THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 4

Act Three, Scene Three:

1. Antonio is now convinced that he knows the reason for Shylock’s insistence on claiming his bond. What is it, use a quote from the text to support your answer.

Antonio thinks that Shylock hates him because he is a Christian. I believe this because Shylock gives a little speech.

I’ll have my bond. I will not hear thee speak.

I’ll have my bond and therefore speak no more.

I’ll not be made a soft and dull-eyed fool

To shake the head, relent and sigh, and yield

To Christian intercessors. Follow not.

I’ll have no speaking. I will have my bond.

This is what Shylock said to Antonio after Antonio asked for forgiveness. 

2. Why can the Duke not ‘deny the course of law’ according to Antonio?

Because if he did he would impeach the justice of the state

3. What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate? What two important realizations is this based on? Use lines 8, 21-24, 26-31 to help you.
That he often give people money so that they can pay back their debts to Shylock

4. Do you think Antonio’s feelings towards Bassanio have changed since the beginning, why?

Yes. I think that at the start of the book Antonio thought that all Bassanio wanted was money that he couldn't pay back. And now I believe that Antonio thinks that Bassanio is helpful and willing to help a friend in need.

5. Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas:

• Is mercy the same as forgiveness?
• Is it easier to show mercy or look for revenge?
• Is justice the same as fairness?
• Is true justice possible in this case?

Act Three, Scene Four

1. What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio?

That he is needy and does things even if he can't pay them back.

2. What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do?

That she intended to dress as a man and help Antonio

3. What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why?

Stay and housesit her house.

4. Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike?

5. Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men?

Because they told their husband that they were going to a nunnery when they were really going to the court to help out Antonio.

6. In A3S4 L 60-78, how does Portia describe the behavior and attitudes of young men?

That they tell lies, that their voices change, and that they are accourted. 

7. Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected behavior of a wife?

No, because she wants to help her husband and his friends. 

Act Three, Scene Five 

1. In his jokey conversation with Jessica, why is Launcelot against the conversion of Jews to Christianity?
He is against it because if Lorenzo went around changing all the Jews into Christians then the price of pork would go up.

2. What is Jessica’s opinion of Portia?
That she feels sorry for her sort of and that she is 'pawned with the other, for the poor rude world.'