The Merchant of Venice

Introduction

Shakespeare’s plays are always strange and mystical. This one deal with many aspects of life, including love and prejudice, but it has a particularly solid take on power.

Table of Contents

The unit on Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice” will contain the following sections.

Topic

See Page

Quick and Dirty; Shakespeare

G-2

Advice To Young Ladies/ Indian Summer

G-3

Merchant; Thought Questions

G-5

Merchant; Act I, sc 1,2,3

G-6

Merchant; Act II, sc. 1-5

G-11

Merchant; Act II, sc. 6-9

G-13

Merchant; Act III, sc. 1,2,3

G-15

Merchant; Act III, sc. 4 and 5

G-19

Merchant; Act IV

G-20

Merchant; Act V

G-25

Merchant; Essay Questions

G-27

Review; The Merchant of Venice

G-28

Exam; The Merchant of Venice

G-31

Feedback

G-34

 

Quick and Dirty: Shakespeare

Introduction

A Quick and Dirty is a research tactic. Instead of lecturing, I ask you to find this information and present it to the class.

You will write a one page brief. A brief is a legal document that briefly states the facts of the case and anything important or relevant. Yours may either be in written form or in an outline.

Instructions

The following are the instructions for doing a Quick and Dirty.

Step

Action

1

Get the assignment from the teacher

2

Figure out everyone's roles in the group

3

Begin Research

If you are using.... Then....

Encyclopedias Go to the Index Volume

Other books Go to the Index first

On-Line search Use your topic as a keyword

4

Someone handwrites the notes

5

When complete, someone edits the notes so that only important details are there

6

Someone then takes the final draft and computerizes it.

Topics

The following are the topics for the Quick and Dirty.

• Venice

• The Globe Theater

• Queen Elizabeth

• Persecution of Jews in Europe

• Cross-Dressing

• Medieval Weddings

 

“Advice to Young Ladies” and “Indian Summer”

Introduction

Both of these poems focus on women who are similar to Portia, the heroine of The Merchant of Venice. In both cases, society addresses both of them as difficulty.

Advice to Ladies

Read the poem and answer the following questions.

1. In the year 334, what was Postumia put on trial for?

What had she done?

What did Pontiflex tell her to do?

In your own words, what was the problem with her?

Who controls her?

2. What happened to her?

Did she die?

3. According to the poem, what was the “disgrace” if you were a woman?

Why is this a disgrace?

What happened to these women?

4. What did St. Paul declare?

5. According to the end of the poem, why might Rome have fallen?

Why would men be afraid of a smart woman?

What techniques did they use to control Postumia?

What might they have used?

Where else have we seen these techniques?

Continued on next page

Indian Summer, Continued

Indian Summer

Read the poem by Dorothy Parker and answer the following questions

1. How did she act when she was in her “youth”?

Why did she act this way?

2. How does she act now?

Why does she act that way now?

Do you think that many girls at Nantucket High act this way?

Do many boys act this way?

3. Why do you suppose she uses the word “hell”?

4. Explain the title of the poem?

Why is it appropriate?

 

Merchant of Venice; Thought Questions

Introduction

Like many of the Shakespearean plays, The Merchant of Venice has many, many issues, All of them approached from both sides.

Questions

Using the group, answer the following questions.

1. Why do women enjoy dressing up like men and men enjoy dressing up like women?

• Think about Spirit Week if you don’t think this is true.

2. If you say someone is acting “Jewish,” what do you mean?

3. How important is money to your future happiness?

• Why might it be difficult to marry someone who has great wealth?

• Why might it be easy?

4. Have you ever had a really strong relationship to someone of the opposite sex?

• How did your friends feel about it?

• What happened to your friendships?

 

The Merchant of Venice; Act I, scenes 1, 2, and 3

Introduction

We enter this play in the middle of a conversation, listening to Antonio and his friends. Shakespeare spends the first several scenes setting up the action.

Act I, sc. 1

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.

1. How does Antonio feel?

His friends suggest three reasons why he is sad. What are they/

How rich is Antonio?

Does that help to explain some of his friends attitudes?

2. What does Gratiano want to do for Antonio?

Why?

Is he a good friend of Antonio’s?

3. Complete the quote: “...a stage, where every man must play a part,

___________________________.”

Does he know why he is so sad?

If he is playing a part, is he showing his true side?

4. Explain the phrase “disabled mine estate.”

What does he want from Antonio?

Why?

How does Antonio appear to feel about this?

5. Bassanio compares lending him money to shooting an arrow in the air. Explain this?

Does Bassanio already owe Antonio money?

Continued on next page

Merchant, Act I, Continued

6. Who is Bassanio going after?

Why does he need the money?

How does he use financial terms to describe her? (Examples)

7. Can Antonio get him the money?

Where is Antonio’s money?

8. What will Antonio do for him?

Act I, sc. 2

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.

1. How does Portia feel at the beginning of this scene?

Why?

2. How is Portia supposed to “choose” a husband?

3. Who are the suitors?

What is wrong with each of them?

What does this conversation show you about Portia?

Why might the Groundlings like this scene?

Why are they all coming there?

