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Larkhall Academy

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Information about this unit –

In this unit you will find:

Notes on the play Notes on the playwright Language Tasks Textual analysis tasks Critical Essay practice work

The close study of this text will be in preparation for the CRITICAL ESSAY part of your exam.

Plot OverviewBassanio is desperately in need of money to court Portia, a wealthy heiress who lives in the city of Belmont. Bassanio asks Antonio, a Venetian merchant, for a loan in order to impress Portia. Antonio agrees, but is unable to make the loan himself because his own money is invested in trade ships that are still at sea, but will get a loan from one of the city’s moneylenders. In Belmont, Portia is at the mercy of her father’s will, which stipulates that she must marry the man who correctly chooses one of three caskets. None of Portia’s current suitors are to her liking, and she and her lady-in-waiting, Nerissa, fondly remember a visit paid some time before by Bassanio.

In Venice, Antonio and Bassanio approach Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, for a loan. Shylock nurses a long-standing grudge against Antonio as he has made a habit of berating Shylock and other Jews for their usury, loaning money at exorbitant rates of interest, and by undermining their business by offering interest-free loans. However, Shylock offers to lend Bassanio three thousand ducats with no interest. Shylock adds, however, that should the loan go unpaid, he will be entitled to a pound of Antonio’s flesh. Despite Bassanio’s warnings, Antonio agrees. In Shylock’s household, his servant Launcelot decides to work for Bassanio and Shylock’s daughter Jessica schemes to elope with Antonio’s friend Lorenzo. That night, the streets of Venice fill up with revellers, and Jessica escapes with Lorenzo by dressing as his page. After a night of celebration, Bassanio and his friend Gratiano leave for Belmont, where Bassanio intends to win Portia’s hand.

Bassanio arrives at Portia’s estate, and they declare their love for one another. Despite Portia’s request that he wait before choosing, Bassanio immediately picks the correct casket, and Gratiano confesses that he has fallen in love with Nerissa. The couples decide on a double wedding. Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a token of love, and makes him swear that under no circumstances will he part with it. The celebration is cut short by the news that Antonio has indeed lost his ships, and that he has forfeited his bond to Shylock. Bassanio and Gratiano immediately travel to Venice to try and save Antonio’s life.

Shylock ignores the many pleas to spare Antonio’s life, and a trial is called to decide the matter. The duke of Venice announces that he has sent for a legal expert, who turns out to be Portia disguised as a young man of law. Portia asks Shylock to show mercy, but he insists the pound of flesh is rightfully his. Bassanio offers Shylock twice the money due him, but Shylock insists on collecting the bond. Portia examines the contract and declares that Shylock is entitled to the merchant’s flesh. Shylock ecstatically praises her wisdom, but as he is on the verge of collecting his due, Portia reminds him that he must do so without causing Antonio to bleed, as the contract does

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not entitle him to any blood. Portia informs Shylock that he is guilty of conspiring against the life of a Venetian citizen, which means he must turn over half of his property to the state and the other half to Antonio. The duke spares Shylock’s life and takes a fine instead of Shylock’s property. Antonio also forgoes his half of Shylock’s wealth on two conditions: first, Shylock must convert to Christianity, and second, he must will the entirety of his estate to Lorenzo and Jessica upon his death. Shylock agrees.

Bassanio showers the young law clerk with thanks, and is eventually pressured into giving Portia the ring with which he promised never to part. The two women return to Belmont. When Bassanio and Gratiano arrive the next day, their wives accuse them of faithlessly giving their rings to other women. Before the deception goes too far, however, Portia reveals that she was, in fact, the law clerk, and both she and Nerissa reconcile with their husbands. Lorenzo and Jessica are pleased to learn of their inheritance from Shylock, and the joyful news arrives that Antonio’s ships have in fact made it back safely. The group celebrates its good fortune.

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Act 1 Plot – The Merchant of VeniceThe play is set in _____________ and _______________. However, only one of these settings is real and the other is fictional.

At the beginning Antonio is not in good spirits and his friends are trying to cheer him up. They think the reason he is upset is because __________________________________________. They also offer the alternative of _________________________________ but he rejects this idea. They offer him advice on how he acts and that he shouldn’t try to gain people’s good opinion by remaining silent so as to appear full of ____________.

