inscription on the lead casket. 4. How will the Prince of Morocco know if he has chosen the right casket? 5. What does the prince of Morocco mean when he says that "men that hazard all / Do it in hope of fair advantage"? 6. What makes the Prince of Morocco choose the gold casket? Explain briefly the

reasons behind his choice. 7. What does the Prince of Morocco find in the gold casket? 8. Copy out the famous first line of the scroll he took from the gold casket. Section B 1. Consider the inscription on each of the caskets in turn. Write a paragraph about each one and the impression it makes on you. Which caske t would you have chosen? Give reasons for your choice. Act Two Scene 8 The story In this scene we return to Venice. Salerio and Solanio are discussing the commot ion caused by the elopement of Lorenzo and Jessica and the theft of Shylock's property. Antonio had apparently assured the Duke of Venice that they had not sailed with Bassanio. Salerio reported a rumour which said that Lorenzo and Jess ica had been seen in a gondola. Solanio makes fun of Shylock who, we are told, was in a terrible rage . Towards the end of the scene Salerio hints at bad news when he says that it has been reported that a rich Venetian merchant ship has sunk in the English Channel . They immediately think of Antonio whose fortune is bound up in his ships. Points to note 1. This scene is important because it summarises for the audience what has happe ned after the elopement of Lorenzo and Jessica and it reminds us of the very rea l possibility that Antonio could lose his fortune and be unable to repay Shylock . Shylock's public humiliation, as described by Solanio and Salerio, will make h im all the more determined to have his revenge on Christians. 2. In this scene the function of Solanio and Salerio is to act as reporters for the benefit of the audience. 3. This short scene has a practical, dramatic purpose. Shakespeare needs to get the two wrong caskets out of the way fairly quickly. In Act Two Scene 7 the Prin ce of Morocco chose the gold casket. The Prince of Arragon will try next but Sha kespeare knows it would be tedious to place the Arragon scene immediately after the Morocco scene. He needs to separate the two to add variety to the action and to give some sense of the passage of time. This short scene does that perfectly . Questions on Act Two Scene 8 1. Why did Shylock take the Duke of Venice with him to search Bassanio's ship? 2. Why were they unable to search it?

3. What did Shylock callout as he ran through the streets? 4. What had Jessica stolen from her father? 5. What are the "narrow seas that part / The French and English"? 6. What did a Frenchman tell Salerio that caused him some concern? 7. Describe, in your own words, the scene when Antonio says goodbye to Bassanio. Salerio describes their parting in lines 35-50. Shylock discovers that he has been robbed I never heard a passion so confused, So strange, outrageous, and so variable As the dog Jew did utter in the streets. [Act Two Scene 8] 1. This picture is from a nineteenth century American poster advertising a produ ction of The Merchant of Venice. Write as much as you can describing what the pi cture portrays. 2. How is Shylock portrayed in this picture? What impression of the character ha s the artist created? 3. What, according to Solanio, was Shylock shouting? Copy out his exact words fr om Act Two Scene 8. 4. Take a sheet of plain A4 paper and draw a poster of your own advertising a pr oduction of The Merchant of Venice. Act Two Scene 9 The story He considers each of the inscriptions and chooses the silver casket. He opens it to find a portrait of a fool. In this scene we return to Belmont. The Prince of Arragon is about to make his c hoice of the caskets. He repeats the terms of the lottery, reminding himself and the audience that there are three conditions - he must never tell anyone which casket he chose, if he fails he must never woo another woman, and if he fails he must leave Belmont immediately. Arragon leaves and a messenger arrives to announce that a new suitor is on his w ay. Nerissa hopes that it will be Bassanio. Points to note 1. Once again there is an opportunity for a magnificent display on stage. The fo rmal ceremony of the caskets and the rich costumes of Arragon and his followers create a very theatrical scene. 2. One of the conditions of the lottery is that those who choose wrongly must ne ver approach another woman in the way of marriage. The scroll in the silver cask et, however, tells the loser to "Take what wife you will to bed". Shakespeare wa s often careless and inconsistent with small details and seems to have forgotten this condition. 3. We now know which casket is the correct one.

Questions on Act Two Scene 9 Section A 1. Who was the second suitor to try to choose the correct casket? 2. He recites (lines 9-16) the three conditions he must observe. What were they? 3. Which casket does he choose? 4. What does he find inside it? 5. What does it say on the scroll he finds in the casket which contradicts one o f the conditions of the lottery? Section B 1. What makes the prince of Arragon decide to choose the silver casket? Think about the inscription on the casket and Arragon's comments on it. 2. What do you think the Prince of Arragon means when he says, "With one fool's head I came to woo, / But I go away with two"? The Story of Act Two 1. Copy out the passage below. Use the words in the list below to fill the brack ets. behave steals Bassanio Christian Morocco Portia Launcelot Gobbo Gratiano rumour inscription Lorenzo Arragon lottery Jessica gold Belmont disguised supper The Prince of [ ] arrives in Belmont. He wants to marry [ ] and decides to accept the terms of the [ ]. He has to promise that if he makes the wrong choice he will never speak to a woman again in the way of marriage. He reads the [ ] on each casket and finally chooses the [ immediately. ] casket. It is the wrong choice and he leaves Belmont The Prince of [ ] arrives to make a choice of the caskets. He agrees that if he chooses wrongly he must never tell anyone else the casket he chose and must leav e [ ] immediately. He chooses the silver casket. This, too, is the wrong choice. ] is Shylock's servant. He doesn't like working for Shylock and wants to leave h im. He

wants to become a servant to Bassanio. He speaks to [ ] who agrees to employ him . ] is one of Bassanio's friends. He wants to travel to Belmont with Bassanio. Bas sanio tells him that if he promises to [ ] properly he can go with him. ] is Shylock's daughter. She is in love with a Christian called [ Gobbo a letter to take to Lorenzo. ]. She gives Launcelot Shylock goes to [ daughter, Jessica, [ a boy. ] at Bassanio's house. While he is away from home his ] his money and jewels and goes with Lorenzo [ ] as When Shylock discovers that his daughter has robbed him and married a [ becomes very angry. ] he There is a [ ] that one of Antonio's merchant ships has sunk. Act Three Scene 1 The story Solanio and Salerio open this scene, discussing the rumour that Antonio has lost one of his rich merchant ships. Shylock arrives and complains about his daughter. In an impassioned speech he says that Jews and Christians have the same physical characteristics, the same feelings. As the Christians tak e revenge when they are hurt, so shall he, as a Jew take revenge. Tubal, Shylock's Jewish friend, arrives. He has been searching for Jessica but h as failed to find her. He has even been as far as Genoa. He says that he often h eard reports of her and her extravagant spending but always missed her. Tubal brings a report about a further missing ship belonging to Antonio. This ne ws delights Shylock. Points to note 1. Once again Shylock is referred to as a devil. As he approaches Solanio says, "Let me say 'amen' betimes, lest the devil cross my prayer, for here he comes in the likeness of a Jew". 2. We are aware in this scene of Jessica's total rejection of her father, her fa

