MERCHANT OF VENICEACT III – SCENE 1

1. What is Rialto?A.The Rialto is the Stock Exchange or Chamber of Commerce. The Venetian merchants met here for the

transaction of business.

2. What information does Salarino give Salanio?A. Salarino informs Salanio that there is a report still uncontradicted that one of Antonio’s ships, with

valuable cargo, has been wrecked at Goodwins in the waters of the English channel.

3. What are the Goodwins?A. The Goodwins is the extensive sand-bank off the coast of Kent, near the mouth of the Thames in

England. This place has been the scene of many shipwrecks.

4. Explain: ‘if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her word.’A. In the above lines rumour has been personified as an old woman, Dame Rumour.The above line means that if report or rumour (which is generally false news) should be correct this

time, then Antonio’s ship has been wrecked on the Goodwin Sands.

5. What does Salanio wish?A. Salanio wished that Dame Report might prove to be as big a liar in this case as any old woman

whoever ate the ginger or told people that the death of her third husband had broken her heart.

6. Why does Salanio wish to say ‘amen’ quickly?A. When Salarino expresses the wish that Antonio should have no further losses, Salanio wishes to say

‘amen’ quickly before the devil has time to interfere and prevent it.

7. Who appears just then? What does Salanio remark?A. Just then Shylock is seen approaching. So, Salanio remarks that his worst fears are realised, because

the devil is appproaching in the form of the Jew, Shylock.According to an old superstition, a prayer would lose its effect if the devil crossed the path before the

prayer was finished. So, on seeing Shylock coming, Salanio pretends that Shylock is the devil and ends the prayer with ‘amen’.

8. What does Shylock accuse Salanio and Salarino of when he entered the scene?A. Shylock accuses them of knowing very well, better than anyone that his daughter has fled.

9. What is Salarino’s reply?A. Salarino replies that he is quite right. In fact, he was well acquainted with the tailor who made the

clothes in which she ran away with her lover.

10. What does Salanio tell Shylock about his daughter?A. Salanio tells that Shylock was quite aware that his daughter was grown up. Just as the young bird,

fully feathered and is able to fly is bound to leave the nest similarly it is natural for grown up girls to leave their parents’ house. i.e. Jessica was old enough to run away with her lover.

11. What do Salarino’s words ‘of the devil-judge’ mean?A. Salarino’s means that if Jesssica’s fault is to be judged by the devil (Shylock) then she certainly will

be condemned to go to hell.

12. What does Shylock lament about? How does Salarino explain the difference in character between Shylock and his daughter?

A. Shylock laments that it is unbearable to think that his own child would turn against him. Salarino says that Jessica is a complete contrast to Shylock as jet (black) is to ivory (white) or as rich red

wine is to white Rhenish wine.

13. What does Salarino ask Shylock regarding Antonio? What is Shylock’s reply?A. Salarino asks Shylock if he has heard whether Antonio has suffered any loss at sea.Shylock tells Salarino that his question reminds him of another of his bad bargains. He angrily calls

Antonio a bankrupt. He calls him a spendthrift for lending money without interest. He says that Antonio is ashamed to appear on the Rialto because he has mismanaged his affairs. He used to come smartly dressed boasting among the traders in the market-place, but now he is a beggar. He had better see that he fulfills the bond. He used to call Shylock a vile (wicked) money- lender. Shylock repeats that Antonio should be careful about his bond. Antonio used to lend money free of interest as an act of Christian kindness. Shylock ominously replies that Antonio had better be careful to redeem his bond in time. He speaks with increased feeling and emphasizes the word ‘bond’.

14. What does Salarino now want to know?A. Salarino now wants to know, if Antonio is unable to pay, whether Shylock will insist on having his

flesh. He asks Shylock of what possible use that will be.

15. What is Shylock’s reply?A. Shylock replies that he will use Antonio’s flesh to use as bait to catch fish! Even if it were of no other

use, it will gratify his thirst for revenge.

16. How does Shylock go on to enumerate the wrongs he had suffered at Antonio’s hands?A. Shylock says that Antonio had insulted him and made him suffer losses of half a million ducats. He

made fun of his losses, ridiculed his profit, hated his nation, interfered with his business dealings, turned his friends against him and encouraged his enemies against him. The sole reason for all these wrongs at Antonio’s hands is that Shylock is a Jew.

17. How does Shylock attempt to justify his revengeful conduct towards Antonio?A. Shylock tries to make the point that a Jew is like any other human being. A Jew has eyes, hands,

limbs, sense of feeling and emotions like other human beings. Shylock finds that there is absolutely no difference between the Jews and Christians. A Jew takes the same food as a Christian takes. He is hurt by the same weapon, attacked by the same diseases and is cured by the same medicine. The same things

give him pleasure and pain. He suffers from the same weaknesses, warmed by the same sunshine, and cooled by the same winter as the Christian is. If the Christian is tortured or troubled, he will take his revenge. Then there is no reason why a Jew should not take revenge when he is like the Christian in every other respect.

He further asks if a Jew is pricked does he not bleed, if tickled does he not laugh and if poisoned does he not die. Similarly if a Jew is injured does he not take revenge? If Jews are like Christians in all theses ways they should resemble them in taking revenge too. If a Jew offends a Christian doesn’t he take revenge. Similarly a Jew should also take revenge when offended by a Christian. He decides to take the course of action that the Christian has taught him and it will be strange if he will not improve upon the lesson by being more malicious in his revenge.

18. Who enters the scene? What message does he convey to Salarino and Salanio?A. A servant sent by Antonio enters the scene. He conveys a message that his master Antonio wishes

to speak to them both at his house.