Finally Antonio and _____________ are left alone, and ________________ has promised to reveal the name of the lady he wishes to visit. Bassanio explains to Antonio that he has been living a luxury lifestyle and has wasted away his income and his means. He knows that he owes Antonio a lot of money already but hope that his friend’s ________________ will encourage him to lend again in hope of return. Antonio acts ______________ that his friend thinks he will not support him. Antonio promises him the money if he manages to raise the sum as all his wealth is ________________.

The play then moves to Belmont where ___________ is discussing with ____________ the conditions Portia’s deceased father put upon her marriage. She is finding this ____________________ and wishes she had the right to choose herself. In bitterness, they start to discuss her suitors so far. These opinions are ___________________ and __________________ of the times in which the play was written. Nerissa comments that all suitors have left without choosing between the _______________________________. The only one she looks favourably upon is a man who visited her father while he was alive - ___________________.

The action then returns to __________________ where Bassanio has approached ______________________ for a loan on behalf of __________________. At first Shylock is hesitant because of _____________________________. When Antonio arrives we learn of the _______________ between the two and Shylock’s hatred for Antonio. Shylock is ___________________ towards Shylock even though he is helping him by loaning him money. Shylock speaks of the way Antonio has treat him in the past. Shylock does not want to quarrel and proposes to lend without _________ with the joke forfeit of a _____________________ if Antonio does not pay him back. Antonio agrees because he is certain his ______________ will return before

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the time to repay. They arrange to meet at the solicitor’s however _________________ is ______________ about this forfeit.

Literary Techniques in ‘The Merchant of Venice’

Technique DefinitionElision

Soliloquy

Aside

Foreshadowing

Paradox

Contrast

Symbolism

Allusion

Motif

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Antithesis

The Merchant of Venice – Background Information

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Setting Notes

Genre

What is a Romantic Comedy?

Tracking Themes

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A theme is …

Theme

Shakespeare’s Purpose

Motifs and SymbolsMotif – Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, ideas and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Symbol - Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Looking at the following concepts from ‘The Merchant of Venice’ split them up into symbols and motifs.

Motifs Symbols

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RingsThe Law

The Three Casketts

The Pound of Flesh

Cross -Dressing

Symbols and MetaphorsConsider what each of these symbols represents in the play. You should use the text to help you.

Symbol Representation

Gold

Silver People who try to be something they’re not and make compromises for comfort.

Lead

The Pound of Flesh

Leah’s ring Love, Grief, Humanity.

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Questions Act 1 Scenes 1-31. How does Shylock earn his money and what does at least one Christian character

think about it? (1.3.1-47) (1.3.103-124)

2. Why does Bassanio need to ask Antonio to sponsor him? (1.1.122-134) (1.1.140-152)

3. Why does Bassanio want to marry Portia? (1.1.161-176)

4. Why does Antonio need to ask Shylock for a loan? (1.1.177-185)

5. How does Shylock say that Antonio and other Christians have treated him in the past? (1.3.103-124)

6. How does Antonio respond? (1.3.125-132)

7. Shylock says that he will agree to the loan if Antonio will agree to a bond. What is the bond? (1.3.139-145)

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Answers

Antonio and Shylock’s relationship

• How does Shylock say that Antonio and other Christians have treated him in the past? (1.3.103-124)

• How does Antonio respond? (1.3.125-132)

• Why don’t Antonio and Shylock like each other? You should find one quote for each. (1.3.38-40) (1.3.103-124)

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Characterisation – Shylock

Point Evidence Explain Personal Response

“I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him ... Cursed be my tribe if I forgive him.” (1.3.44-49)

“...Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe.” (1.3.107)

“You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, And spit upon my Jewish gabardine ...” (1.3.108)

“Why look you how you storm. I would be friends with you, and have your love, forget the shames that you have stained me with ...” (1.3.135)

“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek, a goodly apple rotten at the heart. O what a goodly outside falsehood hath” (1.3.95)

Even before the play begins Shylock is portrayed as an archetype. In the dramatis personae he is referred to as “Shylock, a rich Jew”. Throughout the play the characters refer to him simply as ‘the Jew’. This characterisation dehumanises and depersonalises Shylock and reduces him from a person to a category. During Shakespeare’s time Shylock, and Jews in general, were portrayed on the stage as comical, yet villainous figures. The costume included an orange wig, a bulbous nose, and a large sinister cape. Jews were types, not people.