ith and her family roots. She has even exchanged her dead mother's ring for a monkey. 3. This is an unpleasant scene. We are aware of the misery of all the characters involved. Shylock feels hurt and betrayed by his own daughter. Antonio's ships are missing and he faces not only ruin, but also the prospect of losing his life to Shylock . Solanio and Salerio reinforce the misery with their cruel taunting of Shylock at the beginning of this scene. This very gloomy scene is written entirely in pr ose which seems to suit its sombre and unhappy content. Questions on Act Three Scene 1 Section A 1. What news does Salerio give Solanio at the beginning of this scene? 2. What is the name of Shylock's Jewish friend? 3. Explain why he has been to Genoa. 4. What did he hear in Genoa about Antonio? 5. What did he learn in Genoa about Jessica? Section B 1. Do you think that Shylock originally intended harm to Antonio? Or do you thin k that when he made the strange bond he was trying to be friendly? Why do you th ink that Shylock is so determined in this scene to get his revenge? 2. Write as much as you can about Shylock's attitude to his daughter in this sce ne. Pay particular attention to the passage (line 75) beginning "Why there, there, there! a diamond gone cost I I me two thousand ducats in Frankfort". 20 Act Three Scene 2 The story Bassanio has arrived in Belmont. Portia asks him to wait a few days before he ma kes his choice so that she can enjoy his company. Bassanio decides to make his c hoice immediately. Portia arranges for a song to be sung as Bassanio considers h is choice. Bassanio condemns outward show - "The world is still deceiv'd with or nament" - and rejects the gold and silver caskets. He correctly chooses lead, to the obvious delight and relief of Portia. Gratiano announces that he has fallen for Nerissa and that they, too, wish to ma rry. Lorenzo, Jessica and Salerio arrive. Salerio brings news from Venice. He brings a letter for Bassanio from Antonio. The letter informs Bassanio that Antonio has lost his fortune and that Shylock demands his bond. Jessica reports that she ha s heard her father say that he would rather have Antonio's flesh than twenty tim es the sum that was owed him. When Portia learns that the bond is for three thou

sand ducats she tells Bassanio to pay it - many times over if necessary. Portia tells Bassanio that they should marry immediately and that Bassanio shoul d then leave for Venice to help his friend, Antonio. She says that in the meanti me she and Nerissa "will live as maids and widows". Points to note 1. Some commentators think that Portia helped Bassanio to make the right choice. They have pointed out that several of the words in the song rhyme with "lead" bred, head, nourished (pronounced nor - i-shed), fed. If the ed rhymes are emph asised it could make the listener think of lead. The words of the song seem to g ive Bassanio a hint not to be swayed by outward appearances. On the other hand some commentators think that that is unlikely. They feel that for Bassanio to win Portia by a cheap trick would diminish both him and Portia. 2. When she learns of Antonio's danger Portia acts swiftly and decisively. She i s very much in control. She tells Bassanio what to do - first marriage then take plenty of money, travel to Venice and do all you can to help Antonio. Questions on Act Three Scene 2 Section A 1. Which casket does Bassanio choose? 2. What does he find inside it? 3. Which other couple decides to marry in this scene? 4. What news does the letter from Antonio bring? 5. What does Portia tell Bassanio to do? Section B 1. Do you think there is any evidence in this scene that Portia helped Bassanio to choose the I I right casket? 21 Act Three Scene 3 The story Antonio has persuaded his gaoler to take him to see Shylock. Shylock refuses to listen to him, insisting that he will have his bond. Antonio realises that it is a waste of time to plead with Shylock. He also expla ins to Solanio that the Duke will have to support the laws of Venice. He is sure that on the following day he will have to give Shylock the pound of flesh he in sists on taking. He hopes that Bassanio will arrive to see him pay his debt. Points to note

1. This short scene turns the audience once more against Shylock. There is no do ubt that in the past Antonio has treated Shylock badly, but Shylock's intended gruesome reve nge reveals a man without a trace of humanity. 1. Decribe, in your own words, the meeting in this scene of Shylock and Antonio. What do they have to say to each other? 1. Copy out each of the following short quotations from this scene. Underneath each one explain exactly what it means. Think carefully about the words "naughty" and "fond". Questions on Act Three Scene 3 Section A Section B (a) This is the fool that lends out money gratis (b) I do wonder (Thou naughty gaoler) that thou art so fond To come abroad with him at his reque st. ( c) Christian intercessors (d) I'll follow him no more with bootless prayers (e) The duke cannot deny the course of law: For the commodity that strangers have With us in Venice, if it be denied, Will much impeach the justice of the state Since that the trade and profit of th e city Consisteth of all nations. Act Three Scene 4 The story Lorenzo praises Portia for parting with Bassanio immediately after their marriag e. Portia says that as Antonio has shown so much love to Bassanio she will do wh at she can to help him out of her love for Bassanio. She tells Lorenzo that she and Nerissa intend to go to a nearby monastery to wai t for the return of their husbands. She puts her household into the charge of Lo renzo and Jessica. When Lorenzo has left she sends her servant, Balthazar, with a letter to Doctor Bellario, her kinsman and a noted lawyer in Padua. She tells him to take whateve r notes and garments Doctor Bellario gives him on the ship to Venice, where she will meet with him. She explains to Nerissa that they are going to disguise themselves as young men and go to Venice, where they will see their husbands but will not be recognised by them.

