The merchant of venice Questions (part 2)

Act Three, Scene Three

Question One:

Antonio is now convinced that he knows the reason for Shylock’s insistence on claiming his bond. What is it, use a quote from the text to support your answer. 

Antonio believes Shylock wants revenge and justice. Quote: His reason well I know. I oft delivered from his forfeitures Many that have at times made moan to me. Therefore he hates me.

Question Two:

Why can the Duke not ‘deny the course of law’ according to Antonio?

Because it wouldn't benefit the government. The city makes its money through the foreign merchants of Venice and if they discarded ]the law, their security is under threat. Quote: The duke can not deny the course of law: for the commodity that strangers have with up in Venice, if it is denied, will much impeach the justice of the state; Since that the trade and profit of the city Consisteth of all nations.

Question Three:

What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate. What two important realizations is this based on? Use lines 8, 21-24, 26-31 to help you.

He knows because Shylock is not going to give up on his bond. And the government is not going to do anything about it.

Question Four:

Do you think Antonio’s feelings towards Bassanio have changed since the beginning, why?

A little bit, at first he Antonio completely trusted in Bassanio and thought he was capable of paying him back. But now it is too late.

Question Five:

Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas: Is mercy the same as forgiveness? 

No mercy and forgiveness are not exactly the same. Mercy is not punishing someone even though it is within their power. And forgiveness is no longer seeking out to punish someone instead, forgetting about all the dreadful acts that person has done.

           Is it easier to show mercy or to look for revenge?

           Is justice the same as fairness?

           Is true justice possible in this care?

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Act Three, Scene Four

Question One: 

What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio?

Lorenzo thinks Antonio is loyal and a good friend to Bassanio

Question Two: 

What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do?

While the men are away, she'll go away in hiding with Nerissa until they come back.

Question Three: 

What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why?

Look after the house while she is away because Nerissa will be going with her and Bassanio isn't there either.

Question Four: 

Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike?

Portia thinks that if friends spend a lot of time together they become similar people.

Question Five: 

Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men?

Because they would not be able to enter the court unless they were a man.

Question Six: 

In A3S4 L 60-78, how does Portia describe the behavior and attitudes of young men?

They try to show off and lie about things they've done to make themselves look better. 

Question Seven:

Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected behavior of a wife?
Yes, mostly it is seen in previous scenes, she seems to be faithful and submissive to Bassanio.

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Act Three, Scene Five

Question One:

In his jokey conversation with Jessica, why is Launcelot against the conversion of Jews to Christianity?

Because if every Jew converted to Christianity and started eating pork, the price of all things related to pork will go up.

Question Two:

What is Jessica’s opinion of Portia?

Jessica thinks of Portia as a blessing. We know this because she says "Past all expressing. It is very meet, the Lord Bassanio live an upright life, for having such a blessing in his lady, he finds the joys of heaven here on earth."

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Act Four, Scene One

Question One:

What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do?

The duke believes that Shylock will that the pound of flesh considering his reputation and all.

Question Two:

What does Shylock intend to do, and what reasons does he give for his decision?

He wants to take the pound of flesh to get revenge for all the verbal and physical abuse that Antonio has given him.

Question Three:

Why must the law be allowed to stand (why can’t the judge dismiss this case)

If he dismisses this case it will set the wrong example for others.

Question Four:

Shylock is very clear about the restrictions in the wording of the deed, how does Portia use these loopholes?

The bond states that if Antonio does not pay the 3000 ducats in 3 months Shylock would take a pound of flesh from Antonio. Meaning that if Shylock spills even a drop of blood or take ounce more or less he would be breaking the bond.

Question Five:

What penalties does Shylock now have to pay? Are they fair? Why/why not.

Shylock will have to turn Christian, All of Shylocks belongings and money will be confiscated. Half will go to the government and the other half will go the Antonio. And on his will, he has to write everything I own will go to my daughter Jessica and her husband Lorenzo.

Question Six:

How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?

They get half of Shylocks belongings.

Question Seven:

What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?
Portia wanted Bassanio's ring that Portia has gifted to him. This is significant because Bassanio promised Portia that he will never take it off.

Question Eight:

Portia tells Shylock ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’. How does she try to persuade Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to show him (line 345-362)

Portia's guilt tripping him in a way. She's turning the tables on him. She's willing him to show as much mercy as he begs for.

Question Nine:

A4S1 L 70-80. Antonio gives us three short images of how useless any attempt by Bassanio to save his life will be

What are they?

Telling the ocean to get smaller, Asking a wolf why he killed a lamb and made its mother cry,  and telling the pine trees on the mountain to stop when the wind blows through them.

What do they tell us about one of Shakespeare's interests

He has an interest in things to do with the Christian Bible

Do you think this is an effective way of demonstrating the problem?

Yes, he's comparing the situations quite well
Each example is an extreme and impossible, what influence does this have on how you expect the rest of the scene to develop.

You expect Antonio to be right, you expect everything to play out in Shylocks favour.

Question Ten:

A4S1 L90-100, Shylock uses vivid comparisons when he wants to make a point. What example does he use to illustrate the fact that the pound of flesh is his: ‘tis mine and I will have it’
He uses slaves. He's saying that he's rightfully got that pound of flesh.

It is much longer comparison than the three used by Antonio but do you think it is more striking/effective/convincing?
I think it's about the same. Both have very good points and comparisons. 

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Act Four, Scene Two

Question One:

What invitation does Portia refuse and why?

They refuse An invitation to dinner. Because they need to get home before the men do.

Question Two:

What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?

Gratanio's ring she gave him. She wants to see if Gratanio will do the same as Bassanio.

Question Three:

Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel? Use examples to support your thinking.

A bit of both. I admirer her for showing dominance over situations.

I think she is cruel because she does not stop until her enemy is utterly defeated.

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Act Five, Scene One

Question One:

Why do Lorenzo and Jessica remind each of the stories of classical lovers?

Question Two:

What are Portia's feelings as she approaches the house?

Question Three:

What is the first argument to break out?

Question Four:

How do Gratiano and Bassanio try to justify parting with the rings, are they successful?

Question Five:

Was Bassanio right to give away the ring, give reasons for your thinking?

Question Six:

How can the newly-weds threaten to sleep with the men who took their rings- and mean it?

Question Seven:

What effect do these arguments have on Antonio?

Question Eight:

Portia and Nerissa have the rings. What does this prove to Antonio, Gratiano, and Bassanio?

That Portia and Nerissa slept with the

Question Nine:

How do Antonio, Lorenzo and Jessica benefit from news that Portia brings?