Merchant of Venice Antonio is about to lose some flesh

Merchant of Venice Antonio is about to lose some flesh

Act 3 scene 2

1. Why does Portia want Bassanio to delay his choice?

She is afraid he will choose wrong meaning he will be forced to leave her due to a oath he had to take. She dosen't want to lose his company so wishes he will stay.

2. What makes Bassanio choose lead over the silver and gold caskets?, find the quotes in the text to support your thinking.

Gold looks perfect. But looks are decieving meaning the gold casket is decieving. Silver is to common so he dosen't choose silver but lead is humble. Not common nor decieving it would be the best choice.

3. What does Portia’s speech A3S2 L166-174 reveal about the expected roles of a woman in marriage.

They have no say in who they marry and are expected to do follow the man. Im not sure on this one.

4. What did Gratiano’s and Nerissa’s wish to marry depend on?

The lord and ladys approval, meaning she required Portia and whoever the lord was at the time. Luckily for them she approves

5. How does Portia know that the letter contains bad news?

Bassanios face pales and hi expression changes.

6. What help does Portia offer straightaway?

Quadrupole the money required

7. Why do we not expect this help to be successful?

Shylock is bent on revenge meaning any price given he is unlickley to accept

8. Do you think Portia would still be in love with Bassanio if she knew he had lied about his wealth?

Yes she even says she still loves him after he tells her. She is not intrested in wealth only personalitey.

Act 3 scene 3

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

Antonio has insulted him so much to the point were money isn't worth it anymore in Shylocks eyes.

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

Denying the law for one person will result in trade no longer being safe as the Duke could just randomly bend the law. Bonds wouldn't be used and the economy could fall in Venice.

3. What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate. What two important realisations is this based on? Use lines 8, 21-24, 26-31 to help you.


The duke cant bend the law to hel him without major impact to trade in Venice. If this impact happend the economy in Venice could fall resulting in a dark age for the city. Shylock is also bent on revenge nothing will change his mind it seems to Antonio atleast money wont.

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

Not much he still considers Bassanio his best friend witch is why he asked Bassanio to return, but he seems to not be to sure if Bassanio still considers him his best friend.

5. Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy, but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas:
Is mercy the same as forgiveness? Mercy is not the same as forgiveness. A example of mercy is sparing someones life in a battle even if they have done something really wrong. That is not forgiving there actions that is just sparring their life.
Is it easier to show mercy or look for revenge? It depends on the situation in Shylocks case it is easier to look for revenge. Antonio has done alot to harm Shylock in Shylocks point of view so bloodlust would prevent him from seeing mercy
Is justice the same as fairness? It depends on how the law in the area defines justice. For example say someonee murderd 15 people and was jailed for a day that could be considerd justice by the law but that wouldnt be fair. But in another country that same person could be jailed for life and that would be considerd justice and fair.
Is true justice possible in this case? Antonio has brocken a bond he made and agreed to, this means this is possibly true justice as Antonio has wronged Shylock by breaking a bond.

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