Nerissa: Why, shall we turn to men? Points to note 1. Portia and Nerissa intend to disguise themselves as men. This is the second t ime in the play that this has occurred. Jessica disguised herself as a boy when she left with Lorenzo. In both cases we have the odd situation, which must have appealed to Shakespeare's audience, of a boy actor playing the part of a woman ( all the female parts on the Elizabethan stage were played by boys) who is hersel f disguised as a man. Questions on Act Three Scene 4 Section A 1. Where does Portia tell Lorenzo that she and Nerissa will spend the time until their husbands return from Venice? 2. Which of her servants does Portia send with a letter? 3. Who was Doctor Bellario? 4. What does Portia tell Nerissa that she intends to do? Section B 1. What does the following quotations tell us about the characters of Portia and Nerissa? (a) Come on Nerissa, I have work in hand That you yet know not of; we'll see our husbands Before they think of us! (b) Why, shall we turn to men? Act Three Scene 5 The story Launcelot and Jessica have a mildly humorous conversation in which Launcelot mak es comments about Jessica's Jewish origins. She says she has been saved because her husband has made her a Christian. Launcelot jokingly replies that Christians should stop converting Jews to Christianity because it will raise the price of pork. Lorenzo and Jessica briefly discuss Bassanio and Portia. Jessica expresses great admiration for Portia. Points to note 1. This is not really a very important scene. It serves mainly to suggest the pa ssage of time and provides a few minutes of light relief after some of the unple asant things that have passed and before the serious business of the trial. Questions on Act Three Scene 5 Section A

1. Where are Bassanio and Gratiano, Portia and Nerissa? 2. What is Launcelot Gobbo doing in Belmont? Section B 1. In this scene there is a good deal of light-hearted talk about Jessica's Jewi sh origins. Jewish people do not eat pork. Launcelot makes jokes about the price of pork goi ng up. Jokes and comments of this kind would not be approved of nowadays. Write as much as you can about religious intolerance in The Merchant of Venice. 2. Shylock begs to be treated as any decent human being. Look carefully at his speech in Act Three Scene 1 - "Hath not a Jew eyes?" What impression does Shylock's speech make on you? What are your personal feelings about religious intolerance? Do you find the prejudice in The Merchant of Venice unacceptable? The Story of Act Three 1. Copy out the passage below. Use the words in the list below to fill the brack ets. Antonio disguised wrecked delighted Salerio Venice Belmont Jessica lead ring Shylock Gratiano Tubal debt married Lorenzo Nerissa Another of Antonio's ships has been [ ]. If he cannot repay his [ Shylock will demand a pound of his flesh. ] to Shylock on time, ] is in a rage because his daughter, [ ], has been searching for her. ], has deserted him and robbed him. His friend, Bassanio arrives in [ ] to try to win Portia. He chooses the [ right choice and is free to marry Portia. Portia is [ ]. ] casket. He has made the

] says that he has fallen for Portia's waiting-woman, Nerissa. They also decide to get [ ]. ] and Jessica arrive at Portia's house, accompanied by Salerio. [ ] has a letter for Bassanio from Antonio. The letter tells Bassanio that Antonio has been unable to repay the loan to Shylock. Shylock is demanding his pound of flesh. Portia tells Bassanio to return to [ ] as soon as they have been married to try to help [ ]. She gives Bassanio a [ ] as a token of her love and makes him promi se never to part with it. ] also gives her husband, Gratiano, a ring. Portia decides that she and Nerissa will also go to Venice without the knowledge of their husbands. They will go [ ] as men. 2. Choose the scene in Act Three which you like best. (a) Write a clear paragraph explaining what happens in the scene you have chosen . (b) Draw a picture to illustrate the scene you have chosen. Act Four Scene 1 , \, \~"'./' ?---.. /' / Note: Most of the action in this act takes place in Scene 1. For convenient stud y we have divided this scene into four sections. The line numbers are given simp ly as a guide and will vary from edition to edition. Section One (lines 1 - 160) The trial begins. Shylock cannot be moved. The scene is set in the Court of Justice. It is presided over by the Duke of Ven ice. The Duke expresses his sympathy for Antonio and says that Shylock is a "stony ad versary". Shylock is called into the court. The Duke makes another appeal to Shylock asking him to deal mercifully with Anto nio, to treat him "with human gentleness and love". Shylock cannot be moved and insists on his bond. Bassanio offers him twice the m oney he is owed but Shylock will not change his mind. A messenger arrives with news from Doctor Bellario in Padua. Nerissa, disguised as a lawyer's clerk, enters with letters for the Duke. As the Duke reads the letters harsh words are exchanged between Shylock and Grat

iano. The Duke announces that Doctor Bellario is unable to attend the court but sends in his place a young and learned doctor called Balthazar. At this point Ba lthazar enters. It is, of course, Portia disguised as a doctor of law. Points to note 1. Court room scenes have always been dramatically effective - they still are. M any films and television dramas have made good use of trial scenes. This trial s cene is the most famous in literature. 2. The court has clearly prejudged Shylock. They are all biassed against him. Th e Duke opens the judicial proceedings by referring to Shylock as "an inhuman wre tch". Throughout the trial Shylock is subjected to a stream of abuse and pressur e. 3. Much of Shylock's language betrays his hard, uncompromising, loveless attitud e to life. In one speech alone the images he uses include rat, baned (Le. poison ed), gaping pig, urine, hate, loathing. 4. At the beginning of the trial scene Shakespeare shows us Shylock triumphant, his legal position apparently secure. Shakespeare emphasises his hardness, his u nwillingness to change his mind, his obsessional hatred of Christians, particula rly Antonio. Questions on Act Four Scene 1 Section One 1. Write a vivid description in your own words of the scene in the court at the beginning of Act Four. Use your imagination to fill out the information provided in the text. 2. At the beginning of this scene is Antonio (a) angry, (b) terrified or (c) res igned? Section Two (lines 160 - 300) Portia lays a trap for Shylock The trial begins and Portia begins to question Shylock and Antonio. Portia makes her famous speech about mercy. Shylock will not listen. He demands the law, "th e penalty and forfeit" of his bond. Portia says that the law cannot be changed, that "there is no power in Venice / Can alter a decree established". When Shylock hears this judgement he is jubilan t. He feels sure that the court will have to find in his favour. Portia asks to see the bond. Once again Shylock refuses payment. Portia then dec lares the bond legal and says that Shylock is entitled to take a pound of Antoni o's flesh. Once again she asks Shylock to be merciful and again Shylock refuses. Portia tells Shylock to have a surgeon ready to stop Antonio bleeding to death. Shylock says it is not mentioned in the bond. Antonio prepares himself for death and says goodbye to Bassanio. Bassanio tells Antonio that although he is married to a wife he dearly loves, he would give up everything - his life, his wife, all the world to save Antonio. Portia remarks t hat his wife wouldn't be too pleased to hear it. Gratiano chimes in and says he would wish his wife in heaven to ask some almight y power to change Shylock's mind. Nerissa comments that it is a good job his wif e cannot hear him say it.

