Author Facts
The Theater Experience
Characters
Plot Structure
Literary Devices & Elements
100
What date have scholar's agreed on as Shakespeare's date of birth and death?
Shakespeare's date of birth was April 23rd, 1564 and his date of death was the same day in 1616.
100
At what famous theater did Shakespeare write and perform many plays?
The Globe Theater is famous for being associated with Shakespeare's performances and writing.
100
Who is the protagonist of the story? Who is the antagonist of the story?
Antonio is the protagonist and Shylock is the antagonist.
100
What is the purpose of Act I?
Act I is the exposition. It sets up the location, time period, and characters involved in the play. It also sets the foundation for the main conflict in the play.
100
Identify the literary device and explain the author's meaning: "His reasons are as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff.”
This quote is a simile. It suggests that the arguments being made are difficult to understand.
200
Where was Shakespeare born? (Hint: it is also where he died and retired)
Shakespeare was born and died in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
200
When you went to The Globe, where could you sit? What factor would affect where you sat?
As a patron you could sit in the pit as a "groundling". This was the cheapest seat. You could also sit on one of the levels of the mezzanine. The higher up you sat, the more expensive your seat was, and you were likely of a higher class.
200
Who provides comic relief in the play? Give an example to support.
Lancelot Gobbo provides comic relief. This is seen when he tricks his father (a blind old man) into believing he (Lancelot) is dead. The scene is filled with word play and physical humor.
200
What is the purpose of Act II?
Act II is the rising action. Conflicts start to be suggested, but are not confirmed. These obstacles COULD be a problem for the characters.
200
Identify the literary device: “If Hercules and Lichas play at dice…”
This quote is an allusion.
300
How did Shakespeare's education affect his writing?
Shakespeare had the rare privilege of attending grammar school where he studies basic grammar, math, and Latin. He was exposed to Greek and Roman writing/poetry, which has heavily influence his plays.
300
What "celebrity" might you see at The Globe Theater?
Queen Elizabeth was known for attending plays at The Globe.
300
Name all of Antonio's friends in the play. Who is his best friend? Who is his most vulgar friend?
Antonio's friends are Bassanio, Gratiano, Lorenzo, Solanio, Salarino (Salario), Salerio. Bassanio is his best friend. Gratiano is his most vulgar friend; he swears and drinks a lot.
300
What is the purpose of Act III?
Act III is the complication. Obstacles and issues mentioned in act II are confirmed to be problems that the characters will have to overcome.
300
Identify the speaker and the tone of the following: "Make no more offers, use no farther means, But with all brief and plain conveniency Let me have judgement and the Jew his will.”
This passage is spoken by Antonio. The tone is acceptance and resignation. This is evident in the words "make no more offers" and "let me have judgement". Antonio does not wish to seek out another outcome for his situation.
400
Who did Shakespeare marry? Summarize the scandal around their marriage, at the beginning and the end.
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. He was 18 when they married and she was 26 and pregnant. Their age difference and the pregnancy made this scandalous. Also, when Shakespeare died, he left Anne his "second best bed", suggesting he'd rather share his "best bed" with someone else.
400
As an actor on Shakespeare's stage, what would your experience have been like?
Actors had to be male, even for female parts. There were barely any sets, so the words of the play had to explain where the scenes were taking place. There were a few props, but costumes were the most valuable part of a theater group's props, as they were often the only distinguishing features for characters.
400
Who is the object of Bassanio's affection? Give one positive and one negative character trait to describe her.
Portia is the object of Bassanio's affection. As a negative trait, she is racist, as seen by her inappropriate comments about the colour of the Prince of Morocco's skin. As a positive trait, she is brave, as seen by her willingness to disguise herself as a man, face the court and Shylock, and save Antonio.
400
What is the purpose of Act IV?
Act IV is the climax of the play. It is the point of greatest interest, excitement, and intensity in the play. It leads towards the main conflict being resolved.
400
Identify the speaker, the tone, and any literary devices in the following passage: “A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew! Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.”
The speaker of this passage is Gratiano. The tone in loathing, which is evident by the use of the word "infidel". Furthermore, there is an allusion in this passage: Daniel is a biblical reference.
500
Name Shakespeare's theater company. (Hint: its name changes!)
Shakespeare was originally part of The Lord Chamberlain's Men. When King James I took the throne, they became The King's men.
500
What brought an end to The Globe theater?
During a performance of Henry VIII, a firework accidentally lit the roof on fire. The Globe burned to the ground.
500
What does Shylock's "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech show about his character?
Although Shylock seems like a heartless villain, this speech shows that he is only heartless because of the discrimination he has suffered. Shakespeare is showing us that Shylock, and all people regardless of race/culture, deserve to be treated fairly.
500
What is the purpose of Act V?
Act V is the falling action and/or resolution. All of the conflicts in the play are resolves and the audience is left with a sense of closure.
500
Translate the following passage into modern prose: “I gave my love a ring, and made him swear/Never to part with it; and here he stands;/I dare be sworn for him he would not leave it/Nor pluck it from his finger, for the wealth/That the world masters.”
I gave a ring to my husband and made him swear that he would never give it up, and here he is. I would dare to say he wouldn’t leave or remove it from his finger for all the money in the world.
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