19. What is Salarino’s reply?A. Salarino replies that they have been looking for him high and low so that they could cheer him up

and relieve him of the grief he so fondly hugs.

20. Who enters the scene now and what remark does Salanio make about him?A. Tubal, another Jew and a friend of Shylock enters the scene. Salanio remarks that it will be difficult to produce a third, as bad as these two to match them, unless the

devil himself turns Jew and makes up the company.

21. What does Shylock ask Tubal and what is his reply?A. Shylock asks Tubal what news he has brought from Genoa and whether he has found his daughter.Tubal replies that he often visited places in Italy where he was told she was, but he could not find her as

she had gone away to some other place.

22. How much had Shylock paid for the diamond stolen by Jessica?A. Shylock had paid two thousand ducats in Frankfurt, a German city, for the diamond stolen by

Jessica.

23. What does Shylock say about the curse on his nation? A. When Tubal tells Shylock that he has not been able to trace his daughter, he considers the loss of his

money and jewels as a greater injury than any that had ever fallen on his race. He also feels that Jessica’s falling away from the Jewish faith is a curse.

Here Shylock is being selfish as he looks upon his misfortunes as a blow to the Jewish race.

24. What has Jessica stolen? What does Shylock wish for in his fury at the theft?A. Jessica has stolen two sealed bags of double ducats, two precious stones, that is a diamond and

turquoise, and besides, many other precious jewels.In his fury at the theft, Shylock wishes that his daughter were lying dead at his feet with the jewels in

her ears. He further wishes she were in her coffin at his feet and the ducats in the coffin.

25. How does Shylock pity himself?A. Shylock feels that it is a repeated loss for him as she has stolen so much and he has spent so much in

trying to find her. He feels it is all in vain as he can not find any satisfaction nor revenge. He feels as if he alone in the world were suffering ill luck. He pities himself saying that he is the only one who has to heave sighs of grief and he alone seems to have to shed tears of sorrow.

26. What makes Shylock’s sad mood to turn suddenly to fierce joy?A. When Tubal informs Shylock that he heard in Genoa that one of Antonio’s large ships has been

wrecked on the way back from Tripolis, Shylock’s mood turns suddenly to fierce joy and laughter. Tubal says that he met some of the sailors who were saved from the wreck and had informed him of the above.

27. What does Tubal malevolently report about Jessica? What is Shylock’s reaction?A. Tubal malevolently reports that he heard Jessica has spent eighty ducats in one night. Shylock is appalled (shocked) once again. He tells Tubal that his words stab his heart. He laments that

he will never see his money again and sorrowfully repeats that she has spent eighty ducats in one night.

28. How does Tubal make Shylock feel elated (happy) again?A. Tubal makes Shylock feel elated again by telling him that several merchants, to whom Antonio owes

money travelled with him back to Venice, and that they all said that Antonio cannot help going bankrupt.

29. Why is Shylock cast down again? What does Shylock say on hearing this?A. Shylock is cast down again when Tubal tells him that one of the merchants showed him a ring which

Jessica had given him in payment for a monkey that she had bought from him.Shylock is grief-stricken for he guesses that it was the turquoise ring of betrothal (engagement) that his

late wife, Leah, had given him. He says it is an agony for him to hear this, as he would never have parted with it for a whole forest of monkeys.

30. How does Tubal console Shylock now?A. Tubal consoles Shylock now by pointing out that Antonio is certainly ruined.

31. What does Shylock instruct Tubal to do nowA. Shylock now instructs Tubal to engage a lawyer to handle the case for him. He tells him to engage

him fifteen days before the bond falls due. If Antonio breaks his agreement, he will extract the payment of the forfeit. He will have his very heart. Once Antonio is removed from Venice, he can make what profits he likes. He tells Tubal to go ahead and do what he has instructed him to do and then to meet him at the synagogue (a Jewish house of worship) without fail.

32. Why does Shylock go to the synagogue?A. Shylock goes to the synagogue to swear an oath that he will take his revenge upon Antonio. He

believes in the old Mosaic Law which prescribed ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’.

Act III scene 2

1. Where does the scene take place and name the characters who enter the scene?A. The scene takes place in the casket room, in Portia’s house in Belmont. Bassanio, Portia, Gratiano, Nerissa and attendants.

2. Why does Portia ask Bassanio to wait for a day or two before making his choice of a casket?A. Portia asks Bassanio to wait for a day or two before making his choice of a casket as she wants to

enjoy his company for some time. If his choice is wrong, she will lose his company, as he has to then leave at once.

3. How does Portia convey to Bassanio that she loves him?A. Portia begins by saying that something in her tells her that she should not lose him, though she does

not know whether that feeling is dictated by love or not. He must judge for himself whether hate would be likely to prompt that feeling, and give advice to wait for a while.

She is afraid that he may not understand what she has just said and is going to add an explanation, but she is suddenly overcome by maidenly modesty and says that it is not appropriate for a maiden to disclose all her thoughts and feelings. She can only reiterate her wish to keep him there, near her, for a month or two before he hazards a choice of the caskets. In this speech Portia conveys her warm love for Bassanio.

4. Why will she not tell Bassanio which casket to choose? What is the ‘sin’ in her mind?A. Portia will not tell Bassanio which casket to choose as she has promised her father not to reveal the

secret of the casket to anyone. She will never break her promise.So, it is possible that Bassanio may lose her by making a wrong choice and miss her, then she would

wish she had broken her oath and committed sin.