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Themes In Act 1Scene 3, Shylock dominates the action. We see him give his first soliloquy aside in this scene. In this, and other parts of his dialogue, a number of themes of explored. Below are some of these themes. Your task is to identify where in the speech each of these themes is evident.

Theme Evidence Explain

Appearance versus reality

Discrimination

Revenge

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Key Points Act 1 Scene 1-3 These scenes establish the play’s dramatic premise – the bond and Portia’s plight –

and present the main characters and their relationships. At the same time, these first three scenes establish our expectations of the rest of the play as well as a central theme that permeates the entire play – the injustice of discrimination.

Similarly Shakespeare introduces us to the wealthy world of upper class Venice. However, the conversation in the opening scene is not founded upon money but upon friendship – Antonio’s friends see it as their duty to cheer him up. We may infer that money is very important to these men, but the code of manners that they share requires them to act as though friendship, camaraderie, and good cheer matter more than money.

However, if the professions of affection between Antonio and the other merchants simply seem like good manners, Antonio’s loyalty toward his friend Bassanio is obviously quite sincere. Where Bassanio is concerned, love and friendship really are more important to Antonio than money.

When Bassanio asks for help, Antonio promptly offers all of his money and credit, insisting that they go straightaway to a lender so he can stand as security for Bassanio. Antonio’s defining characteristic is his willingness to do anything for his friend Bassanio, even lay down his life.

Therefore our initial impression of Antonio is noble, loyal and loving but his reaction to shylock disproves this later in the Act. His reaction to Shylock is the fulfilment of the discrimination and prejudices of the time.

Shylock remarks on how the Christians have dehumanised him and dwells on the images of ‘cut-throat dog’ – which he has been called (1.3.108). This sets the mood for the entire play as the audience struggles with the concept that this was comedic in Shakespearean time however unnerving to the present day reader.

Moreover, Shylock’s vengeance taints the view that he is a victim as he jokily requests a pound of flesh as a forfeit. The reader gains insight into his schemes through his aside monologue. This is the primary catalyst for the plays events and ultimately is what ties all three plot strands together.

Act I, scene ii introduces Portia, the heroine of the play, and establishes the casket test through which she will find a husband. After we see more of Portia, her compliance with her dead father’s instructions may seem odd, as she proves to be an extremely independent and strong-willed character.

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This suggests that Portia is not all she seems therefore introduces the idea that appearance and reality are not always synonymous.

Highlight the important parts of these notes.

If you have your own copy of the play, you can annotate it.

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Innermost ThoughtsThrough their soliloquies we learn what characters are really thinking. At other times, perhaps, we can guess what a character is thinking, and it might be quite different from what he/she says. What are the characters innermost thoughts when these words are spoken?

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“Ho no, no, no, no. My meaning is saying he is a good man …” (1.3.14)

“If I can catch him once upon the hhip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him” (1.3.43)

“Mark you this Bassanio, The devil can cite scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek, a goodly apple rotten at the heart. O what a goodly outside falsehood hath.” (1.3.94-100)

“I would be friends with you, and have your love, forget the shames that you have stained me with …” (1.3.136)

Portia – Act 1 Scene 2 and Act 2 Scene 1

1. The first time we meet Portia is when she is discussing her suitors with Nerissa. What do the first 35 lines of Act 1 Scene 2 tell us about her?

2. What is symbolic about the situation that she is in in relation to her father’s will?

3. Does what she says in the Act 2 Scene 1 change or reinforce your opinion of her? Why?

4. We have watched racial and religious tensions and discriminations at work in Act 1, what other sensitive issue does Act 2 open with?

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Answers:

Act 2 Scene 2 – Launcelot’s Soliloquy

This scene opens with Launcelot agonising over his current employment. List the reasons for and against him staying with his master, Shylock. Find evidence to support your answer (quotations from the passage).

For Leaving Against Leaving

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Soliloquy - an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.

Extension – At this stage of the play how do you feel towards the character of Shylock? Give evidence and explanations for your feelings.

