The Merchant of The court room

The Merchant of Venice The Court Room

Act 3 scene 5

In Act 4 scene 1 and Act 4 scene 2 we see some of the most important bits in this book, the courtroom. Here Portia disguised

In his jokey conversation with Jessica, why is Launcelot against the conversion of Jews to Christianity?

Jews are against eating pork but Christians are not. He loves pork so he thinks that if there are more Christians the prices of pork will go up.

What is Jessica’s opinion of Portia?

Jessica definitely seems to respect her a lot from their brief conversations so far.

Act 4 scene 1

What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do?

In the Duke's eyes, Shylock is evil, he shows no mercy so the Duke believes he will kill Antonio when taking the pound of flesh.

What does Shylock intend to do, and what reasons does he give for his decision?

He intends to not show mercy and to take his pound of flesh from Antonio's body even if it kills him. He believes nothing can convince him to stop.

Why must the law be allowed to stand (why can’t the judge dismiss this case)

Because if he dismisses this case it sets an example to everyone else. Everyone will not worry about contracts since they won't get affected if they don't give the money back since the law can be bent by the duke. This could fracture the economy in Venice which would result in an economic crisis this would be bad for a money dependant state/country.

Shylock is very clear about the restrictions in the wording of the deed, how does Portia use these loopholes?

The bond only says a pound of flesh nothing else no less no more. If it wasn't for this bond taking Antonio's flesh would be illegal so going outside of the bond is illegal wich making blood spill, taking a tiny bit more or less or killing him is outside of the bond agreement. This is the loophole he used at first but then was used against him.

What penalties does Shylock now have to pay? Are they fair? Why/why not.

He has to give a lot of his money to Antonio and the Duke. He also must convert to Christianity and write in his will that all of his money will go to his daughter are her new husband, Lorenzo. It is sort of fair he did basically attempt to murder Antonio, but being forced to change his religion is a bit harsh.

How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?

Shylock has to give them all of his money when he dies.

What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?

She claimed the ring of Bassanio while disguised as a guy even though he claimed that it would go with him to the grave and that he would never take it off.

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)

He refuses to show mercy before and even says that he will not get a doctor to stop Antonio bleeding since that is not in the contract. Because of this Portia shows no mercy even when asked to she refuses to show mercy.

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?

You may as well tell the ocean to lower

You may as well tell the wolf to not eat the lamb

You may as well tell the pine trees to stop growing tall on the mountains and making noise when the wind blows

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

They tell us that he is interested in the Christian Bible

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

Yes, it does explain his situation perfectly. Trying to convince Shylock is like trying to do one of those.

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

This makes people suspect Antonio will lose a pound of flesh since it would seem impossible to convince him to show mercy.

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 do you think it is more striking/effective/convincing?

Act 4 scene 2


What invitation does Portia refuse and why?

She refuses an invitation to dinner with Bassanio and his friends since she needs to get back and if she went to the dinner she might be discovered.

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

She plans to get the ring she gave to Gratiano that he said he would never take off his finger and would take to the grave. Doing exactly what Portia did.

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

Not completely I admire the judge bit but not the convincing Bassanio to give her the ring. That was a bit messed up since it would be incredibly hard in that situation.

Merchant of Venice can do task: The short story of the shipwrecked ships

We had been sailing for a few weeks but it seems like we are close to Venice, soon we will get back home and Antonio will pay us for our job. I've always enjoyed working for Antonio he is being a bit risky right now though with sending almost all of his money out to sea lets hope nothing happens to him. "Captain Pirates ahead!" Pirates had been sighted and they were quickly rowing towards the group of 3 ships. "All men hands on deck! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!" The pirates quickly boarded the front ship and quickly cut down the unprepared sailors not many of us have been trained for a situation like this! The pirates set the first boat on fire and quickly sunk, the pirates had already managed to board the second boat. They made holes in all of the boats and it to began to sink water going into the boat through the holes, the ship being consumed by water. We were all that was left I would not give up so easily adrenaline pumping through my veins.

We had several archers onboard and they began firing at the invading pirates several of them fell down dead, the number of pirates was not as big as first believed it was about 2 dozen pirates. The archers continued to fire at the pirates attempting to board with several small wooden bridges and they were actually keeping them back the pirates could only use 2 wooden bridges at this point and warriors were defending against any pirates that managed to pass. The wooden bridges fell into the water and the pirates began fleeing we started to celebrate until we smelt something..... fire. The pirates had set fire to the bottom of the boat and managed to shoot arrows covered in a fire at the sails. They managed to put it out but now they were stuck slowly sinking. This was the end for them they may have won one battle but they lost this one.