5. What does Portia say about the effect of Bassanio’s eyes on her?A. Portia says that Bassanio’s eyes have bewitched her and divided her for she seems to be no longer

herself. She says that half of her belongs to him and the other half of her also belongs to him. She should like to say that the other half belongs to her, but if it belongs to her, it belongs to him and so she is completely his.

6. Explain: ‘O these naughty times ……… Let Fortune go to hell for it, not I’A. Portia is sad because of the limitations or restrictions put upon her by her father’s will. She loves

Bassanio but she cannot express her love. Moreover she cannot marry him unless he chooses the right casket. She says that these unjust and unkind times have put an obstacle between owners and their rights. She means to say that she who really belongs to Bassanio already (because she loves him) may never be given to him (as his wife).

Although she feels that she belongs to Bassanio yet she cannot belong to him unless he chooses her by selecting the right casket. If Bassanio proves that she is not his by selecting the wrong casket, then it will not be her mistake. It would be the mistake of fate and so fate should be punished for it, not she.

7. What does she finally acknowledge as the reason for her talking too much?A. She says that she is talking too much only to prolong the time to its fullest extent and to put off the

moment when Bassanio has to make his choice.

8. What is Bassanio’s reaction? What does Portia ask him?A. Bassanio wants to make his choice straightaway, for his present state of suspense makes him live in

torment, ‘upon the rack’.Portia pretends to take the word ‘rack’ in its literal sense. So she teases Bassanio and says that he must

be a traitor and he must confess the treason that is mixed with his love.

9. What example does Bassanio give hereafter to prove his loyalty?A. Bassanio replies that there is no treason at all in his love. The only disloyalty, if it can be called

treason, is the fear that he may not succeed in love. As there cannot be friendship or union between snow and fire similarly his love cannot exist with treason.

10. What does Portia now say to Bassanio? Why does Bassanio call his ‘torment’ a happy one?A. Portia tells Bassanio that she has to take his declaration with caution. Since he had confessed that

he is ‘upon the rack’, he must have made his statement under pressure. It is like the protestations of those who are tortured on the rack and they will declare anything and tell any number of lies to save their lives.

Bassanio replies that if Portia assures him that she will give him life, he will declare the truth that he loves her dearly.

In former days, life was promised to a traitor stretched upon the rack in return for a confession.

11. Why does Bassanio call his ‘torment’ a happy one?A. When Portia tells Bassanio to confess and live, he says that if Portia had said ‘confess’ and ‘love’

instead, she would have exactly expressed all he had to confess. He had nothing more to confess than that he loves her.

Bassanio says that his torture or torment is giving him pleasure. He is happy because his tormentor (Portia) is teaching him the answer by which he can win his safety and freedom from torture.

12. Why does she tell Nerissa and the others to stand away?A. She tells them to be out of the way when Bassanio is making his choice because she does not want

even the slightest hint to be given which may help Bassanio.

13. Portia call for music when Bassanio is making his choice. What purpose does it serve?A. First of all, it would calm the riot (unrest) in her own heart when Bassanio is choosing the casket.

However, she does not want to reveal her tension, so she defends her action by saying that if he makes a wrong choice, his end will be like that of the swan, which sings just before its death. In

order to make the comparison more suitable she says Bassanio shall swim away in the stream of tears provided by her eyes. Her eyes will become the river and the watery death-bed for him, just as the river is the swan’s death-bed.

If Bassanio chooses the right casket, the music would be comparable to the trumpet which is sounded when the king is crowned. At such a time, the subjects bow to the newly crowned king. It could also be compared to the sweet tunes which awaken the bridegroom in the morning and lead him to marriage.

14. Explain: ‘now he goes with no less presence…… Go Hercules!A. In these lines, Portia compares herself with Hesione, the daughter of the king of Troy and Bassanio

to Hercules. In Troy, a virgin had to be offered to the sea monster as a sacrifice. Once it was the turn of the king’s

daughter and the Trojans with tear-filled eyes waited to watch the result of the encounter between Hercules and the sea-monster. Hercules, the Greek hero, fought the sea monster and saved the daughter of the king. Hercules did this for the sake of a rich reward and not for the love of the princess. Portia says that Bassanio goes to the caskets with the dignity of Hercules but with much greater love. Portia herself is like Hesione while Nerissa and her other maids standing there are the Dardanian wives (women of Troy). These women have come to watch the result of Bassanio’s great adventure.

15. Who are the Dardanian wives? Who are compared to them by Portia? A. The Dardanian wives are the Trojan women. Dardanus was the mythical ancestor of the Trojans.

Therefore they are called Dardanians. Portia compares Nerissa, Gratiano and others who are standing apart to the Trojan women.

The Trojan women had assembled on the beach with tear-stained faces to wait and watch the result of the encounter between Hercules and the sea-monster. In Portia’s room, Nerissa and the others are nervously waiting for the outcome of Bassanio’s trial of the caskets.

Hercules saved Hesione from death. Bassanio, if he wins, will save Portia from unwelcome suitors.

16. What is the substance of the song?A. The song says that some people inquire where fanciful love( not true love) originates; whether it

does so from the feelings of the heart or mind, and how it is kept alive. The reply is that it is only a passing feeling. It is not bred in the heart or in the intellect, but in a glance of

the eye only, when the glance alights on some pleasing form. It is nourished by the continued sight of the loved one. It is very short-lived. It fades away almost as soon as it is born.

The song gives a warning not to judge by the eyes alone, i.e. by outward appearances.17. Explain: ‘So may the outward shows be least themselves: ……..obscures the show of evil?A. In these lines, Bassanio takes his hint from the song and starts thinking about the outward

appearance of things. He believes that the world is always misled by the external appearance of things.