Continued on next page

Merchant Act I, Continued

 

4. Read the following passage:

If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as chaste as

Diana, unless I be obtain'd by the manner of my father's

will. I am glad this parcel of wooers are so reasonable; for

there is not one among them but I dote on his very absence;

and I pray God grant them a fair departure.

• Who was Diana?

What does chaste mean?

• Why is the word “obtain’d” appropriate?

• When she says “I dote on his very absence” what does she mean?

• Is Portia bright?

Is she like a younger or older Dorothy Parker?

5. Who is arriving?

Is Portia a touch prejudiced?

Explain.

Act I, sc. 3

Read the scene and answer the following questions.

1. Who is Shylock?

Why is he taking so long to answer Bassanio?

2. What are the terms of the loan?

3. Why won’t Shylock eat with Antonio?

Continued on next page

Merchant Act I, Continued

4. Read the following passage and answer the questions.

How like a fawning publican he looks!

I hate him for he is a Christian!

But more, for that, in low simplicity,

He lends out money gratis, and brings down

The rate of usance here with us in Venice.

If I can catch him once upon the hip,

I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.

He hates our sacred nation; and he rails,

Even there where merchants most do congregate,

On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,

Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe,

If I forgive him!

• Why does Shylock hate Antonio?

• What do the following words mean: publican, gratis, usance?

• What is the “ancient grudge” that Shylock bears?

• How does Antonio feel about Shylock?

Why?

5. What is Shylock trying to prove with the sheep discussion?

6. Complete the quote: “The devil himself ______________________”

Explain.

7. How has Antonio treated Shylock in the past?

What, specifically, has he done?

Does Shylock have a good reason for feeling as he does?

Continued on next page

Merchant Act I, Continued

8. What will Shylock’s bond be?

Why does he use the words “merry sport”

Why is Shylock entering into a deal where he will make no money?

9. How does Antonio show his religious prejudice?

 

Writing

The Merchant of Venice, Act II, scenes 1-5

Introduction

In this act, we get down to business and the various plots of the story get going.

Act II, sc. 1

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.

1. What color is Morocco?

Does this make a difference to Portia?

2. Complete the quote: “The lottry of my destiny _________________.”

Explain.

3. Portia fools him a little in lines 18-22. How?

4. What happens if the Prince chooses wrong?

Act II, sc. 2

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Ask me to read it aloud and say “Daffy Duck” to me.

1. Who does Launcelot Gobbo work for?

What is he trying to decide?

2. Who does he meet on the streets?

3. What does he try to prove to his father?

How is he trying to fool him?

What is the purpose of this scene?

4 What do they ask Bassanio for?

5. What does Bassanio ask Gratiano to do?

Why does he act that way?

How will he act tonight?

Continued on next page

Merchant Act II, Continued

Act II, sc. 3

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.

1. Who is Jessica?

What two things does she give Gobbo?

2. How does she feel about Lorenzo?

What does she want to do?

Act II, sc. 4

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.

1. What is in the letter that Jessica sent?

Why does Shakespeare mention Jessica’s jewelry?

2. What do they plan on doing?

Act II, sc. 5

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.

1. How does Shylock act toward his daughter?

Why does Gobbo urge Shylock to go?

Why does Shylock want to stay?

2. What message does Launcelot leave with Jessica?

Why must she leave the windows open, contrary to her father’s instructions?

3. Does Shylock appear evil in this scene?

How does Jessica appear?

Writing

What appears to be Shakespeare’s attitude towards Jews in this play?

How does money affect Bassanio, Lorenzo, Antonio, Jessica, Shylock and Portia?

 

The Merchant of Venice; Act II 6-9

Introduction

Now begins the very odd pairing of Portia and Jessica, and the beginning of Shylock’s undoing.

Act II, sc. 6

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.

1. Why are Gratiano and Salario waiting?

What does the phrase “lover’s ever run before the clock” mean?

2. Jessica is very curious in this scene. How is she dressed?

Why is she dressed this way?

Why would more appropriate clothing hurt her chances?

Why might she feel bolder in boy’s clothing?

Why might Lorenzo say she is in the “garnish” of a boy?

3. Answer Jessica’s question “Who knows, but you, that I am yours”?

Why might Lorenzo be a bit worried?

How fair, true, and wise is she?

4. Will there be a party tonight? Explain.

Act II, sc. 7

Read the scene and answer the following questions. Use another sheet of paper.
 

1. What is written on each of the three caskets?

2. Which one does Morocco choose?

Why?

3. What does it contain inside it?

What odd thing does Portia say at the end of the scene?

Continued on next page

Merchant, Act II, Continued

Act II, sc. 8

Read the scene and answer the following questions fully. Use another sheet of paper.

1. What news does Salerio and Salanio have?

2. What does Shylock cry out as he walks through the town?

What does that show you about him?

How does his sorrow show the mixed parts of his character?

3. What news do they have for Antonio?

Act II, sc. 9

Read the scene and answer the following questions fully. Use another sheet of paper.

1. What three things does Aragon promise to do if he fails?

2. Which casket does he choose?

3. Paraphrase what it says inside the casket.

4. Who has entered Portia’s house at the end of the scene?

Writing

At this point in the play, almost all of the characters are in flux. Explain.