What do you think? Feel free to leave a comment about your opinion on it.

The Merchant of Venice The Race Against Time

The race against time

We are now up to scene 4 act 3. Recently in the book Bassanio and Portia got married as well as Gratiano and Nerissa. Antonio is now about to lose flesh which will likely result in his death so Bassanio is on his way to do his best to support his best friend. What do you think will happen?


1. What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio?

Lorenzo majorly respects Antonio thinking he is an amazing faithful man, he believes Portia letting Bassanio go help Antonio is amazing of her since as I said before he really admires Antonio.

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

She intends to live in a monastery and give Lorenzo the ownership of the house until Bassanio returns.

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

She asks them to look after the house until she and Bassanio return.

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

She knows that Antonio lent Bassanio some money at a price, they are also best friends so she believes best friends are normally alike meaning Antonio would be a really good guy.

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

They can pretend to be lawyers and do there best to use the law against Shylock. Portia has a relative that is a lawyer that should be able to teach them to use the law against Shylock.

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

She describes them as immature only carrying about battles and ladies.

7. Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected behaviour of a wife?
No not at all. She is already going against that by disguising as men to help her husbands best friend.

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.

Link to photo used

Merchant of Venice the prince of Arragon

Merchant of Venice the prince of Arragon

The prince of Arragon has now been introduced he to is trying to take Portia for himself. He to has sworn to never marry another women/ sleep with another woman. If he fails to choose the right one he will definitely regret his decision. Do you think he will choose the right one or not?

Act 2 Scene 9

1. What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets?

To know what you deserve bassed on your choice of casket.

2. Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden caskets. What does his interpretation of the inscription tell us about his character?

He believes that the many the box refers to are idiots that only take into account looks. But then takes the common silver. This tells us he dosen't only care about looks.

3. What is Portia’s reaction to Bassanio’s arrival?

She seems a bit sceptical since she doesn't know exactly who it is in this point of the book, meanwhile Nerissa hopes it is Bassanio. After meeting him she is glad wanting him to stay.

Act 3 scene 1

1.Why does Shylock assume Solanio and Salerio know of Jessica’s flight?

He assumes Lorenzo would be with Jessica. Solanio and Salerio are friends with Lorenzo therefor he beliefs Lorenzo would of told them, they are also christian so he thinks they would do what they could to get back at him.

2.What is the second suggestion of misfortune for Antonio- find a quote.

Solanio, Salerio and Shylock talking about Antonio losing a pound of flesh after his ships are rumoured to have sunk.

3.Who has been looking for Lorenzo and Jessica, how do we know.

Shylock sent Tubal to look for Shylocks daughter, he says this when Tubal enters the scene. They then discuss the ship rumour and Jessica running away

4.Where do Shylock and Tubal arrange to meet and with what purpose?

Synagouge do discuss money issues.

Merchant of Venice The prince of Morocoo

We are about half way through the book now! The prince of Morocco has returned to the story and is now choosing the casket that will decide the rest of his life. Either he will lose his marriage rights, his dignity and any chance to have some company for the rest of his life from the other sex. Its really risky but the man believes he is gods chosen or something like that so he will choose the right one.

Scene 7

1. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia’s portrait. Use evidence of the text to justify your answer.?

He thinks the gold one is worthy enough since its made of a beautiful and long sort after materiel. To him the lead is to dull to contain her beauty. The silver is just off in his opinion so he chooses the gold. "One of these three contains her heavenly picture. Is ’t like that lead contains her? 'Twere damnation To think so base a thought. It were too gross To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave. Or shall I think in silver she’s immured, Being ten times undervalued to tried gold? O sinful thought! Never so rich a gem

Was set in worse than gold. They have in England A coin that bears the figure of an angel Stamped in gold, but that’s insculped upon. But here an angel in a golden bed"

2. How is Portia feeling in A2S7 -at the beginning, -while the Prince is making his choice, at the end?

She is disguised at first at the thought of marrying the prince of morocco, once the prince chooses the wrong thing she is pleased hopping that the right person for her will choose the right casket.

3. What was Portia's father trying to achieve by the use of the caskets. Does this seem to be working?

He was trying to make it that a wise, kind man would choose the casket it seems to sort of been working since these men would choose what they deem as the "one Portia's portrait deserves"

Scene 8

What double disaster has struck Shylock?