Textual Analysis – Jessica1. How would you define the relationship between Jessica and Shylock?

2. What is Shylock’s attitude towards her?

3. Are we meant to sympathize with the moneylender’s daughter? How does Shakespeare create this sympathy? Use evidence to support your answer.

4. What do Launcelot and the audience know, that Shylock does not know?

5. Even Shylock’s words to his daughter are full of refences to his hatred of Christians. How does he regard ‘Christian’ behaviour? Make note of the words he uses to express his distaste.

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When the audience knows something that a character does not, the playwright is using dramatic irony

Appearance Versus Reality – Act 2 Scene 5,6

Jessica portrays the theme of ‘appearance versus reality’ in her dialogue and her action. Your task is to identify where in Act 2 Scene 5 and 6 this theme is evident. But firstly, you must define the nature of this theme – what does it mean?

Scene Evidence ExplainAct 2 Scene 5

Act 2 Scene 6

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ThemesSelf-Interest Versus Love

On the surface, the main difference between the Christian characters and Shylock appears to be that the Christian characters value human relationships over business ones, whereas Shylock is only interested in money. The Christian characters certainly view the matter this way. Merchants like Antonio lend money free of interest and put themselves at risk for those they love, whereas Shylock agonises over the loss of his money and is reported to run through the streets crying, “O, my ducats! O, my daughter!” (2.8.15). With these words, he apparently values his money at least as much as his daughter, suggesting that his greed outweighs his love.

However, upon closer inspection, this supposed difference between Christian and Jew breaks down. When we see Shylock in Act 3, scene 1, he seems more hurt by the fact that his daughter sold a ring that was given to him by his dead wife before they were married than he is by the loss of the ring’s monetary value. Some human relationships do indeed matter to Shylock more than money. Moreover, his insistence that he have a pound of flesh rather than any amount of money shows that his resentment is much stronger than his greed.

Just as Shylock’s character seems hard to pin down, the Christian characters also present an inconsistent picture. Though Portia and Bassanio come to love one another, Bassanio seeks her hand in the first place because he is monstrously in debt and needs her money. Bassanio even asks Antonio to look at the money he lends Bassanio as an investment, though Antonio insists that he lends him the money solely out of love. In other words, Bassanio is anxious to view his relationship with Antonio as a matter of business rather than of love.

Finally, Shylock eloquently argues that Jews are human beings just as Christians are, but Christians such as Antonio hate Jews simply because they are Jews. Thus, while the Christian characters may talk more about mercy, love, and charity, they are not always consistent in how they display these qualities.

Highlight and make notes on the passage above.

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Find quotations from the following to show the following in relation to the theme of self-interest versus love:

Point Evidence

Christian characters value relationships over money this is shown through Antonio’s willingness to risk anything because of his love for Bassanio.

Bassanio’s motivation for marrying Portia sways between the two opposing aspects of this theme. At first it is not down to love but the fact that he is in debt.

Shylock’s greed outweighs or equals his love for his daughter.

Antonio’s actions do not display love.

Shylock’s actions do not display love.

Mini Essay

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Choose a play in which a central character suffers from a weakness of character such as self-interest, pride, lust etc.

By referring to appropriate features, discuss how this weakness is revealed and how it aids your understanding of the themes of the play.

1. Make notes in the boxes below. They don’t need to be full sentences but an idea of what you’d put in each section.

2. Have a go at writing two paragraphs.

Point Example Explain Personal Response

Act 2 Scene 7 – 9Portia’s Suitors

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1. What was Portia’s father trying to achieve by the use of the caskets?

2. What is the Prince of Morocco’s opinion of himself, ad of Portia?

3. What does the Prince base his choice on?

4. In Act 2 Scene 9, the Prince of Arragon discards the golden casket. Why? What does his interpretation of the inscription tell us about his character?

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Answers:

Caskett ImageryIn the play one of the central images surrounds the idea of the caskets – lottery and the idea that Portia’s marital fate is a lottery. However, the speeches of Morocco, Arragon and Bassanio reinforce the idea that the trial of the casketts is a trial of character rather than a game of chance.