One critic (Northrop Frye) says that all Shakespearean plays use the same basic plot. At the beginning of that plot, the hero and heroine are placed in a restrictive, urban situation where their lives are constricted. Then, they escape to the woods and nature, where rules are inverted. How is that true in the Merchant of Venice?

 

Merchant of Venice; Act III, scenes 1, 2, and 3

Introduction

In the original stories that Merchant is based on, this act would serve as the climax and ending of the stories. Naturally, this is not true of Shakespeare.

Act III, sc. 1

Read the scene and answer the following questions fully. Use another sheet of paper.

1. What news does Solario and Solanio have?

2. How does Shylock feel about the abandonment of his daughter?

How does he feel about Antonio’s imminent bankruptcy?

How might an actor show this on stage?

Should an audience feel sympathy for Shylock?

3. What does Shylock want his pound of flesh for?

4. Who is Tubal?

The scene with Tubal is often played for laughs. What about the scene could be humorous?

Act III, sc. 2

Read the scene and answer the following questions fully. Use another sheet of paper.

1. Why does Portia want Bassanio to “tarry” or wait?

Portia speaks oddly about ownership. What does Bassanio “own”?

Portia is forsworn. To who?

Is it true, then, that she is all Bassanio’s?

2. What does Bassanio want to do?

Why?

“Happy torment” is an oxymoron. What does it mean?

Continued on next page

Merchant Act III, sc. 2, Continued

3. How is Bassanio’s choosing different from Aragon’s or Morocco's

How does Portia give him hints?

4. Which casket does he choose?

Why does he choose it?

Why are these caskets and Portia’s picture a good metaphor for the role of money in this play?

5. Read the following passage and answer the questions:

1. You see me, Lord Bassanio, where I stand,

2. Such as I am: though for myself alone

3. I would not be ambitious in my wish,

4. To wish myself much better; yet for you

5. I would be trebled twenty times myself;

6. A thousand times more fair, ten thousand times more rich;

7. That, only to stand high in your account,

8. I might in virtues, beauties, livings, friends,

9. Exceed account: but the full sum of me

10. Is sum of nothing; which, to term in gross,

11. Is an unlesson'd girl, unschool'd, unpractised:

12. Happy in this, she is not yet so old

13. But she may learn; happier than this,

14. She is not bred so dull but she can learn;

15. Happiest of all is that her gentle spirit

16. Commits itself to yours to be directed,

17. As from her lord, her governor, her king.

18. Myself and what is mine to you and yours

19. Is now converted: but now I was the lord

20. Of this fair mansion, master of my servants,

21. Queen o'er myself; and even now, but now,

22. This house, these servants, and this same myself,

23. Are yours, my lord: I give them with this ring;

24. Which when you part from, lose, or give away,

25. Let it presage the ruin of your love,

26. And be my vantage to exclaim on you.

• According to this passage, what now is Bassanio’s?

• What does Portia give him at the end?

Continued on next page

Merchant of Venice, Act III, Continued

• Paraphrase lines 1-5.

Is Portia happy with herself?

When she first answers Bassanio, does she talk about money?

• How was Portia “unschooled”?

From what you have seen of her, would you agree with that statement?

• Reread the passage and underline every mention of money?

Explain.

• What does the word “exclaim” mean in the last line?

What ”claims” have been spoken of earlier?

If she “ex-claims” Bassanio, what might that mean?

• With the ring, who owns who?

6. What does Bassanio promise to do, if he loses the ring?

7. What does Gratiano announce?

What are the two couples going to “bet” on?

8. What other couple enters the happy scene?

9. Salerio brings news. What is it?

Continued on next page

Merchant of Venice, Act III, Continued

Who owns who?

Act III, sc. 3

Read the scene and answer the following questions fully. Use another sheet of paper.

1. What does Shylock want?

According to him, why?

From your knowledge of the play, why?

2. According to Antonio, why does Shylock want to kill him?

Is he right?

Explain.

3. How does Antonio feel about his impending doom?

Writing

Law is very important to this play. Do any of the characters believe in breaking the law? Why? Do any of the characters believe in keeping the law, at all costs? Who? Why?

In modern depictions of this play, Antonio is often played with homosexual hints. Why would homosexuality help to explain his attitude?

 

The Merchant of Venice; Act III, scenes 4 and 5

Introduction

Now, the play gets very interesting for Portia and Bassanio.

Act III, sc. 4

Read the scene and answer the following questions fully. Use another sheet of paper.

1. What does Portia tell Lorenzo she is going to do?

2. What does Portia plan to do?

What might happen when she changes gender?

Why must she do this?

Act III, sc. 5

Read the scene and answer the following questions fully. Use another sheet of paper.

1. Why might Jessica be damned?

2. How is she to be saved?

Why will that effect the price of pork?

3. What dirty business has Gobbo gotten himself into?

4. What fun does Gobbo have with Lorenzo?

5. What is the purpose of this scene?

Writing

Portia has told Bassanio that she isn’t going anywhere, yet she does. Why is she going to Venice? (Be creative and think about her situation)