Portia declares that Shylock's bond is legal and that he is entitled by law to h is pound of flesh - the law allows it and the court awards it. Points to note 1. Shakespeare uses the appeals of Portia and the Duke to emphasise Shylock's ha rd and inflexible nature. Nothing can change Shylock's determination to have his pound of flesh - not even the eloquence of Portia's "The quality of mercy" speech. 2. Notice how step by step Portia leads Shylock on knowing that she herself hold s all the trump cards and will eventually bring Shylock down. She cuts off all h is avenues of retreat. She gets him to deny mercy, to refuse the money owed to h im, to refuse to have a surgeon ready to help Antonio. She knows that she can tu rn all this against him. Questions on Act Four Scene 1 Section Two 1. What is Portia called when disguised as a doctor of law? 2. What does Shylock say when Portia explains to Bassanio that there is no power in Venice which could alter the law? Quote his exact words. 3. What is Shylock's attitude when Portia tells him that he should have a surgeo n ready to stop Antonio bleeding to death? 4. Bassanio says that he would sacrifice everything to save Antonio. Which three things does he specifically say he would sacrifice? Section Three (lines 300 - 396) The downfall of Shylock As Shylock prepares to cut Antonio's flesh Portia stops him. She says that there is no mention in the bond of blood and that if Shylock sheds one drop of blood his lands and goods will be confiscated. Shylock then tries to change his mind and says he will accept the money. Pay the bond three times he says and let Antonio go free. Bassanio is ready to pay him when Portia stops him and says that Shylock can hav e nothing other than the penalty. Not only must he not shed blood, she tells him , but if he takes one tiny fraction more or less of the stipulated pound then he will die and all his goods will be confiscated. Shylock knows that he is beaten and says that he will take the three thousand du cats that he is owed. Portia refuses to allow it. She says that he has already r efused the money and can have nothing but the bond. Shylock says that in that case he will go and take nothing. Once again Portia stops him. She says that under a Venetian law if any alien see ks the life of a Venetian citizen he must surrender half his goods to the state and half to the victim and may only save his own life at the discretion of the D uke. She tells Shylock to beg the Duke for mercy. The Duke grants Shylock his life but says that Shylock must surrender his proper ty as Portia has described. Antonio tells the court that he will allow Shylock to keep half of his capital i f he is converted to Christianity and if he makes a will leaving everything he o

wns to Lorenzo and Jessica. Shylock leaves the court a beaten man. Points to note 1. This is the moment Portia has been building up to. She has allowed Shylock to demonstrate his hardness, to refuse the offer of money several times, to refuse to show merc y. Now she turns the tables, to the great delight of Gratiano. 2. Portia - the woman - shows herself to be far more acute, far more intelligent , than her male counterparts. The Duke himself - and presumably his legal advise rs - have been unable to find a flaw in Shylock's legal position. It took Portia 's quick intelligence to find the holes in Shylock's case. Her husband Bassanio is particularly slow-witted. When Shylock (Iine313) realises that he has lost an d asks for his bond to be paid three times over - which he was offered and refus ed earlier Bassanio immediately says "Here is the money". At least there is no m alice in Bassanio. Unlike Gratiano he doesn't seem inclined at this point to kic k the man once he is down. 3. Shylock is totally destroyed. He is now completely isolated. He has already l ost his daughter and some of his valuables - to a Christian. He has now lost his case against Ant onio, is lucky to escape with his life, has lost half of his capital, must conve rt to Christianity and must leave his wealth to his daughter when he dies. He le aves court a thoroughly broken man. Questions on Act Four Scene 1 Section Three 1. Explain briefly how Portia makes it impossible for Shylock to take his pound of flesh. 2. How is Shylock made to suffer? What penalties are imposed on him? Section 4 (lines 396 - end of scene) The story of the rings Bassanio and Antonio express their gratitude to Portia. Bassanio presses Portia to take something as a remembrance of them. She asks Antonio for his gloves and Bassanio for the ring on his finger - the ring she gave him when he left Belmont . Bassanio at first refuses and Portia leaves. Antonio asks Bassanio to give the ring. Bassanio sends Gratiano after Portia to give her the ring. Points to note 1. Shylock has been defeated. It is now time for Shakespeare to reduce the emoti onal intensity and to return the lives of his characters to normality. This cann ot be achieved suddenly and crudely. Shakespeare needs to change the direction o f the play gradually. He begins this change of direction after the exit of Shylo ck (line 396) and sets up the possibilities for comic conflict in Act Five. Questions on Act Four Scene 1 Section Four 1. Explain what happens when Portia asks Bassanio to give her his ring as a keep sake. ACT FOUR Scene 2

The Story Gratiano overtakes Portia and Nerissa. He gives Portia Bassanio's ring. Nerissa takes Gratiano on one side to try to get him to give her the ring she gave him i n Belmont. Portia anticipates a lively scene when they next meet their husbands. Points to note 1. After the intensity and unpleasantness of the previous scene Shakespeare turn s to lighter matters and begins the process of bringing down the tension. In this short scene he sets up the "joke" which he will develop in Act Five. Questions on Act Four Scene 2 Section A 1. Why do you think Shakespeare started the story of the rings at the end of Act Four? Why is this trick on Bassanio and Gratiano dramatically important? What e ffect does it have at this point in the play? Section B 1. At the beginning of this short scene Portia gives Nerissa a deed to deliver t o Shylock's house. The deed, which Shylock is required to sign, outlines all the terms of Shylock's release by the court. Look back to the previous scene and make sure you understand the things Shylock has had to agree to. Write the deed that Portia has prepared for Shylock to sign. 2. Bassanio has already sent his ring to Portia. In this scene Nerissa tells Portia that she will try to get her ring from Gratia no. Write the scene in which Nerissa persuades her husband to give her his ring. The Story of Act Four 1. Copy out the passage below. Use the words in the list below to fill the brack ets. flesh Portia sharpened blood money Bassanio ring legally fraction beaten confiscated Venice Nerissa merciful Shylock law

