15.3.18
Act Two, Scene Nine
What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets?
I think it is to make fun of them for choosing that one.
Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden caskets? What does his
interpretation of the inscription tells us about his character?
Because it says “He who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire.” He believes that it may be that some people are as foolish as to not see past looks, the expensive look of the gold.
What is Portia’s reaction to Bassanio’s arrival?
she doesn't realise it's him so she doesn't think much.
Act Three, Scene One
Why does Shylock assume Solanio and Salerio know of Jessica’s flight?
Because he knows that they are friends with Lorenzo so he thinks that they will know where he is.
What is the second suggestion of misfortune for Antonio- find a quote.
There is a rumour that another one of his ships sunk. "Why, yet it lives there unchecked that Antonio hath a ship of rich lading wrecked on the narrow seas. The Goodwins I think they call the place—a very dangerous flat, and fatal, where the carcasses of many a tall ship lie buried"
Who has been looking for Lorenzo and Jessica, how do we know?
Tubal has been getting information about Jessica's whereabouts. We know this by the way he tells Shylock information about Jessica.
Where do Shylock and Tubal arrange to meet and with what purpose?
They were going to meet at the synagogue, to do Jewish prayer or to make more bargains.
Act Three, Scene Two
Why does Portia want Bassanio to delay his choice?
Because if he chooses wrong she won't ever see him again.
What makes Bassanio choose lead over the silver and gold caskets? find the quotes in the text to support your thinking.
gold is too shiny, silver is made out of coins.
What does Portia’s speech A3S2 L166-174 reveal about the expected roles of a woman in marriage?
What did Gratiano’s and Nerissa’s wish to marry depend on?
How does Portia know that the letter contains bad news?
Because his face goes pale.
What help does Portia offer straightaway?
money 6-12 thousand
Why do we not expect this help to be successful?
Because the law won't allow it.
Do you think Portia would still be in love with Bassanio if she knew he had lied about his wealth?
Yes because she fell in love with him before she properly meets him.
Act Three, Scene Three:
Antonio is now convinced that he knows the reason for Shylock’s insistence on claiming his bond. What is it, use a quote from the text to support your answer.
Antonio believes Shylock wants revenge and justice. " His reason well I know. I oft delivered fro his forfeitures many that have at times made moan to me. Therefore he hates me"
Why can the Duke not ‘deny the course of law’ according to Antonio?
Because it wouldn't benefit the government. The city makes its money through the foreign merchants of Venice and if they discarded the law, their security is under threat.
What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate? What two important realisations is this based on? Use lines 8, 21-24, 26-31 to help you.
One realisation is that he knows Shylock isn't going to give up on getting his bond. The other is that there's no way he can get out of it, he knows that the Duke and government won't do anything other than what's been put in writing.
Do you think Antonio’s feelings towards Bassanio have changed since the beginning, why?
A little bit, at first he thinks that Bassanio is completely trustworthy and capable of keeping a promise but then
Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas:
Is mercy the same as forgiveness?
In some ways, it can be but in others, it can't.
Is it easier to show mercy or look for revenge?
Look for revenge.
Is justice the same as fairness?
It can be and sometimes it can't be.
Is true justice possible in this case?
In Shylock eyes, it is but in other it is now.
Act Three, Scene Four
What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio?
That he is a faithful gentleman.
What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do?
Send a small amount of money to Antonio and her husband.
What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why?
She wants them to look after her house so she can wait for Bassanio.
Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike?
Because they are best friends.
Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men?
Because they are wanting to hide from there husbands so they don't find out they are travelling.
In A3S4 L 60-78, how does Portia describe the behaviour and attitudes of young men?
Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected behaviour of a wife?
She said they show off and lie to impress people.
Act Three, Scene FiveIn his jokey conversation with Jessica, why is Launcelot against the conversion of Jews to Christianity?
Because then the price of the meet will go up mainly the price of pork.
What is Jessica’s opinion of Portia?
Jessica says " He finds the joys of heaven on earth"- "It is as if he has found heaven on earth" so I think she thinks Portia is like a goddess.
1.5.18
Act Four, Scene One
What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do?
He thinks shylock won't show mercy and will go through with the agreement.
What does Shylock intend to do, and what reasons does he give for his decision?
He first intends to take the flesh and not show any mercy but when they were looking at the agreement they saw that he had forgotten to say that he could have Antonio blood.
Why must the law be allowed to stand (why can’t the judge dismiss this case)
Shylock is very clear about the restrictions in the wording of the deed, how does Portia use these loopholes?
She uses his mistakes against him to get Antonio out of having to pay the pound of flesh.
What penalties does Shylock now have to pay? Are they fair? Why/why not.
He has to give half of his money to Antonio the other half to Lorenzo and Jesica and then also has to become Christian and give up being a jew. I don't think shylock should have to give up being a Jew because to him that is what makes him a person.
How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?
Because he promises to give them all his money and property.
What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?
she has claimed the ring that she gave to Bassanio and told him never to give it away, sell it or lose it.
Portia tells Shylock ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’. How does she try to persuade
Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to show him (line 345-362)
A lot because he didn't show it why should Antonio
Act Four, Scene One
A4S1 L 70-80. Antonio gives us three short images of how useless any attempt by Bassanio to save his life will be
What are they?
The first one is "You may as well go stand upon the beach And bid the main flood bate his usual height." meaning You might as well go stand on the beach and ask the ocean to get smaller. Second, one is "You may as well use question with the wolf Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb". meaning You might as well ask a wolf why he killed the lamb and made its mother cry. The third one was "You may as well forbid the mountain pines To wag their high tops and to make no noise When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven". Meaning You might as well tell the pine trees on the mountain to stop waving their treetops when the storms blow through them. The last one was " You may as well do anything most hard, As seek to soften that—than which what’s harder"? Meaning You might as well do the impossible rather than try to soften his Jewish heart. It’s the hardest thing imaginable.
What do they tell us about one of Shakespeare's interests?
That there is no reason why you should argue with someone who you know won't show mercy.
Do you think this is an effective way of demonstrating the problem?
Yes, and no because there are other ways to show mercy you could help them find a way show them.
Each example is an extreme and impossible, what influence does this have on how you expect the rest of the scene to develop.
You expect Antonio to be right, you expect everything to play out in Shylocks favour.
A4S1 L90-100, Shylock uses vivid comparisons when he wants to make a point.
What example does he use to illustrate the fact that the pound of flesh is his: ‘tis mine and I will have it’
He is saying that everyone has slaves and that he rightfully got that pond of flesh.
It is much longer comparison than the three used by Antonio but do you think it is more striking/effective/convincing?
I think it is a bit of all 3 because they are all good points.
3.5.18
Act Four, Scene Two
What invitation does Portia refuse and why?
Invitation to dinner. Nerissa and Portia need to get home before the men do.
What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?
She plans to try and get Gratianos rings to see if he will give it to her like Bassanio gave his to Portia
Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel? Use examples to support your thinking.
A bit of both. I mainly admire her because of how powerful she comes through in this scene.
