Characters
WHO IS ?
A Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of flesh as collateral for a loan.
SHYLOCK
What is a Playwright?
A playwright is a person who writes plays.
What appears to be the “problem” as the play opens?
Antonio is sad
What rumor has Salarino heard about Antonio’s ships?
They sunk
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WHO IS?
The merchant who borrows money from Shylock for his friend.
ANTONIO
Who was the queen of England at the time Shakespeare was writing?
Queen Elizabeth I
Who is the Merchant of Venice?
Antonio
Which of the following is NOT one of the three conditions each of Portia’s suitors must agree to?
a. To never marry at all if they choose incorrectly
b. To become Portia’s servant if they choose incorrectly
c. To never tell another soul which casket they chose
d. To leave immediately if they choose incorrectly
b. To become Portia’s servant if they choose incorrectly
After winning Portia’s hand, Bassanio vows to keep this item forever, using it as a symbol of their eternal love.
A RING
WHO IS?
A wealthy heiress who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio.
PORTIA
How to cite textual evidence with a PLAY?
(Author Act. Scene. Line number or numbers)
What is Antonio’s profession?
Merchant
What part of Antonio does Shylock want as his pound of flesh?
The part nearest to his heart
When Bassanio opens the lead casket, he finds a note inside which advises him not to judge by these.
appearances
WHO IS?
A young Venetian who borrows money to woo Portia.
Bassanio
When was William Shakespeare born?
April 23, 1564
What is Bassanio’s financial situation? What does Bassanio want Antonio to do for him?
He’s broke / He asks Antonio to take out a loan so he can marry Portia
In Act 2, Scene 1, Portia explains that she cannot freely choose her husband because of this.
her father’s will, which requires her to marry the man who wins the casket test.
Shylock’s daughter exchanged a ring for this animal, a symbol of betrayal to Shylock.
MONKEY
WHO IS?
A talkative and humorous friend of Bassanio who often mocks others.
Gratiano
normally do not end well, often involve a catastrophe
Which of the suitors that have arrived in Belmont does Portia say she could tolerate marrying?
None
This character debates with himself whether to leave his master, Shylock, and is tempted by the devil's advice to run away.
Launcelot Gobbo
When Bassanio chooses the lead casket, Portia responds by saying she feels like this person, a mythic figure, after a great victory.
Hercules
WHO IS?
Shylock’s daughter who elopes with Lorenzo and converts to Christianity.
Jessica
What is a Comedy?
normally full of humor, irony, miscommunications, and romance
Under what conditions does Shylock agree to lend money to Antonio? What will happen if Antonio cannot pay the loan off?
A pound of Antonio’s flesh
Launcelot decides to leave Shylock and work for this character, who is a Christian.
Bassanio
Explain the impact of Shylock’s “hath a Jew not eyes?” speech in the beginning of Act 3? What sort of perspective or depth does it add to Shylock’s character?
Shylock’s speech highlights the discrimination he faces and argues that Jews are just as human as Christians. This speech adds depth to his character, showing that his desire for revenge is rooted in years of mistreatment and prejudice.
WHO IS?
A clownish servant who leaves Shylock to work for Bassanio.
LAUNCELOT GOBBO
The Merchant of Venice is which of the following?
There can be multiple answers.
a. Written in verse and prose
b. A comedy
c. A tragedy
d. A soliloquy
A & B
A: Written in verse and prose
B: A comedy
Why does Shylock hate Antonio?
Because Antonio is a Christian known for his antisemitic (anti-jewish) remarks
Jessica, who is unhappy with her father Shylock, gives Launcelot this as he leaves her service.
DUCAT / LETTER
Outline Portia’s plan to save Antonio.
Portia plans to disguise herself as a male lawyer and argue Antonio’s case in court. She intends to use a legal loophole to prevent Shylock from taking a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
WHO IS?
Jessica’s Christian lover who helps her escape her father’s house.
What does Renaissance mean?
rebirth
Describe the test Portia’s suitors must take to win her hand in marriage. How does Portia feel about this test?
Portia’s suitors must choose between three caskets—gold, silver, and lead. The correct choice will grant them her hand in marriage. Portia dislikes this test because it removes her ability to choose her own husband.
What part of Antonio does Shylock want as his pound of flesh?
The part nearest to his heart
What Casket matches each :
a. He who chooses me will get what he deserves.
b. He who chooses me must give and risk all he has.
c. He who chooses me will get what many men want.
SILVER
LEAD
GOLD