Shakespeare's Questions and Answer

Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking. Certainly, the Jew is the very devil incarnation. And in my conscience, my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience, to offer to counsel me to stay with the Jew

Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont? Because he gets drunk and gets uncontrollable.

Launcelot and his father are very anxious to find Launcelot a new job. They both want to impress Bassanio. This leads to

a. Frequent interruptions. Gobbo- Here is my son, sir, a poor boy.

Launcelot- Not a poor, sir, but the rich Jew's man that would, sir, as my father shall specify.

   

b. Contradictions- Gobbo- He hath a great infection, sir, as one would say, to serve—

Launcelot- Indeed the short and the long is, I serve the Jew and have a desire, as my father shall specify—

     

c. Misuse of words to impress- Launcelot- Ergo, Master Launcelot. Talk not of Master Launcelot, Father, for the young gentleman, according to Fates and Destinies and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and such branches of learning, is indeed deceased, or as you would say in plain terms, gone to heaven.

This scene opens with the words ‘Mislike me not for my complexion’ Why does the Prince think Portia will have a problem with his complexion? Because he has dark skin and Portia has lighter skin than Morocco.

In Act 1 if  Antonio loses his gamble, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. What must Portia’s suitors give up if they fail to win her? Never marry anyone else ever in their whole life.

Portia tells the Prince of Morocco- ‘Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair as any comer I have looked on yet for my affection’ What does this mean? (if you’re unsure check SparkNotes translation)

Shylock practices ‘usury’. Explain this in your own words? It is practicing how to lend money with interest.

Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other? Because of their religion.

Act two

1. Complete this quote that tells us what Jessica threw down to Lorenzo. ‘Here, Catch this casket, it is worth the Pain’.

2. Jessica says ‘I am glad tis night, you do not look on me, For I am much ashamed of my exchange’ Why doesn’t Jessica want Lorenzo to see her? Because she's dressed like a boy and doesn't want to be seen from her lover and also she will be embarrassed if he sees her dressed as a man.

Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano? because the boats are about to leave and he's going to miss it.