The Merchant of Venice: Act Four Scene One and Two

Act Four, Scene One

1. What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do?
That he intended to cut out the flesh right by Antonio's heart so he dies.

2. What does Shylock intend to do, and what reasons does he give for his decision?
He intends to cut out a pound of flesh from Antonio because he hates Antonio since Antonio hasn't paid him back his money.

3. Why must the law be allowed to stand (why can’t the judge dismiss this case)
Because the president has been set and if they let Antonio go then they will have to let everyone who breaks the law go.

4. Shylock is very clear about the restrictions in the wording of the deed, how does Portia use these loopholes?
Portia says that Shylock can have his pound of flesh but he cannot shed blood as that is not in the bond. Shylock has to take exactly a pound, not any less or any more or else he dies.

5. What penalties does Shylock now have to pay? Are they fair? Why/why not.
That he has to cut out exactly 1 pound of flesh and if it is more or less than that he will have to die.

6. How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?
Antonio says that Shylock must give his money to Lorenzo when he dies so that he and Jessica can live.

7. What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?
Portia has got Bassanio to give her the ring that she had given him. This is of significance because Portia had told Bassanio to never take it off or give it to anyone

8. 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)
She won't show him mercy and won't let him take the money as he had the chance to but wouldn't as he was being too greedy.

1. 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?

It would only mean that someone else was dying for his mistake. And that Portia would be without a husband.

• What do they tell us about one of Shakespeare's interests

During these lines, the comparisons that Antonio makes are usually towards the outdoors. This shows the Shakespeare liked the outdoors.

• Do you think this is an effective way of demonstrating the problem?

Yes. I think it is. 

• Each example is an extreme and impossible, what influence does this have on how you expect the rest of the scene to develop.

I expect that the scene will turn on Shylock and make him seem like the bad guy. 

2. 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’

• It is much longer comparison than the three used by Antonio but does you think it is more striking/effective/convincing?

I do think that the way that Shylock worded it was more effective.

Act Four, Scene Two

1. What invitation does Portia refuse and why?

To dine with Antonio and Bassanio

1. What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?

The ring that she gave her husband.

1. Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel. Use examples to support your thinking.

I do. She stood up for her husband and friends and it was really good on her.