Scene I
Scene II
Scene III
Scene IV
Scene V
100
Who is Shylock's friend?
Tubal
100
Where is Portia's estate? What does the name mean?
Belmont - "Beautiful Mountain"
100
What must Antonio forfeit as part of the bond?
A pound of flesh
100
Who does Portia leave in charge of the estate while she is gone?
Lorenzo
100
What is Launcelot's purpose in this scene?
Comic Relief
200
What has Jessica done that has made Shylock angry?
Eloped with a Christian, stole his jewels and ducats
200
Why does Portia want Bassanio to wait before choosing a casket? Why does he insist on choosing immediately?
She wants to hold onto him longer, for fear he chooses the wrong casket; He cannot stand to live in uncertainty anymore
200
Why has Antonio accepted his fate?
He has lost hope; he admits that he has been harsh on Shylock in the past
200
Why do Portia and Nerissa leave Belmont?
To spy on their husbands/To save Antonio
200
What does Launcelot say about Jessica and her father?
"The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children"; 'your only hope is that you are not Shylock's real daughter'
300
What event that has occurred has given Shylock reason to rejoice?
Antonio's argosies have wrecked in the English Channel
300
What announcement does Gratiano make?
He and Nerissa shall marry as well
300
Under what condition does Antonio accept the trial?
He insists that Bassanio be present for his death
300
Why do Portia and Nerissa SAY they're leaving Belmont?
To go to a monastery to live in chastity while their husbands are gone
300
What does Launcelot say about Lorenzo's conversion of Jessica?
He is driving up the price of pork by converting people
400
Which characters have been cut from the original script? (No book-checking!)
Solanio and Salarino
400
What is Portia's reaction to the contents of the letter delivered to Bassanio? How does this show her character?
Knowing that Antonio is Bassanio's friend and is in need of help, she insists that they go help him as soon as the marriage happens; she is loyal to friends (and their friends), and does not view wealth as important
400
What metaphor does Shylock use to describe himself?
A dog; Antonio has called him a dog (insult) many times, but now Shylock is able to "bite back" with his "fangs" in vengeance
400
What is Balthazar's purpose in this scene?
Portia's messenger; delivers a letter to Dr. Bellario
400
Aside from jesting, about what do Lorenzo and Jessica talk?
Praising Portia; praising each other; talk of getting ready for dinner
500
What is "Leah's ring?" How was it lost? Why is Shylock so concerned with its loss? What does this show about his character?
Most likely Shylock's wife's ring; shows mild humanity (remembrance of his love); Jessica has sold it for a monkey
500
Which casket does Bassanio choose? Why? How does the scroll congratulate him on his choice?
The lead casket; appearances are deceiving, ornament is folly; "You that choose not by the view" deserves Portia
500
Why do Shylock and Antonio keep talking about the Duke?
Shylock insists that the Duke will give him his bond; Antonio, though in denial, realizes that the Duke will have to do it (because denying it will harm the credit of Venice and its laws)
500
What does Portia brag about to Nerissa? Why is this comical?
She can be more "manly" than her, while disguised; gender-bent double cross-dressing is apparently extremely funny to Elizabethan audiences
500
Give one example of lewd/clever humor in this scene.
Possible Answers: - 'Perhaps your mother was with someone else; perhaps you are not Shylock's real daughter' - 'Launcelot, what are you doing with Jessica in dark corners all the time?' - 'Launcelot, you have impregnated The Moor!'
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