18. What are the various examples given by Bassanio to prove that world is deceived by external appearance?

In a law case, no matter how foul and dishonest an argument may be, its falsity and unsoundness gets hidden if the advocate has a pleasing voice.

In religion, the greatest deviation or sinful errors, can be overlooked if a priest supports and confirms them by giving examples from holy books. Thus the evil character of the error can be hidden with an attractive decoration.

No vice or bad habit is so bad or simple that it cannot take on some virtuous quality on its external appearance.

There are many cowards who are absolutely unreliable and undependable like the stairs of sand, but wear beards upon their chins like the Greek hero Hercules or the stern-looking, Mars. But when we see below the surface or when we examine the inner qualities of such persons, we find their hearts very weak and cowardly. They put on beards, which are believed to be a sign of bravery, to make themselves look dreadful or formidable.

In the case of beauty, we see that beauty can be purchased by paying a certain amount of money. Women use cosmetics to look beautiful. These cosmetics can be purchased. They bring about a wonderful change in the appearance of the users so that those who make the maximum use of these beauty-aids appear to be the brightest though they are also the most superficial, frivolous and fickle.

The shining, golden tresses whose ringlets are tossed about by the playful breeze, seen on the head of a woman, appear to be real. Actually this is false hair; it originally belongs to a dead woman who is lying in the grave.

Decoration and external beauty are only like the treacherous shore of a very dangerous sea. It may be compared to the beautiful scarf which when removed, might reveal a dark coloured ugly Indian woman.

In short, external ornament is undependable. It is used by clever, deceitful persons to mislead even the most experienced people.

19. Explain: ‘therefore then thou gaudy gold…… I will none of thee’A. Bassanio looks at the golden casket and says that gold which prove to be useless food for Midas, will

never be his choice.

20. What reason does Bassanio give for rejecting the silver casket?A. Silver was the metal of exchange between man and man because the common coins were made out

of it. It serves for business transactions and so it is a common, gross thing, serving everyman’s need like a public slave. So he rejects the silver casket.

21. Why does Bassanio choose the lead casket?A. Bassanio chooses the lead casket because it makes no pretentions. Its unpretentious looks impress

him more than the most fervent protestations of the gold and silver caskets.

22. Describe Portia’s feelings when Bassanio decides to choose the lead casket.A. She says that all other emotions, like anxiety, despair, fear, jealousy which has been agitating her for

so long, vanish into the night. The sole occupant of her heart now is love. She asks the god of love to calm her wild delight. She asks love not to overwhelm her with this rapture and to grant his blessings with a less generous hand, lest she should be altogether overpowered. She is afraid of such perfect bliss because it might prove too much for her.

23. With reference to Portia’s portrait comment on Bassanio’s statements on: eyes, lips, hair of the portrait.

A. On opening the lead casket, Bassanio finds the portrait of Portia and a scroll. Praising the artist who has painted Portia’s portrait must have been half-divine because the picture is so alive and real. It is close to God’s work of creation.

Gazing at the portrait, he says that the eyes seemed to be moving. Then he supposes that since their image is taken up by his own eyes, they seem to live and move.

About the lips he says, they are slightly parted because a sweet breath is escaping from the mouth. He calls the lips two sweet friends and says that nothing but a sweet breath should come between them.

In painting the hair, he says, the painter has kept in mind the cobweb of a spider. Just as a spider weaves cobwebs in which to trap tiny insects and gnats, so the artist has portrayed Portia’s sunny tresses in such braids and knots that the hearts of men are trapped by their beauty sooner than insects in spider’s web.

Bassanio says that he cannot imagine how the artist could have painted the eyes. He says they are so beautiful that it seems to him that when one of them was made, its beauty ought to have dazzled the painter and blinded both his eyes. This ought to have rendered him unable to paint the second eye. Bassanio is filled with wonder that the artist succeeded in painting both of Portia’s eyes, when he himself might have lost both his eyes.

24. Explain: ‘ yet look, how far the substance of my praise…….. doth limp behind the substance’.A. When Bassanio is praising the portrait, he concludes by saying that just as his actual praise is unjust

to this portrait because it under-estimates the picture, similarly the portrait falls short of the living Portia in beauty.

25. What were the contents of the scroll?A. Bassanio reads that since he has not chosen by mere outward appearances, he should always be

fortunate and make his choice as wisely as his one. Since this fortune has befallen him, he should be satisfied and seek nothing more for his happiness. If he is well pleased with his luck, and feels that fate has brought him happiness, then he should go to his lady and claim her as his own with a kiss of love.

26. Describe Bassanio’s feelings on learning the success of his choice.A. On learning the success of his choice, Bassanio is at the height of his joy. He says that he feels like

one who is striving to win some contest, like one of the two prize-fighters. He hears the applause and the shout, but is too bewildered by the struggle to be able to tell whether the applause is for him or not. Such is Bassanio’s condition, as he is yet uncertain whether he has won Portia or not. He asks Portia to confirm, approve and sanction it and to return the kiss.

27. How does Portia reply to Bassanio when he claims her?A. Portia says that as far as her desires are concerned, she is content to be as she is and does not wish

to be much better. Yet, for Bassanio’s sake, she wishes she were thrice twenty times better (sixty times more) than what she is, a thousand times more beautiful and ten thousand times richer. She wishes she were infinitely fairer, and that her friends, her goodness, her possessions and estates were beyond all description and calculation, if that would raise her higher in his esteem. All she can offer him in her own person is a mere nothing. She may be described as nothing better than a maiden without education, training and experience. However, she is glad that she is still young enough to have time to improve. She is even happier because she is not so dull by nature as not to be able to learn. She is happiest of all because she is now able to surrender her mind and heart completely and willingly to the guidance of her lord, master and king, Bassanio; to be moulded by him as he likes.

