Characters
Who is the merchant of Venice?
• Antonio
Where is the play mainly set?
• Venice
Why does Antonio borrow money from Shylock?
• To help Bassanio
What is the main conflict between Antonio and Shylock?
• Mercy vs justice
What is a major theme of the play?
• Mercy
Who is the Jewish moneylender?
• Shylock
What is Belmont, and how is it different from Venice?
• Portia’s home
• Romantic, peaceful
What is the bond between Antonio and Shylock?
• One pound of flesh
What internal conflict does Shylock face?
• Revenge vs humanity
How is prejudice shown in the play?
• Mockery of Shylock
• Religious discrimination
Who is Portia, and where does she live?
• Wealthy heiress
• Lives in Belmont
Why is Venice an important setting?
• Trade center
• Focus on law & money
What is the casket test?
• Suitors choose gold, silver, lead
How does prejudice create conflict?
• Anti-Semitism
• Dehumanization
How does the play explore justice?
• Strict law vs fairness
Who is Bassanio, and why does he borrow money?
• Antonio’s friend
• To court Portia
How does the contrast between Venice and Belmont support themes?
• Law vs love
• Justice vs mercy
How does Portia save Antonio in court?
• Disguises as lawyer
• Uses law carefully
What conflict exists in the courtroom scene?
• Law vs compassion (mercy)
What role does money play in relationships?
• Drives decisions
• Causes conflict
How does Shylock function as both villain and victim?
• Seeks revenge
• Suffers prejudice
• Treated unjustly
How does setting influence the conflicts of the play?
• Legal system enables cruelty
• Wealth drives decisions
How is the conflict resolved at the end?
• Antonio saved
• Shylock punished
How do internal and external conflicts connect?
• Hatred fuels revenge
• Society shapes choices
What message does Shakespeare give about mercy?
• Mercy is superior to revenge