Therefore the casket image oscillates in its imagery: part game of chance, part judge, and part rationalisation of Portia’s desire for Bassanio.

o Find quotations from the speeches to prove the following points and analyse them as to what they tell the reader about the caskett scheme.

Point Example Explain Personal Response

Chance

Judge of character

Rationalisation of Portia’s desire for Bassanio

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Act 2 Scene 8Summary:

Salerio and Solanio discuss developments in Venice. When Shylock discovered that Jessica was gone, he demanded that the Duke of Venice have Bassanio's ship searched; this proved to be impossible because Bassanio had already sailed. Antonio, however, assured the duke that Lorenzo and Jessica were not on board Bassanio's ship. Solanio then describes how Shylock raved in the streets, while everyone in Venice followed him, mocking him, his daughter, and his ducats.

1. In this scene Solanio parodies Shylock. What does this mean? What is Shakespeare’s purpose in doing this?

Consider their perspective on Jews and make notes on the historical context alongside this.

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Biblical Allusion Act 3 Scene 1The malicious digs of Salanio and Salarino produce one of Shylock's most dramatic speeches in the play.

It is written in prose, but it is a good example of the superb intensity to which Shakespeare can raise mere prose. Shylock's series of accusing, rhetorical questions which form the central portion of the speech, from "Hath not a Jew eyes?" to "If you poison us, do we not die?" completely silences Shylock's tormentors. In fact, this speech silences us. We ourselves have to ponder it. It is one of the greatest pleas for human tolerance in the whole of dramatic literature.

But it is also something more, and we must not lose sight of its dramatic importance: It is a prelude to Shylock’s final decision concerning how he will deal with Antonio.

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In his speech Shylock appears to outline a common humanity between the two opposing religions. This alludes to Paul’s preaching in Galatians 3:27-29:

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.However, Shylock’s interpretation has one crucial difference. Whereas Paul describes how everyone is the same through being “in Christ”, Shylock eliminates this condition. He still sees them as different and this is exemplified through his continual use of the terms “Christian” and “Jew”. Therefore Shylock alludes to the Bible but twists it for his own means and purpose.

Textual Analysis – Shylock’s Speech1. A). What image does Shylock conjure up when he is discussing revenge as

something to be fed?

B). What does this imply about the nature of revenge?

2. What is the irony in Shylock discussing a Christian’s humility?

3. What words are repeated in this speech as a whole? To what effect?

4. What word is repeated almost as a refrain towards the end? To what effect?

5. How does the reader’s attitude towards Shylock change throughout this key speech?

6. How do we view Shylock at the end of this speech? Give evidence to support your answer.

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Answers:

Shylock’s characterAnalyse the following quotations as to what they show about Shylock’s character and the reader’s response to them. You should consider ‘THEME’ in the latter.

Evidence Explain Personal Response

“I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear.” (3.1.83-84)

“I thank thee good Tubal, good news, good news! Ha, ha!” (3.1.100-101) Upon hearing the news of Antonio’s misfortune and during his despair about Jessica’s elopement.

“Thou tourturest me Tubal. It was my turquoise, I had it of Lead when I was a bachelor. I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys.” (3.1.114-117)

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Textual Analysis – Act 3 Scene 21. In the previous scenes where we have seen Portia, she has been in control of the

situation, so she has been able to appear detached and unamused. What is different about her at the beginning of scene 2? Give evidence to support your answer.

2. Why does Portia want Bassanio to delay his choice?

3. Compare Bassanio’s logic in selection with Morocco’s and Aragon’s. How does his elimination process differ from theirs?

4. How does his description of the world also describe himself?

5. What does Portia’s speech in lines 166-174 reveal about the expected role of a woman in marriage?

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Answers:

Close Study – Portia’s Agitation

Find the lines where her train of thought suddenly changes or is interrupted by another consideration. Annotate what this tells us about her mood.

Find the lines where she considers the idea of telling Bassanio the answer. Why doesn’t she?

How does the repetition of ‘forsworn’ show how her mind is working?