Lorenzo Christian Shylock has taken Antonio to court to demand his pound of [ ]. The Duke of [ ] p leads with him to be merciful. [ ] refuses to change his mind. He is, he says, [ ] entitled to a pound of Antonio's flesh and he intends to have it. Portia and Nerissa arrive in court. ] is disguised as a lawyer. Nerissa is disguised as her clerk. Portia asks Shylock to be [ ]. Shylock refuses. Shylock is offered money. He ref uses to change his mind. Portia declares that the [ ] is on Shylock's side. Shyl ock must be allowed to take his pound of flesh. Shylock has [ ] his knife. As he is about to cut Antonio's flesh Portia stops hi m. She says that the bond says that he is entitled to a pound of flesh but that there is no menti on in the bond of ]. If Shylock spills one drop of Antonio's blood his lands and goods will be [ ] . Shylock then tries to take the [ ] instead. Portia refuses to let him have the m oney. She goes on to say that if he cuts a [ ] more or less than a pound of fles h he will die. Shylock knows that he is [ ]. He is forced to become a [ ] and to leave everything he owns in his will to his daughter Jessica and her husband [ ]. Portia, still disguised as a lawyer, asks [ ] to give her the [ ] he wears as a keepsake. At first Bassanio refuses but he later relents and sends the ring afte r her with Gratiano. [ ], still disguised as a lawyer's clerk, manages to persua de Gratiano to give her his ring. 2. Explain clearly, in your own words, how Portia defeats Shylock and saves Anto nio. Act Five Scene 1 The story Lorenzo and Jessica are in a grove at Portia's house. It is a lovely evening. Th e mood is romantic. Lorenzo and Jessica speak gently and tenderly, recalling fam ous lovers from Greek literature - Troilus and Cressida, Pyramus and Thisbe, Did o and Aeneas, Medea and Jason. Stephano, a messenger, arrives to say that Portia will be home before daybreak. Shortly afterwards Launcelot arrives to say that Bassanio, too, will return befo re morning. Portia and Nerissa arrive and are welcomed home by Lorenzo and Jessica. Portia i mmediately sends Nerissa to tell the servants that no-one is to reveal that they have been away from Belmont. Bassanio, Antonio and Gratiano arrive and are welcomed by Portia.

Nerissa returns to the stage with Gratiano. Nerissa is giving her husband, Grati ano, a hard time because he has given her ring away. Portia comments that Gratia no deserves to be condemned. Gratiano then tells Portia that her husband, Bassan io, also gave his ring away. Portia feigns anger. Bassanio tries to defend himself. Antonio intercedes on Bas sanio's behalf and says he is certain that Bassanio will never break faith with her again. Portia relents and gives Antonio a ring to give to Bassanio. To Bassanio's amaze ment it is, of course, the same ring that he earlier gave away. All is revealed. Portia gives Antonio a letter containing good news - three of his merchant ships have returned safely to harbour. Nerissa tells Lorenzo and Jessica that they wi ll inherit Shylock's possessions. Points to note 1. It is time now to forget the cruelty and conflict of Venice. Shakespeare open s this act with the loveliest poetry in the play. We must remember that Shakespe are's plays were performed on an open stage, in broad daylight and with little o r no scenery as we know it. Through the magic of his poetry Shakespeare creates the feelings of this lovely evening and at the same time soothes away the confli cts of the first four acts. It is a superb example of Shakespeare's practical sk ill as a dramatist. 2. There is a certain irony in the four pairs of lovers referred to by Lorenzo a nd Jessica. Cressida deserted Troilus; Pyramus killed himself when he thought Thisbe had been killed I I by a lion; Aeneas deserted Dido; Jason deserted Medea. 32 Questions on Act Five Scene 1 Section A 1. Where are Lorenzo and Jessica at the beginning of this scene? 2. What time of day is it? 3. What news does the messenger, Stephano, bring? 4. What news does Launcelot give Lorenzo? 5. What does Lorenzo mean when he says to Portia, "We are no tell-tales madam, f ear you not"? 6. When Gratiano and Nerissa enter they are arguing. What are they arguing about ? 7. What happens when Portia finds out that Bassanio has also given his ring away ? 8. How does Antonio restore peace between Portia and Bassanio? 9. What good news does Portia have for Antonio?

Section B 1. Rewrite the beginning of this scene (as far as the return of Portia and Neris sa, line 90) as the beginning of a novel. Use plenty of description to set the m ood of the scene. Work very short quotations from the scene into the dialogue of your opening chapter. 2. Lorenzo has married Jessica Bassanio has married Portia. Gratiano has married Nerissa. How do you think these marriages would turn out? The Story of Act Five 1. Copy out the passage below. Use the words in the list below to fill the brack ets. confesses romantically discovered Jessica news Doctor of Laws Antonio ring amazed Gratiano merchant angry Bassanio Nerissa Portia clerk Lorenzo and [ ], who have been left in charge of Portia's home, are waiting for Portia to return. They talk together, [ ], in the garden. ] and Nerissa arrive home and are soon followed by Bassanio, Gratiano and Antoni o. Portia welcomes [ ] to her home. ] and Nerissa enter, in the middle of a quarrel. Nerissa has [ ] that Gratiano h as given her [ ] away. She refuses to believe him when he says he gave it to the lawyer's [ ]. Portia then discovers that [ ] has also given his ring away. Portia and Nerissa pretend to be [ ]. Antonio pleads for Bassanio. He says that he is sure that Bassanio will never break faith again. Portia gives Bassanio another ring. Bassanio is [ ] to discover that it is the s ame ring he gave the [ ] in Venice. [ ] teases Gratiano. Portia [ ] that she was the Doctor of Laws and that Nerissa was her clerk. Portia has good [