28. What does Portia say about her possessions?A. Portia tells Bassanio that all she possesses, together with herself, now changes hands and is given to

him. A moment before, she ruled over her beautiful house, governed her attendants and was mistress of herself and her own actions, and now, at this very moment, she bestows them all upon him – the mansion, her servants and herself.

29. What does Portia give Bassanio as a token of her surrender to him? What warning accompanies it?

A. As a token of her surrender to Bassanio, Portia gives him a ring.She warns him that if he ever parts with it, lose it or give to someone else, it will be a sign that he loves

her no more and she shall then blame him for this.

30. What is Bassanio’s reaction to Portia’s self-surrender to him? What does he say?A. Bassanio is overpowered with emotion when Portia makes her self-surrender to him. He tells her

that her love and goodness render him speechless. Only the rush of his blood through his veins betrays him, and tries to answer her. He is so overwhelmed by his emotions that he feels bewildered. As the confused murmur of applause, which rises from the crowd at the conclusion of a well-delivered speech from a favourite prince, is expressive of pleasure and yet confused and almost hesitant, so Bassanio’s faculties seem to be unable to give expression to his great joy in any logical speech.

31. What promise does Bassanio make regarding the ring?A. Bassanio promises Portia that when the ring leaves his finger, then his spirit will flee and his life will

leave him. He will only part with the ring in death.32. What special favour does Gratiano ask Bassanio?A. Gratiano wishes Portia and Bassanio that all the joy and happiness they desire may be showered

upon them. He says that he hopes that they will wish him to have the same. He asks them to grant him a special favour – when their marriage ceremony is performed; he also wants to celebrate his marriage at the same time.

33. How had Gratiano wooed and won a wife?A. Gratiano tells Bassanio that he is not in any way behind Bassanio in perceiving beauty. While

Bassanio wooed Lady Portia, Gratiano wooed her lady- in-waiting. Just as Bassanio made a speedy courtship, so did Gratiano. Bassanio’s success or failure depended upon his choice of the right casket and so did Gratiano’s as well. After he had exhausted himself in pleading and persuasion, and vowed affection till he could speak no longer, at last he obtained a promise from the fair Nerissa. The promise was that Nerissa would love Gratiano, on condition that Bassanio had the good fortune to win the love of her mistress.

34. Who arrives a little later and how does Bassanio welcome them?A. Lorenzo, Jessica and Salerio arrived. Bassanio welcomes Lorenzo and Salerio to the house, if he may

venture to do so yet, considering the fact that it is very recent that he has acquired the rights to play the host. He tells Portia, if she will allow him, he welcomes these true friends and fellow-citizens with all his heart.

35. What does Salerio bring with him and what is his reply when Bassanio asks about Antonio before opening the letter?

A. Salerio gives Bassanio a letter from Antonio. Before opening the letter, Bassanio asks about Antonio. Salerio replies that he cannot say he is ill, unless

it be mentally, nor can he pronounce him well, unless it be mentally. Then he tells Bassanio that the letter sent by him will inform him of his condition.

36. What does Portia observe and say about Bassanio as he is reading Antonio’s letter?A. Portia says the letter contains some bitter news which has made Bassanio’s cheeks pale. Some dear

friend must have died for surely nothing else can affect the physical condition of such a firm man. She sees that his sorrow deepens. Then she begs of Bassanio to tell her the cause of his sorrow as she and Bassanio are now one, so she ought to share anything that befalls him. She asks him to tell her what news that letter has brought.

37. What confession does Bassanio make to Portia now?A. Bassanio tells Portia that the letter contains some of the most unwelcome news that was ever put in

black and white. He confesses that when he first disclosed his affection for her, he told her that the only wealth he possessed was his good birth. He spoke nothing but the truth. But even when he claimed nothing more than that and told her that he owned no possessions, he was exaggerating his position. He ought to have told her the he owned nothing, being in debt. He tells Portia that he is deeply indebted to a kind friend of his. This friend, for his sake, has given a bond to his worst foe. He did this solely to supply Bassanio with the money he needed.

38. How does Bassanio look upon Antonio’s letter after reading it?A. After reading it, Bassnio looks upon Antonio’s letter as if it is his body. The cruel words as the

number of stabs, each seeming to spout blood of his friend.

39. What does Antonio ask of Salerio now?A. He asks Salerio whether the news in the letter can be really true. Bassanio wants to know whether

not one of Antonio’s enterprises is successful. He asks whether not even one of his ships which have sailed to Tripolis, Mexico, England, Lisbon, Barbary and India, has attained success. He inquires again whether not a single vessel has escaped being wrecked on the dangerous rocks which prove so ruinous to merchants.

40. What is Salerio’s reply?A. Salerio replies that not a single ship escaped. Besides, it seems that even if Antonio had the money

to pay to the jew, the jew is not prepared to take it. He says that he has never known another creature in the shape of a man who is so keen and desirous of destroying another man.

Shylock urges the Duke of Venice morning and evening to take action against Antonio. He further says that if justice is denied to him he will discredit the state of Venice by saying that the rights of foreigners are not protected in Venice.

He further goes on to say that twenty merchants, Antonio’s friends, the Duke himself and all the most important noblemen (Magnificoes) of Venice have all argued with Shylock and pleaded with him for mercy but none has been able to persuade him to give up his cruel and malicious demand for justice. He

demands that he must get the penalty that is mentioned in the bond as Antonio has forfeited (failed to fulfil) the bond.