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I pray you, tarry: pause a day or twoBefore you hazard; for, in choosing wrong,I lose your company: therefore forbear awhile.There's something tells me, but it is not love,I would not lose you; and you know yourself,Hate counsels not in such a quality.But lest you should not understand me well,--And yet a maiden hath no tongue but thought,--I would detain you here some month or twoBefore you venture for me. I could teach youHow to choose right, but I am then forsworn;So will I never be: so may you miss me;But if you do, you'll make me wish a sin,That I had been forsworn. Beshrew your eyes,They have o'erlook'd me and divided me;One half of me is yours, the other half yours,Mine own, I would say; but if mine, then yours,And so all yours. O, these naughty timesPut bars between the owners and their rights!And so, though yours, not yours. Prove it so,Let fortune go to hell for it, not I.I speak too long; but 'tis to peize the time,To eke it and to draw it out in length,To stay you from election.

Portia’s ImageryRead through Act 3 Scene 2 and pick out the classical references in this scene, for example Hercules. Consider what Portia is making comparison to and what this means. You may need to research these figures.

Classical Reference. Explanation of Comparison

Act 3 Scene 333

1. Why does Shylock insist on the punishment for forfeiting the bond?

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

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

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Shylock takes Antonio to jail, with Antonio pleading for mercy in vain. Solanio and Antonio discuss whether the Duke will dismiss the case, but Antonio believes the law will hold.

Answers:

Shylock CharacterisationFind three quotations from this scene that depict Shylock’s character most fully. Explain what they mean, how they relate to the themes of the text (discrimination, revenge, justice versus mercy etc) and your personal response. Remember in this scene his character is ambiguous – we sympathise with him but then he twists his speech to justify revenge.

Point Example Explain Personal Response

Critical Essay Plan35

Create a mini essay plan for the following question. You should include:

Introduction 4 Points

Once you have done this plan have a go at writing an introduction and one P.E.E.P paragraph on the following page.

Mini Essay

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Choose a play in which a central character suffers from a human weakness such as greed, self-interest, lust or pride.

Through reference to appropriate techniques, discuss how this weakness is portrayed to the reader and how it helps you to understand the themes of the text more fully.

Point 1

Point 2

Point 3

Point 4

Appearance Versus RealityAct 3 Scene 4

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Lorenzo assures Portia that Antonio is worthy of all the help she is sending him, and that if Portia only knew the depths of Antonio’s love and goodness, she would be proud of her efforts to save him. Portia replies that she has never regretted doing a good deed, and goes on to say that she could never deny help to anyone so close to her dear Bassanio. Indeed, Antonio and Bassanio are so inseparable that Portia believes saving her husband’s friend is no different than saving her own husband. She has sworn to live in prayer and contemplation until Bassanio returns to her, and announces that she and Nerissa will retire to a nearby monastery. Lorenzo and Jessica, she declares, will rule the estate in her absence.

Portia then sends her servant, Balthasar, to Padua, where he is to meet her cousin, Doctor Bellario, who will provide Balthasar with certain documents and clothing. From there, Balthasar will take the ferry to Venice, where Portia will await him. After Balthasar departs, Portia informs Nerissa that the two of them, dressed as young men, are going to pay an incognito visit to their new husbands. When Nerissa asks why, Portia dismisses the question, but promises to disclose the whole of her purpose on the coach ride to Venice.

Find quotations from the play which depict Portia’s manipulation of reality. You should consider this scene as well as the court scene.

Act 3 Scene 51. Why does Launcelot use wordplay as humour? What effect does his

humour have?

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2. Why do you think Shakespeare includes Launcelot as a character?

What are the recurring themes, ideas, emotions, and words in Act 3? Create a mind map reflecting these themes and ideas.

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Act 4 Scene 1 Revenge:

What do we learn about the nature of revenge and hatred here and throughout the whole play?

Think back to our discussions about Shakespeare’s purpose and provide evidence for your answer.

Point Evidence ExplainHatred is a cyclical phenomenon – it is fuelled by people and continues throughout the ages.

“The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction” (3.1.60–61)

Textual analysis:1. How does Shakespeare build tension and suspense in this scene?

2. What is the ironic of this scene and of Shylock’s “justice”? Think about the basis of the law.

3. Where is the turning point in this Act?

Shylock’s Characterisation:40

Answers:

Point Example Explain Personal Response

While Shylock is demanding "justice," Shakespeare makes absolutely clear to the audience that Shylock's inhumanity, his obsession with revenge, is what motivates his demands.

