SHAKESPEARE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1

ACT 1 SCENE 1

1. Antonio is depressed without knowing why. What two possible reasons do his friends suggest?

That he is depressed because his boats are out at sea and he does not know whether they are still sailing or they have sunk. And Solanio suggests that he is in love.

2. Do you think Gratiano's contributions help Antonio's mood?

I think that Gratiano is trying to help with Antonio's mood, but ended up making everything a little bit worse instead.

3. What are your first impressions of Bassanio?

That he is kind and will do whatever it takes to get money off of Antonio. But he doesn't want to ruin anything with Antonio by asking for too much of him. 

4. Is he in love?

I think that Bassanio is in love with Portia.

5. Why does he need to borrow money again?

He needs the money to get the boat to sail over to Portia, he needs the crew members to sail the boat. Bassanio also needs money to buy nice clothes and money to buy a ring for Portia.

ACT 1 SCENE 2

1. How do Portia's first words compare to Antonio's?

She said that her body is tired of it and Antonio said that he was tired of being depressed without knowing why.

2. What is the reason for her mood?

Portia's mood is like it is because of all the suitors that are coming to her door asking for her hand in marriage.

3. Do you think Nerissa is a help to her?

I think that Nerissa is trying to help and cheer her up but in fact, she is making it worse. Nerissa is making it worse by asking Portia about all the men that have come knocking at the door. 

4. Sum up, in a word or short phrase Portia's attitude to her suitors so far. 
Over it already.

ACT 1 SCENE 3

1. Shylock is a moneylender. Does he seem eager to do business with Bassanio? How do you know?

He doesn't seem very eager to do it. His first two sentences end with 'hmmm'.

2. Which does Shylock think is safe, his business or Antonio’s? Why?

Shylocks business is safer than Antonios because Anotonios business is at sea and anything could happen to the ships.

3. Why doesn’t Shylock want to dine with Bassanio and Antonio?

Because they are eating pork and he doesn't want to smell is because for him as a Jew it is a very dirty animal and they don't eat or smell it.

4. What strict principal of his is Antonio breaking to help Bassanio?

He hates Jews and now he is breaking his own rule in doing business with a Jew.

5. Shylock tells a bible story to prove that the taking of profit is blessed, as long as thieving is not involved. Does he convince Antonio? Give evidence.

No, he doesn't convince Antonio because Antonio points out that it was Gods doing not Jacob's

6. Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole catalog of nastiness. How does Antonio answer the charges?

Antonio says that he did do those things to Shylock and he will most probably do them again. So instead of giving him the money out of being his friend give it to him out of being his enemy.

7. How does Bassanio react to the proposed bond?

Bassino doesn't want Antonio to do it but he does it anyway because he wants to do it for his friend.