41. Explain: ‘and doth impeach the freedom of the state’A. The word ‘impeach’ means ‘call in question’. The phrase ‘freedom of the state’ refers to the

privileges which the state guarantees to foreigners dwelling in it.One of the privileges which the state guarantees to foreigners is that they should have an equal claim

with citizens of Venice to legal justice. If Shylock’s case against Antonio is not treated properly, it will bring discredit on the justice of Venice

for violating the free rights which foreigners were supposed to enjoy.

42. Which incident does Jessica relate now? What opinion does she express?A. Jessica relates that when she was at home, Shylock has frequently sworn to

Tubal and Chus (both Jews) that to have the penalty and to have Antonio’s flesh would prefer to have Antonio’s flesh than to have twenty times the value of the sum that Antonio owes to him.

She expresses the opinion that she is certain that Antonio is in grave danger, unless the authority of the state, the law and the power of the Duke are able to intervene and save him.

43. When Portia asks Bassanio whether it is his dear friend who is now in such danger, what eulogy (tribute) does Bassanio pronounce upon Antonio?

A. Bassanio says that Antonio is the dearest friend and the kindest man that he has ever seen. He is the best natured man and is never tired of doing favours. He shows the ancient Roman spirit of honour more clearly than any living man in the whole of Italy. His loyalty to friends and country is unparalleled.

44. When Portia learns that Antonio owes only three thousand ducats to Shylock, what advice does she give Bassanio?

A. When Portia learns that Antonio owes only three thousand ducats to Shylock, she tells Bassanio to pay him double (six thousand) and cancel the bond. Double six thousand (twelve thousand) and then treble that (thirty six thousand) before a friend of such good qualities can lose even a single hair because of Bassanio’s fault.

She suggests that they should go to the church and get married at once, so that Bassanio will have a right to the money and then go to Venice to his friend’s assistance. He must not stay by her side when his mind is so full of worries. He will get enough gold to pay that loan twenty times over. When his loan is paid, he must return to Belmont with his friend.

In the meantime, Nerissa and she will live like unmarried girls or widows. She says that they should go at once to the church to get married. After that he must depart quickly, on the very day of their marriage. Meanwhile, he should welcome his friends and show a cheerful countenance to them. She will love him very dearly, and value him most highly, since such a price has been paid that she might wed him.

45. Give the substance of Antonio’s letter to Bassanio.A. Antonio begins by telling Bassanio that all his ships have been lost, his creditors have become cruel,

his resources are at a very low ebb and hence he is unable to repay the Jew. So he has to pay the penalty of the bond and since in paying that, he would lose his life, his only wish is to see him once before he dies. All of Bassanio’s debts to him will be cleared if he can come at the time of his death. Nevertheless he

should use his discretion or do as he pleases. If his beloved does not allow him to come, then he should not pay any attention to his request.

46. What does Portia tell Bassanio to do?A. Portia tells Bassanio to do all that is to be done quickly and leave for Venice at once.

47. What is Bassanio’s reply?A. Bassanio replies that he will indeed hasten since she is willing that he should go, but he will not

sleep nor take any rest till he returns to her. Then they all leave to get married.

ACT III SCENE 3

1. Where does the scene take place? Name the character who enter the scene. What are they probably doing before they meet Shylock?

A. This scene takes place in a street in Venice. Shylock, Salarino, Antonio and the Gaoler (jailer) enter the scene.

The scene begins with a conversation already in progress. The jailer has probably been talking toShylock before the scene opens.

2. Whom does Shylock tell the jailer to look to? What three things about him does Shylock tell the jailer?

A. Shylock tells Antonio to look to Antonio.He tells the jailer to guard Antonio closely and see that he does not escape. He tells him not to plead

with him to show mercy to Antonio. Then he says that Antonio is the fool who gave loans without interest.

3. Why does Antonio say ‘Hear me yet’? Why does he call Shylock ‘good’?A. Antonio says ‘hear me yet’ because he wants to beg Shylock to relent and to persuade him to call off

the trial.He calls Shylock ‘good’ to soften him and win him over so that he will change his mind.

4. What is Shylock’s reply?A. Shylock says he must have the penalty mentioned in the bond. He is not willing to listen to even a

word against it. He has taken an oath that he will obtain the penalty mentioned in the bond. He recalls that Antonio would call him a ‘dog’ before shylock had given him any cause or occasion to do

so. He tells Antonio that since he is a dog, Antonio should beware of his teeth for they can bite. He says that he will have the case judged by the Duke, who cannot allow the breaking of a signed agreement.

5. What does Shylock angrily tell the jailor? Why?A. Shylock angrily tells the jailer that he is surprised greatly at his being so foolish as to yield to

Antonio’s request and bring him out into the open.

He is angry at the sight of Antonio enjoying so much liberty. Therefore he criticizes the jailer for bringing him out.

6. How does Shylock reply when Antonio beseeches him a second time to listen to what he has to say?

A. When Antonio beseeches Shylock a second time to listen to what he has to say, Shylock says that he will not listen to him. All he wants is his bond. He tells Antonio it is useless attempting to talk him over. He insists on the agreement. He says he is not so stupid as to yield to persuasion, or be shaken in his determination by the pleadings of anyone, nor give up his point at the request of his Christian friends. He tells Antonio not to attempt to come after him. He will not argue with him. He again insists on his bond.