Cold-heartedly Shylock remarks: "the pound of flesh . . . is dearly bought, is mine, and I will have it."

This exemplifies how shylock is no longer speaking of "rights" anymore; he is demanding his enemy's blood in a forceful manner. When Shylock comments that the flesh is “dearly bought”, this implies that he believes himself to be in the right and exalting himself over his death.

The reader begins to question whether here he is referring to money or the discrimination and injustice that he has suffered at the hands of Antonio and the other Christians. Here Shakespeare successfully demonstrates how revenge once started cannot be stopped. This is ultimately Shylock’s downfall – his inability to escape his own vengeance.

“ O, thou be dammed, inexecrable dog … for thy desires are wolvish, bloody, starved and ravenous”

Genre – Romantic Comedy or Tragedy?41

At the end of the text it is difficult not to see Shylock as anything but a figure of pathos as he is left stripped of his daughter, his property, and his religion which seems a harsh judgment.

In relation to this consider that for the Elizabethan audience, Shylock was not just a "characterization"; he was the "villain" of a romantic comedy, and as such, he has to be punished.

Second, Shylock's money, which he had hoarded for himself, is to go to Lorenzo and Jessica, two of the play's lovers. Love and hate are thematically opposed in this play, and since Shylock is slowly revealed to be the embodiment of hate, there is a satisfying kind of justice in his riches going to a pair of lovers.

And third, the court's judgment that Shylock become a Christian would have pleased the Elizabethan audience immensely. They all genuinely believed that only a Christian could achieve salvation; they would see the court's decision as a chance for Shylock to achieve salvation. Thus the judgment was imposed, quite literally, for the good of Shylock's soul.

After Shylock's exit, the play, which has, at times, come near to tragedy, and which has had, because of Shylock, an element of pathos, reverts completely to the tone of a romantic comedy. The barrier to the true fulfilment of love has been removed. It remains only for us to return to Belmont for the closing act of the play; the threats and conflicts of this act are removed and are replaced by an atmosphere of love and concord.

Take notes on this by highlighting the key points.

Themes: Mercy

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Pathos – a quality that evokes pity or sadness.

This play begs the question, does mercy exist in the world? Between religious intolerance and personal revenge, the play seems devoid of a merciful being.

However, against all the odds, Portia does manage to bring about some mercy in Venice. When Shylock faces execution for his crimes, Portia persuades the Duke to pardon him. She then persuades Antonio to exercise mercy by not taking all of Shylock's money from him. Here, Portia's presence turns the proceedings away from violence and toward forgiveness. Portia does, therefore, succeed in transmitting some of her idealism into Venice. Act IV ends with the suggestion that idealism can sometimes survive in the real world.

Write a P.E.E.P paragraph about what the following quotations tell you about ‘mercy’.

Point Example Explain Personal Response

“The quality of mercy is not strained, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest, It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.” (4.1.184-7)

“The pound of flesh which I demand of him is dearly ought, ‘tis mine and I will have it. … I stand for judgement –answer, shall I have it?” (4.1.99-103)

Scene Summary43

Shylock refuses to dismiss the bond, even for repayment of twice the original loan. The Duke tries to reason with Shylock, asking him to have mercy in order to gain mercy, but Shylock argues that, since he has purchased his pound of flesh, it is his to do with as he likes.

Portia and Nerissa show up disguised, respectively as a young lawyer and a clerk, just as the Duke is ready to allow Shylock to claim his bond. Portia acknowledges the bond, but appeals to Shylock with her “quality of mercy is not strained” speech (ll.183-204). When he refuses, Portia says the law must be upheld, but asks him to reconsider mercy. Still, he demands his bond.

As Shylock prepares his knife and the scales on which to weigh the flesh, Antonio bids a passion-filled farewell to Bassanio, who declares that he would give up his wife to keep Antonio alive, to Portia and Nerissa’s chagrin.

As the sentence comes down, Portia reveals the loopholes in the law: not a drop of blood may be spilled with the taking of the pound of flesh; and precisely a pound of flesh may be taken, no more or less. Otherwise, all his possessions will be confiscated by the state of Venice. When Shylock backpedals, trying to take the payment rather than the bond, Portia shows no mercy. Furthermore, since Shylock has essentially plotted murder, his property will be split between Antonio and the state, and he is subject to the death penalty. The Duke allows him to live but requires that not only should Shylock’s property be willed to Lorenzo and Jessica but that Shylock become a Christian as well. Shylock assents, saying, “I am not well” (l.395).

