| What is Antonio’s emotional state at the beginning of the play? | he is sad; he doesn’t know why he is sad”In sooth I know not why I am so sad.” |
| What do Solanio and Salerio think is the reason Antonio is sad? | Salerio: thinks that he is sad because his mind is on the sea or where are his shipsSolanio: he says he would be sad too wondering about his ships; later says he is in love really think he is worried about his ships being wrecked |
| When Antonio denies this, what other reason do they give? | “therefore my merchandise does not make me upset” denies being in love |
| What impression is given of Bassanio? | He owes Antonio a lot of money; he likes to spend and have a good time. An honorable person, wants to pay him back. |
| What opinion does Bassanio give of Grantiano? | He says that he talks too much |
| What is Bassanio’s problem? | He doesn’t have enough money and wants to borrow money because he is in love and wants to go to Belmont to see Portia |
| Why would Portia be a good match? | She is rich and Bassanio swears they have a connection. Portia’s “fairer than the world” – beautiful |
| What relationship exists between Bassanio and Antonio? | They are Kinsmen – really good friends like brothers |
| What help does Antonio offer? | Antonio offers Bassanio credit |
| Compare Portia’s mood in her opening speech with that of Antonio’s. | They are both sad and want to find love |
| What is Nerissa’s feeling about moderation? | It’s important to live in moderation but it is hard to do |
| What does Portia say about preaching and practice? | She says that it’s easier to preach then to practice |
| What is the significance of repeating some form of the word “choose”? | It shows that she doesn’t have a choice because of her fathers will |
| Identify and describe the lovers who come to woo Portia. | They are all full of themselves, dull, and have a terrible personality |
| What information is given about Portia’s father’s will? | Whoever wants to marry Portia has to pick a casket and answer a riddle |
| What is mentioned about Bassanio? What significance does it have? | They mention that Bassanio is the most worthy of her and that makes you feel that they will end up together |
| What relationship exists between Portia and Nerissa? How does it parallel that between Antonio and Bassanio? | Portia and Nerissa are like sisters and they do everything for each other and with each other just like Antonio and Bassanio |
| List at least four qualities that have been revealed of Portia and cite an example to prove each quality. | real: isn’t looking forward to marrying whoever picks the casket strong-headed:honest: lets you know how she feelswhiny and critical: feels like world is against her |
| What topic are Shylock and Bassanio discussing? | If Shylock will give Bassanio a 3000 ducats (loan) for his journey |
| What is Shylock’s attitude? | Skeptical to give them the money; kind of creepy |
| What does Shylock mean in describing Antonio as a “good” man? | He thinks Antonio will be good at paying back the money |
| Did Shylock accept the invitation to dinner? Why/why not? | He doesn’t eat with them because of his Jewish beliefs and they are planning on eating pig |
| What is Shylock’s attitude towards Antonio? | Shylock doesn’t like him |
| What biblical study does Shylock use to discuss charging interest? What is his motive? | He uses Jacob and he tells the story to show trickery and that it’s okay to charge interest. |
| According to Shylock, how does Antonio treat him? | he treats Shylock terribly. he spits on him and looks down on him |
| What offer does Shylock make Antonio? | … |
| Does Bassanio trust Shylock? Does Antonio? Why or why not? | no; Antonio isn’t worried because his ships are coming in |
Merchant of Venice: Act 1
July 14, 2019