7. What does Salarino remark about Shylock after he leaves?A. After Shylock leaves, Salarino remarks that he is surely the most hard-hearted, merciless dog that

has ever lived with human creatures.

8. What reason does Antonio suggest for Shylock’s unrelenting (merciless) attitude?A. Antonio declares that he will ask no more favours of Shylock since he knows that Shylock wants only

his life.Antonio says that Shylock is merciless because many a times Antonio had saved men upon whom

Shylock was trying to impose the penalties of not fulfilling their bonds with him. When they came to see him in their distress, he had delivered them out of Shylock’s clutches. Therefore Shylock hates him.

9. How does Salarino try to bring hope to Antonio regarding the bond?A. Salarino tries to bring hope to Antonio regarding the bond by saying that he is sure that the Duke

will never permit the penalty of the bond to be enforced.

10. How does Antonio point out that his hope is in vain? Explain.A. Antonio says that the Duke cannot change the course of the law. The foreigners enjoy certain rights

and privileges in Venice. The law of the land will be called in question if the Duke denies the taking of the penalty and it will adversely affect the trade of the city since a number of foreigners and strangers have trade with them. So Antonio is certain that Shylock’s case is strong and that the Duke cannot change the law to favour Antonio.

11. What effect do Antonio’s anxieties have on his body? What remark does Antonio make about it?A. Antonio’s body is reduced greatly because of his anxieties and troubles.Antonio remarks that he will hardly have a pound of flesh left upon him by the day of the trial, to pay

the forfeit to Shylock.

12. Explain: ‘ to see me pay his debt’A. The only thing that Antonio wants now is to see Bassanio once more before he dies.Antonio means that Bassanio should arrive in time to see Antonio pay with his life the debt that he

contracted for the sake of his friend, Bassanio.

SCENE 41. Where does the scene take place? Name the character who enter the scene.A. This scene takes place in a room in Portia’s house in Belmont. Portia, Nerissa, Lorenzo and Balthazar

enter the scene.

2. What is Lorenzo telling Portia? What does he say in praise of Antonio?A. Lorenzo tells Portia that she has a noble and true idea of the divine quality of friendship. This idea is

clear from the fact that she is thus bearing the absence of her husband, Bassanio. He says that though he says this in her presence, he does not mean to flatter her.

He tells Portia that if she knew the person to whom she has shown this honour and kindness, if only she knew how true a friend he was to Bassanio, then she would be more proud of her action in sending, Bassanio, than normal kindness can make her feel.

3. What does Portia say about her kind actions?A. Portia says that she has never had cause to regret any kind action she may have done and she is

certain that she will not need to regret this kind action just mentioned by Lorenzo.

4. How does Portia describe the likeness between her husband and Antonio?A. Portia believes that when two friends associate, spend time together and feel an equal force of love,

there must necessarily be a similarity of characteristics, of manners and of nature. This makes her think that Antonio, who is the bosom friend of her lord, must necessarily be like her

lord.

5. Explain: ‘ if it be so, how little is the cost I have …………. the state of hellish cruelty’A. Portia says that if Antonio is like her husband, the expenditure of money is a very small sacrifice on

her part to save Antonio from the clutches of the cruel Jew.

6. What instructions does Portia now give Lorenzo?A. Portia gives Lorenzo the responsibility and management of her household till her husband returns.

As far as she is concerned, she says that she has taken a secret pledge before God to spend the time in prayers and religious thinking with none but Nerissa as her companion, until the return of their husbands. Two miles from there is monastery where they will stay. She concludes by telling Lorenzo not to refuse to carry out this task which her love and present necessity makes her place upon him.

7. After Lorenzo and Jessica accept the task assigned to them and depart, what does Portia instruct Balthazar privately?

A. After Lorenzo and Jessica accept the task assigned to them and depart, Portia privately instructs Balthazar, her honest and trustworthy servant, to bear a letter from her to her cousin, the lawyer, Doctor Bellario of Padua. He has to hasten with all the speed he is capable of to Padua and deliver her letter into her cousin’s own hands. Then he has to obtain certain letters, notes and robes. He has to be careful to bring them as quickly as possible to the public ferry- boat which plies back and toward Venice. Portia tells him not to waste time in talking but to go speedily. She will be at the ferry before he gets there.

8. What hints about her plan does Portia give Nerissa after Balthazar’s departure? In what state will their husbands see them?

A. After Balthazar’s departure, Portia gives Nerissa a hint about her plan that they will see their husbands before they can so much as even dream of it.

Their husbands will certainly see them, but in such clothes that they will be completely deceived. They will think that they possess the ‘qualities of men’ which they do not really possess.

9. How does Portia plan to behave and speak, so as to be taken for a young man?A. Portia says that when she is dressed like a young man, she will wear her dagger by her side in with a more gallant air, she will speak in a voice which is between a young boy’s and a man’s and it will be shrill. She shall take one manly stride in place of two short ones as women do. Speak of fights like a boastful young boy She will tell fanciful lies about how respectable ladies have loved her and have died of a broken

heart because she did not love them in return. She will say she could not help it and pretend she is sorry for them and that she wished they did not

die for her sake as it was not her fault. She will go on with a score of other little inventions and lies until people will believe that she has left

school more than a year already. Portia says that her mind is full of these thousands of school-boyish pranks such as these young,

inexperienced and bragging youth employ, and she will try them all.

10. Where and when will Portia outline the rest of the plan to Nerissa? Why does Portia say they must not delay?

A. Portia will outline the rest of the plan to Nerissa in the coach which is already waiting for them at the park gate. She will let Nerissa hear it while they are travelling in it.

Portia says they must not delay for they have to travel twenty miles to Venice before nightfall.