Antonio and Bassanio offer to pay the disguised Portia and Nerissa for their help. They refuse, but Portia agrees to take Antonio’s gloves, asking Bassanio for his wedding ring. Bassanio initially refuses, but recants, sending Gratiano to deliver the ring.

Textual Analysis:1. What is Antonio’s mood going into the trial? How does this compare with his mood in? Why do you think this is?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. How does Gratiano respond to the proceedings?

10. How does Portia save Antonio’s life?

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

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

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

14. Was this a fair trial? Explain.

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

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

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Act 4 Scene 2 – The Rings subplot

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Portia and Nerissa deliver the deed for Shylock to sign. Gratiano catches up to deliver Bassanio’s ring to them which Portia has asked for previously. Nerissa then decides to get Gratiano to give up his ring also, and both women plot to make the men sorry they ever did.

Textual Analysis: 1. What does the fact that both Bassanio and Gratiano give their rings away say about relationships between men and relationships between men and women?

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

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

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Answers:

Act 5 Scene 1 – Final SceneIn Portia’s _________ Lorenzo and Jessica compare themselves to famous romantic couples of myth and literature. When servants inform them of their masters’ arrivals, Lorenzo asks for ________ with which to greet Portia, noting its power to charm.

Portia and Nerissa arrive, warning the servants not to mention their _________. Upon his return Bassanio introduces the women to Antonio. Portia and Nerissa quarrel with Bassanio and Gratiano respectively about their missing _________, withholding their husbands’ marital privileges until they have their rings back. In fact, both women confess they slept with the lawyer and his clerk to retrieve their rings.

Before the men are too shocked at their wives’ “unfaithfulness,” Portia shows them a letter from her lawyer cousin explaining their ________ in saving Antonio’s life. In true romantic form, Antonio’s ships miraculously _________, Lorenzo and Jessica learn they will inherit Shylock’s ____________, and everyone retires to bed as morning comes.

Textual Analysis:1. How does the dramatic shift in setting affect the tone of the play at this point?

2. Examine the argument about the ring (ll.192-208). What is the tone of that argument? How do you know this? How has Shakespeare moulded the language to convey this tone?

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

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

5. Is this a satisfactory ending in relation to the plays genre as a romantic comedy? Why?

6. Do you find it satisfactory? You should explain why in your response.

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Lasting Impressions‘The Merchant of Venice’ is a play where our interpretations of central characters constantly changes due to their actions. In Acts 1-2 we see Shylock as the victim of racial abuse; however in Acts 3-4 he we witness his obsession with money and revenge.

1. Look at the diagram below. It contains a matrix on which you can place the characters at the end of the play. Place each of the following characters on the matrix, according to where you think they are at this point.- Shylock - Antonio- Bassanio- Portia- Jessica

2. For each character, find a suitable quotation either by them or about them. Write it next to the character on the diagram.

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GO

OD

EVIL

STRON

GW

EAK

Essay QuestionsThe best revision you can do is to practise planning and writing essays. This does not mean you have to do 4 full essays. Try doing 5 point plans and mini essays – an introduction and one or two paragraphs.

This will help you remember how to structure paragraphs as well as improve your expression. Use the worksheets I gave you in class to help you.

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Choose a play which you feel has a turning-point.

Describe briefly what happens at this turning point and then, by referring to appropriate techniques, go on to explain how it makes an impact on the play as a whole.

Choose a play in which the playwright presents a flawed character who you feel is more worthy of our sympathy than criticism.

By referring to appropriate techniques, show how the character’s flawed nature is revealed, then explain how, despite this, we are led to feel sympathy for her/him.

Choose a play in which there is conflict between two characters in a family or a group.

Show how the conflict occurs and then, by referring to appropriate techniques, explain how it affects the character and events of the play.

Choose a play in which a main character’s actions have a significant effect on the rest of the play.

By referring to appropriate techniques, show how this character’s actions have affected the other characters and/or the outcome of the play.