] for Antonio. Three of his [ ] ships have returned safely to port. 2. When Bassanio and Gratiano return to Belmont they are immediately challenged by Portia and Nerissa about their missing rings. Write your version of what happens when Portia and Nerissa tease their husbands. 3. Make drawings to illustrate each of the following scenes: (a) Lorenzo and Jessica in the garden at Belmont. (b) Portia and Nerissa arguing with Bassanio and Gratiano. Shylock Shylock has a smaller part in The Merchant of Venice than Portia. He appears in only five scenes in the play yet he is the one character everyone remembers. Our attitudes towards him change throughout the play. He is abused throughout the p lay and we sympathise. He is deserted and robbed by his only daughter and we can understand his grief. His obvious love of money, however, makes us uneasy. His bloodthirsty intentions towards Antonio fill us with horror. How are we to come to terms with this complex character? One Consider the following list of words. (a) Choose TEN of the words which you think could apply to Shylock at some point in the play. generous inhuman cunning jolly determined cruel bitter vengeful inflexible considerate light-hearted weak miserly mean tyrannical kind forgiving proud hard merciful gentle (b) Of the ten words you have chosen take five, and for each word explain as ful ly as you can why you have chosen it. Two (a) Act One Scene 3 Shylock and Antonio agree terms for the loan (c) Act Three Scene 1 Shylock talks about his losses. Antonio's ships are lost

I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear .... How like a fawning publican he looks! I hate him for he is a Christian ... (b) Act Two Scene 5 Shylock leaves his house in Jessica's care Read again the scenes in which Shylock appears. For each scene write a paragraph describing your feelings about Shylock at this point in the play. But yet I'll go in hate, to feed upon The prodigal Christian I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? ... (d) Act Three Scene 3 Antonio pleads with Shylock Gaoler, look to him, - tell not me of mercy (e) Act Four Scene 1 The scene in court I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond. Jessica and Lorenzo 1. Why does Jessica (a Jewess) want to marry Lorenzo (a Christian)? She is unhappy at home and regards her father as a tyrant. At the beginning of A ct Two Scene 3 she says to Launcelot, "Our house is hell". She is ashamed of her father - "Alack, what heinous sin is it in me / To be asha med to be my father's child!" Does she, perhaps, see marriage to Lorenzo as a way of escaping from her father and her faith? At the end of Act Two Scene 3 she says (a) that although she shar es her father's blood, she does not share his manners - his way of life; (b) if, therefore, Lorenzo keeps his promise and marries her she will escape from her f ather and his way of life - she will become a Christian. Write as fully as you can about Jessica's relationship with Lorenzo. Write about her motives as you see them. Why do you think she would have been unable to mar ry Lorenzo openly? Do you think she was right to leave her father? Do you think that romantic love was the main reason she wanted to marry Lorenzo? There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Give your opinions about Jessica and her relationship with Lorenzo. 2. Why does Lorenzo (a Christian) want to marry Jessica (a Jewess)? Jessica's father is constantly abused in the play for his Jewishness. He is ofte n referred to as a devil by Lorenzo's friends.

Lorenzo seems to be, at least in part, attracted by Shylock's money. At the end of Act Two Scene 4 he tells Gratiano about his plans to elope with Jessica and a bout the gold and jewels she is going to bring with her. On the other hand he do es seem to have tender feelings for Jessica - particularly in the scene in Porti a's garden in Act Five. Write about Lorenzo's feelings for Jessica. Consider his possible motives. Do yo u think Lorenzo really loves Jessica? Remember - there are no right or wrong ans wers. Give your own opinions. 3. Do you like Jessica? Do you approve of what she did? Think about these things: (a) her unhappiness at home with Shylock (b) her desertion of her father (c) the theft of her father's money and jewels (d) the wasting of her father's property - she even exchanged the ring her mothe r gave her father for a monkey 4. Write about the way the story of Jessica and Lorenzo picks up and comments on some of the ideas in other parts of the play. (Bassanio and Lorenzo both marry partly for money. Shylock is forced to become a Christian - his daughter does so from choice. Shylock hoards his money - Jessica wastes it.) 1361 JESSICA and LORENZO Jessica runs away and marries Lorenzo, a Christian Jessica becomes a Christian Jessica steals her father's money and jewels Jessica wastes the money she has stolen from her father Jessica changes the ring her mother gave her father for a monkey Lorenzo knows that Jessica is going to steal her father's money and jewels One Write as much as you can about Jessica. Write about her life at home with her fa ther. Do you think she really loves Lorenzo or does she elope with him simply to escape from her father? Write about what she does. You may find some of the words below useful. romantic fun-loving bold wasteful sly charming deceitful ungrateful selfish

determined rebellious dishonest Two Write as much as you can about Lorenzo. Do you think he really loves Jessica or does he marry her for the money she steals? Write about what he does. Give your opinion of him. You might find some of the words below useful when you are writing about him. romantic affectionate tender immoral selfish thoughtless criminal GRATIANO and NERISSA Gratiano is a friend of Bassanio and Antonio At the beginning of the play he tries to joke Antonio out of his sad mood He is a noisy, confident young man who never stops talking He is usually joking He often speaks roughly and coarsely He is very anti-semitic - he often speaks crudely to and about Shylock Nerissa is loyal to Portia Nerissa tries to talk Portia out of her sad mood - as Gratiano did with Antonio Nerissa has a good sense of humour and enjoys going disguised with Portia to Ven ice Nerissa enjoyed tricking her husband and then teasing him about the ring One Write as much as you can about Gratiano. Describe his talkative, noisy character . Write about the unpleasant way he talks about Shylock. You may find some of the words below useful in your writing. lively noisy good-humoured

prejudiced anti-semitic impulsive crude talkative selfish Two Write as much as you can about Nerissa. Describe her confident, friendly manner. Write about her loyalty to Portia. You may find some of the words below useful in your writing. romantic humorous loyal quick-witted confident Father and Daughter But though I am a daughter to his blood I am not to his manners: 0 Lorenzo If thou keep promise I shall end this strife, Become a Christian and thy loving wife! Act Two Scene 3 I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear: would she w ere hears'd at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin. Act Three Scene 1 Throughout the play our attitudes are always changing. Antonio, for example, we immediately accept as a good, kind, generous man; but then we hear him admitting to abusing Shylock and saying that he would do it again. There are many more ar eas of the play which make us think twice about the characters in it. This is never more true than in our feelings for Shylock and his daughter, Jessi ca. There are times when we feel sorry for Shylock, times when we are horrified by his bloodthirsty desire for revenge. Equally there are times when we sympathi se with Jessica's tedious life and times when we are shocked by the way she trea ts her father. Consider the following points: Shylock seems to be a widower and has brought Jessica up himself. Shylock bullies his daughter and gives her little freedom. He tells her to close