SCENE 51. Where does the scene take place? Name the characters who enter the scene.A. This scene takes place in a garden at Belmont. Launcelot and Jessica enter the scene.

2. What reason does Launcelot give for Jessica being damend?A. Launcelot tells Jessica that the wicked deeds of the parents have evil consequences for the children.

Launcelot means that Jessica will be damned because of her father’s sins, i.e. Shylock’s determination to take revenge. Moreover, Christians in those days believed that there was no salvation for the souls of Jews and non-Christians. So, since Jessica is the daughter of a Jew, she is sure to be damned.

3. What does Jessica mean by saying that she will be saved by her husband? A. By saying that she will be saved by her husband, Jessica means that being converted to Christianity

by her husband, she will be saved from damnation.

4. According to Launcelot why is Lorenzo to be blamed rather than praised for her conversion?A. According to Launcelot, Lorenzo is to be blamed rather than praised for her conversion because he

has added to the number of Christians of whom there were enough already. This making of Christians will raise the price of pork because if all become eaters of pork they shall soon

not get a slice of bacon left to cook over the fire.

5. Who enters the scene now? What does he say to Launcelot?A. Lorenzo enters the scene now. He tells Launcelot that he will begin to become jealous of him, if he sees him talking to his wife in quiet

places like the garden.

6. How does Jessica assure Lorenzo that he need not be afraid of their friendship? What does she report about their conversation?

A. Jessica assures Lorenzo that he need not be afraid of their friendship as she and Launcelot have just quarreled.

She reports that Launcelot has just told her plainly that Heaven will show no mercy to her as she is the daughter of a Jew. She says he also finds fault with Lorenzo. He says that Lorenzo is not a good citizen and does injury to his fellow-citizens for he makes pork dearer by converting Jews to Christians, thus adding to the number of those who may eat it.

7. What does Lorenzo bid Launcelot to do? How does he pun on the words ‘prepare for dinner’?A. Lorenzo bids Launcelot to go indoors, and tell the servant to get dinner ready and serve it. Launcelot

willfully misunderstands his words and says that they will be ready and fully prepared for dinner as they have plenty of appetite.

8. What does Lorenzo say to Launcelot when he willfully misunderstands him? What is Launcelot’s reply?

A. Lorenzo calls him a ‘wit-snapper’ meaning that he is ever ready to snap up the words of Lorenzo and pun on them. Then he corrects himself and simply says ‘prepare dinner’.

When Lorenzo says ‘prepare dinner’, he means ‘get the dinner ready for serving’. Launcelot willfully makes it mean ‘get dinner cooked’. So he replies that it is cooked and ready. Only the table has to be laid (covered).

9. What does Lorenzo now tell Launcelot to do? In what sense does launcelot take the word ‘cover’? Explain the pun.

A. Lorenzo now asks Launcelot to ‘cover’ meaning to lay the cloth on the table, lay the table with plates and dishes.

Launcelot pretends to take the word ‘cover’ in the sense of wearing the hat. He replies that he will not wear his hat in the presence of his superiors, Lorenzo and Jessica saying that

he knows the duty as a servant.Launcelot is punning on the word ‘cover’. One meaning is ‘to lay the table’ the other is ‘to put on one’s

hat’.

10. What is Lorenzo’s reaction to his series of puns? What does he say?A. Lorenzo is heartily tired of Lorenzo’s puns. He asks him if he is trying to show them all his cleverness

in one moment. He begs him to try to take in the meaning of the simple words of a simple man. He tells Launcelot to go and tell his fellow-servants to lay the table and bring in the food. They will come to dinner.

11. What is Launcelot’s ridiculous reply?A. He tells Lorenzo the table shall be ‘served’ meaning ‘laid’, the meat shall be ‘covered’ meaning

‘served’. He says as for their coming in to dinner, that depends on their mood and fancy for he cannot ‘bid’ them to do anything.

12. What does Lorenzo ironically remark to Jessica about Launcelot after he goes away?A. Lorenzo remarks that a great lack of discrimination is shown in Launcelot’s misapplication of words.

That fool has filled his mind with quite a stock of fine words ready for use. Since Lorenzo is rather vexed with Launcelot’s nonsense, he remarks that he knows many men who

have higher rank in society but are really fools like him. They have a large stock of good words and like him they will let the whole sense of the subject in hand go by, for the sake of using a witty and clever expression, that is, by placing a double meaning on a word.

13. In what terms of lofty praise does Jessica speak of Portia?A. Jessica says that her praise for Portia is beyond all words. It is proper that Bassanio should now lead

an honest life. Since his wife is such a blessing to him he finds the joy of heaven on this earth. If he does not lead an honest life on the earth he can never expect to go to heaven. If two gods were to play some match in heaven and stake on the wager two earthly women and if Portia be one of them then something of value would have to be added to the other woman for this poor world does not possess Portia’s equal.

14. What does Lorenzo mockingly remark now? What is Jessica’s reply?A. Lorenzo mockingly remarks that Jessica has just as peerless (without a match) a husband as Bassanio

has a wife. Jessica teasingly replies that he should not be too sure of that. He should wait and hear her opinion of

him just as he heard her opinion of Portia.

15. When does Lorenzo want to hear it? Why?A. Lorenzo wants to hear it during dinner, because however unpalatable (unpleasant) her words may

be, he will still digest them with the rest of his dinner.Lorenzo means to say that if Jessica is going to say something unpleasant about him, it will be

unpalatable by itself, before dinner.If she says it when having dinner, the food will serve as a sauce to enable him to digest her words.

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