His daughter ran away and she stole a lot of his money and jewels to marry a christian.

Where did Shylock think Lorenzo & Jessica might be?

He thought they would be on Bassanios boat heading out to sea. Bassanio and Lorenzo are friend witch is why he though Lorenzo and Jessica would go with them.

How did Bassanio and Antonio part?

We aren't told besides the fact that Antonio was their to see his friend leave. He then made sure the duke knew that Lorenzo and Jessica weren't on the boat when they asked.

What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio? Find a quote that tells you this.

Salarino heard that a Venetian ship sunk and feared it was Antonio's ship since it was full of treasures

When a girl becomes a guy to get a guy

We have continued our adventure into the merchant of Venice (we are just reading it but I wanted to make it sound cool.) We have been introduced to a character called Lancelot who originally was working for Shylock but now wants to leave since he believes Shylock is the real life devil. If you want to read this book yourself but cant buy it you can read it online here. 

Act Two, Scene Two

1. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking.

He believes the jew aka Shylock is the real life devil he talks to himself about Shylock being the devil and how he should run away from the devil. "Certainly my conscience will serve me to run from this Jew, my master. The fiend is at mine elbow and tempts me" In this case fiend means devil.  

Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont?

From what it sounds it seems that Gratiano will get drunk easily and start dancing naked and stuff like that. Bassanio doesn't want that happening as that might risk his chances

3. In lines 114-142... 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.

      b. contradictions

      c. misuse of words to impress.

      Find examples of each of these in the text

A.
Launcelot: "To be brief, the very truth is that the Jew, having done me wrong, doth cause me, as my father, being, I hope, an old man, shall frutify unto you"

Gobbo: "I have here a dish of doves that I would bestow upon your worship, and my suit is"

B. Gobbo: "Here’s my son, sir, a poor boy"

Launcelot: "Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew’s man that would, sir, as my father shall specify" C. No idea on this one

Scene three

1. What does Jessica think of her life at home? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking

She thinks it is hell and wants to leave. "It’s hell in our house" "Goodbye. If luck’s with me, I’ll lose a father, and you’ll lose a daughter."

2. Which of Bassanio’s friends is Jessica planning to marry?

Lorenzo

Scene four

1. How does Jessica get a message to her lover?

She gets Launcelot to give a letter to her lover (Lorenzo)

2. How will she be disguised for the elopement?

She disguises as a Paige so her father Shylock doesn't realise shes there and so its easier for her to sneak out

Scene five

1. Why is Shylock uneasy about going out for the evening? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking.

Many of the Christians are there and he despises Christians especially Antonio's friends. "But yet I’ll go in hate to feed upon The prodigal Christian.—Jessica, my girl, Look to my house. I am right loath to go. There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest, For I did dream of money bags tonight."

Scene 6 

1. How does Launcelot manage to tell Jessica that Lorenzo will be there that evening?

He quietly tells her to look out the window because Lorenzo will be there "Mistress, look out at window, for all this. There will come a Christian by Will be worth a Jewess' eye. "

2.What does Jessica throw down to Lorenzo?

A box filled with riches she stole from her dad (Shylock) because she hates him and is running away from him to get with the christian (Lorenzo)

3.Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano?

The wind is blowing the right way for Bassanio so they end the parade so Bassanio can leave sooner to find and attempt to marry Portia.

That time when a lady's marriage was a lottery

We have now started act 2 scene 1. The main thing in this scene currently (spoiler if you want to read it yourself) is that the prince of Morocco has come in trying to get Portia. He talks about racism in this scene "Mislike me not for my complexion, The shadowed livery of the burnished sun,To whom I am a neighbour and near bred." He is basically saying. "Don’t hold my skin color against me. I was born and raised in the sun, which is why I’m dark-skinned. But I’m as red-blooded as any man." The story was based in a time were there was a lot of racism and religious conflict and racism was a thing witch is why the prince says this. We have started using a online site that makes the book a bit more simple when reading. Click her to go to the site. Here are the question. If your interested in reading the book you should answer them yourself first.

Act 2 scene 1 question:
 1. We have watched racial and religious tensions at work in A1S3. The Prince of Morocco opens A2S1 with another sensitive issue. What is it? Racism. As I said above the prince starts of the scene by mentioning the racism that happens in his time. He says "Don't judge me by my skin colour" since at the time people with non white skin colour were treated a lot worse than white skinned people.

2. 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? They must give up there right to marry another women. "Or swear before you choose, If you choose wrong never to speak to lady afterwards In way of marriage."

