Merchant of Venice Act 3 Quiz

What is a soliloquy? is a device often used in drama when a character speaks to himself or herself, relating thoughts and feelings, thereby sharing them with the audience
Why does Shakespeare use soliloquy? so the audience understands what is going on in the head of a character
What statement is Shakespeare making about money lending in the Merchant of Venice? be careful who you lend money from; example: Antonio lends money from Shylock. Shylock demands a pound of Antonio’s flesh because he failed to pay him back. Antonio lends Bassanio money even though he still owes him money.
What statement is Shakespeare making about friendship in the Merchant of Venice? true friends can be counted on anytime; example: Antonio borrows money from Shylock, who he hates, so that Bassanio can win the hand of Portia
What statement is Shakespeare making about love in the Merchant of Venice? true love is about what is on the inside; example: Bassanio chooses the lead casket because he doesn’t trust appearances and wins the hand of Portia.
What statement is Shakespeare making about prejudice in the Merchant of Venice? we are all people regardless of religion or race; example: Shylock and other Jews are discriminated against. Shylock says that both Jews and Christians do the same things and feel the same things.
What gossip are Solario and Solanio talking about as the scene opens? Solario and Solanio heard that one of Antonio’s ships sunk in the English Channel and they are worried about him.
What is Shylock update about as he enters? Shylock’s daughter has rebelled and taken off with a Christian (Lorenzo). She has taken his jewels and money.
What are Shylock’s many reasons for wanting revenge against Antonio? Antonio has disgraced him and cost him a lot of money. He scorned Jews and business dealings and has caused friends to turn against him. He has been wronged and wants revenge.
Skylock’s speech which begins with “Hath not a Jew eyes?” is often called “Shylock’s Defense.” Is it an attempt to alter the audience’s opinion of him? Is it successful? Explain. Shylock’s Defense is an eloquent speech to show that Jews are just as human as everyone else and should be treated with respect, just like everyone else.
What does Shylock value more: his daughter or his ducats? What is your proof? Shylock says that he wishes his daughter was dead at his feet with jewels in her ears. Is this Shylock or blind rage? Shylock’s first words in the play were about money. However, look at how he has been treated. There is evidence to suggest Shylock is a villain and that Shylock is a victim.
Tubal brings Shylock good news and bad news. What is it? The good news (for Shylock) is that Antonio has lost a ship near North Africa and will likely go bankrupt. The bad news is that Jessica spent 80 ducats and traded a ring (which was a present from Shylock to his wife) for a monkey. This drives Shylock mad.
At the beginning of Act 3, Scene 2 Portia asks something a bit strange of Bassanio. Why would she do this? Portia asks Bassanio not to choose a casket for a month or two. This way, she can spend time with him even if he chooses the wrong casket. She doesn’t want to lose him.
What is the basis of Bassanio’s refusal to choose the gold casket? Provide an example of his logic. Bassanio doesn’t choose the gold casket because he says that appearances are often deceiving (this will become ironic later on). Things are not always as they appear (including him – he looks rich but is not). He says cowards may look like Hercules/beauty is often created with make-up.
What impresses Bassanio about what he finds in the lead casket? Provide at least one detail. The portrait of Portia looks very real (her eyes could have blinded the painter).
Besides herself, her wealth, her servants, and her house, what does Portia give to Bassanio? What stipulation does she attach to the gift? Portia gives Bassanio a ring. If he takes it off, he no longer loves her and she no longer loves him. Hey! Didn’t poor Shylock just lose a ring? It seems almost cruel to see Bassanio and Portia so happy right now. This ring forms a new plot in the play … the ring plot.
What news does Gratiano provide? What bet does he want to make? Now that Bassiano and Portia will marry, Gratiano and Nerissa will marry. It makes sense now why Nerissa was rooting for Bassiano.
What news does Bassanio read in the letter? What does Salerio add? All of Antonio’s ships have wrecked. Shylock is demanding justice. He wouldn’t take money even if it was offered. He wants his “bond.”
What is Portia’s reaction to the situation in Venice? What impression do you have of her at this point? Portia tells Bassanio to offer 6,000 or 12,000 or 36,000 ducats to ensure Antonio’s safety. She says they will marry first and then Bassanio can go straight to Venice to save Antonio and bring him to Belmont. She tells him to leave right away. She seems very generous.
What is another reason Antonio offers to explain Shylock’s hatred? Antonio often helped those who could not pay their debts to Shylock so he hates him for that.
According to Antonio, why must the forfeiture of a pound of flesh be paid? Venice is an international trading center. The law must be followed strictly because the city’s prosperity depends on it. A bad precedent is set if they do not uphold the law (people would lose confidence).
What does Portia ask of Lorenzo? Why? Portia asks Lorenzo to look after her house while she and Nerissa pray and contemplate in a monastery until Bassanio and Gratiano come back.
What errand does Portia give to Balthazar? Portia asks Balthazar to go to her cousin in Padua and bring back books and clothes (then bring them to the ferry in Venice).
What plan does Portia share with Nerissa? Portia wants to go to Venice to see their husbands.
Why does Lancelot jokingly anticipate an increase in the price of pork? Jessica has become a Christian. If all the Jews convert, there will be more people eating pork. The shortage will cause a price increase.
July 13, 2019