the windows and doors of his house if she hears the sound of festivity outside. Shylock is totally without humour and rarely shows affection. Jessica regards her home as hell. The only person to bring a little laughter int o her life has been Shylock's servant, Launcelot Gobbo. Somehow Jessica has managed to meet and form a relationship with Lorenzo - a Chr istian. Shylock values his home. He remembers his wife Leah, and the ring she gave him, with some tenderness. In his own way, no doubt, he loves his daughter. Shylock trusts his daughter. She keeps his keys. She is his trusted house-keeper . Jessica deserts not only her father - she also deserts her religion and becomes a Christian. Jessica steals her father's money and wastes it. She exchanges her mother's ring for a monkey. Now write as much as you can about Jessica and her relationship with her father. Portia Her father has complicated things for her by making arrangements for her marriage to be the result of a lottery. Although the arrangement clearly troubles her she is determined to respect her father's wishes. Portia is one of the most interesting characters in the play - a far stronger ch aracter than the man she marries. It is a mistake to see her simply as a sort of fairy-tale princess, removed from reality, enjoying the good life in Belmont as she waits for the right man to come along and marry her. Any assessment of her character should consider at least some of the following points. Her reputation precedes her appearance in the play. In Act One Scene 1 Bassanio describes her to Antonio as being wealthy, beautiful and virtuo us. Many men have sought her hand in marriage. She has a strong sense of humour. She obviously enjoys talking with Nerissa in A ct One Scene 2 about the shortcomings of some of the men who have visited Belmon t. She is obviously "threatened" with the possibility of an unsuitable marriage but accepts her position with good humour. We get the feeling that she would cop e well enough whoever she married. When Bassanio arrives in Belmont Portia is clearly relieved. She cannot fail to have realised that he is a fortune-hunter and has been initially attracted by her wealth. She recognises, however, that Bassanio suits her better than any of her previous suitors. Although she could cheat and tell Bassanio wh ich casket to choose, she is too honest to do so. Although some commentators thi nk she gave Bassanio a few hints as he was choosing there is little strong evide

nce for this. She herself says "I could teach you / How to choose right, but the n I am forsworn, / So willi never be". Portia is capable of flirtatious coyness. She tells Bassanio that she is just "a n unlesson'd girl, unschool'd, unpractised". She is clearly a capable, mature woman. She controls with natural grace and ease. When she learns about Antonio's proble ms she acts decisively but not rashly. Marriage comes first. Then she instructs Bassanio to return to Venice with money to try to save Antonio. She has, however , already made up her mind about what to do. She acts swiftly. She has a natural authority. She immediately recognises that Jessica and Lorenzo are perfectly capable of looking after Belmont in her absence and leaves them in cha rge. She is more than a match for the men in the play and knows it. She is obviously delighted when she tells Nerissa about her plans. She has no illusions about men and feels her own superiority. Her speech to Nerissa in Act Three Scene 4 ("The y shall Nerissa: but in such a habit, / That they shall think we are accomplishe d / With what we lack" reveals her energy and sense of her own value. Bassanio m ay have married her, but he will never control her. She slips easily into her role of Doctor of Laws. The court defers to her imposi ng presence. She manipulates Shylock with skill, setting a trap for him and leading him into it. We get the feeling that she will stand no nonsense from Bassanio. She enjoys the trick she plays with the ring but behind the surface fun Portia is determined t o show that Bassanio will toe the line. Portia will be a strong wife. Portia One Useful quotations (a) In Belmont is a lady richly left And she is fair, and (fairer than that word), Of wondrous virtues. (Act One Scen e 1) (b) If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as chaste as Diana, unless I b e obtained by the manner of my father's will. (Act One Scene 2) (c) A gentle riddance, - draw the curtains, go Let all of his complexion choose me so. (Act Two Scene 7) (d) I could teach you How to choose right, but then I am forsworn, So will I never be (Act Three Scene 2)

(e) I'll hold thee any wager When we are both accoutered like young men, I'll prove the prettier fellow of th e two. (Act Three Scene 4) A nineteenth century representation of Portia and Shylock in Act Four Scene 1 (f) I have within my mind A thousand raw tricks of these bragging jacks (Act Three Scene 4) Two Choose as many words as possible from the following list which you think could b e used to describe Portia at some point in the play. dishonest mean witty flexible harsh vindictive mischievous assured cruel elegant wealthy loyal shrewd beautiful virtuous mature sophisticated crafty independent shy honourable practical fun-loving arrogant intelligent generous confident Three Take FIVE of the words you have chosen. Explain clearly why you have chosen each word. Set your work out as follows: (a) honourable Portia is honourable because she refuses to cheat to make sure that Bassanio cho oses the correct casket. She is determined to respect her dead father's wishes. Four Write as much as you can about the character of Portia. Plan your work before yo u begin. Organise your writing carefully in paragraphs. Use short quotations whe rever possible to illustrate your points. Bassanio a. Bassanio liked to make a show. He obviously had no money of his own and had previously borrowed money from Antonio. In Act One S cene 1 he admits that he has overspent and is heavily in debt.

'Tis not unknown to you Antonio How much I have disabled mine estate, By something showing a more swelling port Than my faint means would grant contin uance. [Act I Scene 1, lines 122-125J b. Bassanio has a plan to get himself out of debt and to make himself rich. He k nows about the extremely wealthy lady, Portia, who lives in Belmont. He plans to try to marry her. In order to go to Belmont and put on a show he needs to borro w more money. c. Bassanio is by nature a spendthrift. Even though he has just borrowed three t housand ducats from Antonio to finance his trip to Belmont, he doesn't hesitate when Launcelot Gobbo asks to join his service. He readily takes him on and order s a new uniform to be made for him. d. Bassanio is not too happy about the arrangement Antonio has made with Shylock . He does not, however, protest too strongly. e. Bassanio has a pleasant, easy-going personality. There is no great depth to h is character but he is affectionate and friendly. He is hardly the "scholar and soldier" described by N erissa. f. He is very casual about money and does not seem to be very concerned about wh ere he gets it. He is obviously a fortune-hunter. Portia may well be beautiful, but it is her money which first attracts Bassanio. g. Bassanio is one of those people to whom most things come easily - who make ve ry little effort but who prosper. By his own admission he has wasted what little he had. He is obviously not very bright, yet on borrowed money he manages to ma rry Portia where better men have failed, and becomes a rich man. 1. From the following list of words choose TEN which, in your opinion, could be applied to Bassanio. melancholy cautious honourable immature shallow unreliable ambitious cruel determined superficial lucky vain materialistic generous industrious friendly loyal thrifty reliable hypocritical vindictive violent self-centred self-indulgent crude 2. Write as fully as you can about Bassanio. Include paragraphs in your writing which deal with the following points:

