PLOT
The plot is organised on two levels: which one?
The main plot: (financial loan between Antonio and Shylock) and a subplot (the choice of a husband by Portia)
Which are the two main locations of the play?
Venice and Belmont
What register is used in the play?
A variety of registers from the comic to the dramatic, from the rhetorical to the emotional
How were the Jews treated in medieval Europe?
How can you define this play? A tragedy, a comedy...
A dark comedy because of the depth of the themes
How does Portia's father arrange her marriage before he dies?
Her suitors have to choose among three caskets
Why did Shakespeare choose Venice to set this play?
Because it represented both wealth and greed
What's a pun?
a humorous use of a word or phrase that has several meanings or that sounds like another word
How does Shylock feel towards Christians?
He is resentful and hostile towards Christians
List some of the contrasting themes of this play
Love/Money, Revenge/Mercy
What must Antonio give to Shylok to repay his loan?
A pound of his flesh
Who are the characters that represent the two aspects of Venice?
Shylock (greed) and Antonio (wealth)
Who expresses his point of view with a remarkable penetration?
Shylok
How can you describe Portia's intellectual aspect?
She is intelligent and brilliant, she speaks in a witty, clever way
Who's the merchant of Venice?
Antonio
What casket contains the portrait of Portia?
The leaden casket
What represents Belmont?
A world of ideal love
How can you describe Antonio?
Melancholic, he despises the jews
How are the christian characters presented?
Ambiguous (they talk about mercy and charity but often act in a different way)
At the end of the process, Antonio asks the duke to allow Shylock to keep his money if...
if he converts to Christianity
What do jews have to wear in Venice to be recognisable?
A red hat
How can you describe Bassanio?
He's a bad businessman, generous and passionate
What different kind of love are presented in the play?
The love of a friend, father-daughter, romantic love, love for money and possessions, mercy