a. Your opinion about Bassanio's plan to marry Portia. b. Your opinion about Bassanio's life-style and the fact that he seems to live o n borrowed money. c. Your instinctive feelings about Bassanio as a person. Do you think he would m ake a good friend? d. Bassanio parting with Portia's ring. Do you think he did the right thing? He is generally a gentle, kind person. If we consider his attitude to Shylock fr om our twentieth century perpective, however, we find much to condemn. He admits that in the past he has called Shylock names and has spat upon him. Furthermore he says that he would do it again. At the end of the play he is willing to treat Shylock generously. Although Shylo ck had tried to kill him, Antonio persuades the Duke to allow Shylock to keep so me of his property and refuses the part of Shylock's wealth which the court had awarded him. As part of the agreement, however, he does insist that Shylock beco mes a Christian. Antonio is a selfless, patient and brave man. He does not rail against his fate. He accepts the loss of his ships quietly. He is finally willing to submit to Sh ylock's knife with dignified resignation. One Go through the play carefully and make a collection of short quotations, spoken by Antonio or about him, which reveal something about his character. Copy out yo ur quotations accurately, give the Act and Scene reference for each one, and add any brief notes which are necessary. Set your work out as in the example beloW. Shylock: You call me misbeliever, cut-thoat dog, And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine. [Act One Scene 3] Note: Shylock makes the point that after abusing him Antonio still wants to borr ow money from him. Antonio is quite unrepentant and says that he would do it aga in. Two Make a list of words which you think could apply to Antonio. You could begin you r list with these words: sad, gentle, loyal, generous. Make your list as long as possible and think about as many different aspects of Antonio's character as po ssible. Antonio Antonio is a rich Venetian merchant. He is, however, a speculator and his busine ss ventures involve obvious risks. Shylock knows exactly how many risks Antonio has taken. He tells us that Antonio has ships trading in Tripolis, the Indies, M exico and England. As Shylock rightly points out, merchant ships faced many dang ers - from storms, rocky coasts and pirates. Antonio is a very loyal friend to Bassanio. He has lent him money in the past an d is willing to lend him more money to pay court to Portia. Even when his life i

s in danger he does not blame Bassanio. Three Write as much as you can about the character of Antonio. Use some of the quotati ons you collected in Question One to illustrate your answer. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS 1. There is a good deal of hatred in The Merchant of Venice. Write as much as yo u can about the way Shakespeare deals with hatred. You will need to look at the words and attitudes of Shylock and Gratiano in particular. 2. The Merchant of Venice is a very materialistic play. Money is very important in the play. Write as fully as you can about the theme of money. 3. What do the characters in The Merchant of Venice learn? Are they any differen t at the end of the play than they are at the beginning? 4. At the end of the play Shylock is a broken, isolated, unhappy figure. He is t otally alone. Write about the way Shylock is gradually isolated and deserted. 5. Elizabethan audiences loved disguises. Disguise plays an important part in ma ny of Shakespeare's plays. Write about the way Shakespeare uses disguise in The Merchant of Venice. 6. Write as much as you can about the minor characters in The Merchant of Venice . 7. As we watch or read The Merchant of Venice our feelings and opinions change. Sometimes, for example, we sympathise with Jessica. At other times we despise he r. Write as much as you can about the way Shakespeare plays on our feelings through out the play. 8. In Shakespeare's day The Merchant of Venice was clearly regarded as a comedy. To what extent can you see the playas a comedy? 9. Write as much as you can about prejudice in The Merchant of Venice. 10. Which of the characters in The Merchant of Venice do you most dislike. Write as fully as you can on the subject giving reasons for your opinions. 11. Imagine that you were the director of a theatre (or a television company) an d you received the script of The Merchant of Venice for consideration. Would you accept it or reject it? Write the letter you might have sent to the author giving your decision and the reasons for it. 12. Bassanio is clearly intended by Shakespeare to be the dashing, suave, romant ic hero of the play. Do you regard Bassanio in this way? Write as fully as you can about his characte r and personality.

13. Imagine that you have a friend in another country who has never read or seen anything by Shakespeare. In one of your letters tell your friend about the play (The Merchant of Venice) that you have just finished studying in class. 14. Wr[te a pre-production plan for a production in the theatre of The Merchant of Venice. Write sections on each of the following: (a) costume - make notes on period, colours, fabrics etc. Make simple sketches i f possible. (b) scenery and setting - diagrams would help (c) music and sound effects needed (d) properties required - make a detailed list explaining which properties are n eeded and in which scenes 15. Imagine that you are preparing a book of stories from Shakespeare for use in a primary school. Retell the story of The Merchant of Venice for inclusion in the book. Illustrate your version of the story if possible. A Merchant of Venice Quiz 23. What is the inscription on the lead casket? I I I I I I I I 1. Who says "In sooth I know not why I am so sad"? 2. Which two Venetians first try to understand what is troubling Antonio? 3. Which of Antonio's friends wants to borrow money from him? 4. Which rich lady does Bassanio want to woo? 5. Where does she live? 6. Which of Bassanio's friends is noisy and talkative? 7. Which money-lender agrees to lend Antonio money? 8. How much money does Antonio borrow? 9. What does Antonio agree to give Shylock if he doesn't return the money on tim e? 10. Who is Portia's waiting-woman?

11. Who does Launcelot Gobbo first work for? 12. Who brings a present for Launcelot's master? 13. Who does Launcelot Gobbo later work for? 14. What is Shylock's daughter called? 15. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco choose? 16. Who is in love with Jessica? 17. Who steals Shylock's money and jewels? 18. What is the inscription on the gold casket? 19. Which casket does the Prince of Arragon choose? 20. What is the inscription on the silver casket? 21. Which of Shylock's friends goes searching for Jessica? 22. Which casket does Bassanio choose? 24. Who does Gratiano marry? 25. Who goes disguised as a lawyer to Venice to help Antonio? 26. What name does she take when she is disguised? 27. Who does she take disguised as a lawyer's clerk? 28. Who does Portia leave in charge of her home?