3. Shylock practices ‘usury’. What is this? It is when you put interest on money at a highly unreasonable place. If you don't know what interest it is when you lend money to someone and expect more money to be payed back based on the amount of time since they borrowed the money.

4. Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other? They are different religions and Antonio has basically bullied Shylock in the past. "I hate him because he’s a Christian. But more than that, I hate him because he stupidly lends money without interest" 

5. What is Portia’s opinion of the Prince of Morocco- give examples. She thinks of him as highly as her other suitors. Witch means she dislikes him. Just like the other suitors she dislikes the man. " But if my father hadn’t restricted me like this—forcing me to marry whoever wins his test—then you’d have had as good a chance to marry me as any of the suitors I’ve met so far, prince."

The merchant of Venice Act 1 The Jew wants some flesh

Last week we started reading the Merchant of Venice and now we have finished reading act 1. For each scene so far we have been asked some questions. Here are the questions we have done so far. If you are interested try answering them yourself bellow them will be my answers. You can read this online here.

Act 1 scene 1
1: Antonio is depressed without knowing why. What two possible reasons do his friend suggest?
2: Do you think Gratiano's contributions help Antonio's mood?
3: What are your first impressions of Bassanio?
4: Is he in love? (referring to Bassanio)
5: Why does he need to borrow money again now?

Act 1 scene 2 questions

Act 1 scene 2
1: How do Portia's first words compare with Antonio's?
2: What is the reason for her mood?
3: Do you think Nerissa is a help for her?
4: Sum up, in a word or a short phrase, Portia's attitude to her suitors so far.

Act 1 scene 3

1. Shylock is a moneylender. Does he seem eager to do business with Bassanio? How do you know?
2. Witch does Shylock think is safe, his business or Antonio's? Why?
3. Why doesn't Shylock want to dine with Bassanio and Antonio?
4. What strict principal of his is Antonio breaking to help Bassanio?
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.
6. Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole catalogue of nastiness. How does Antonio answer the charges?
7. How does Bassanio react to the proposed bond?

Act 1 scene 1 answers (in my opinion)
1: His ships are rumoured to have sunk and his best friend is in love but might not be able to get his love.
2: No not in the slightest.
3: Hes a overhaul kind person that wants to find a fair lady to marry.
4: Yes he is. It says that in the book multiple times.
5: He needs to borrow money to impress the lady he wishes to marry he also needs the money to get their in the first place.

Act 1 scene 2 answers in my opinion
1: They both start off talking about their feelings both of them are frustrated with something in life or a bit depressed about something in life.
2: Portia's mood is like that because all her suitors so far are not great men overhaul and she will be forced to marry one.
3: In certain situation yes in other situations no.
4: She dislikes them a lot.

Act 1 scene 3 answers in my opinion
1. No he doesn't. 1. Bassanio beliefs in a different religion and 2. Shylock gains nothing from getting a pound of flesh from Antonio besides satisfaction.
2. He beliefs his business is safe even is he doesn't get the money back. Antonio's business is almost always at risk since his business mostly relies on boats. Boats can easily sink in storms, attacked by pirate and a lot more. Even if they survive that the crewman could die to a disease on the boat making that ship useless or they could just get robbed while at shore.
3. Shylock despises Antonio for what he has done to Shylock in the past. They are both different religions as well and Shylock knows they would dine on some food that is not to be eaten in Jewish religion.
4. That Antonio lends out money with interest. Which he disproves of
5. No he doesn't convince him. Antonio says that the story only happened because god willed it. He said to Shylock "That business venture you’re referring to happened because God made it happen like that. Jacob didn’t have any control over what happened."
6. He admits to doing it and says he will do it again because they are not friends. Its a simple business matter to him nothing else.
7. Bassanio majorly dislikes it. He doesn't want to risk his best friend Antonio losing a pound of his flesh just so Bassanio can impress a woman. 

The merchant of Venice: Shakespeare play

A few days ago we started our merchant of Venice lessons in English class. The merchant of Venice was made by William Shakespeare first shown in 1605. So far we have only been given a brief overview of what happens so we don't have a exact idea of what will go down. The main plot is that the merchant of Venice is loaning some money to help his friends get this certain lady. The deal is that if he doesn't return the money he has to give the Jewish person a pound of his flesh. Unfortunately his ships are believed to have sunk since they have no returned. What happens next? Find out by reading it!

What I think might happen. I think the Jewish person might possibly be jailed right at the end for what he is trying to do! I also think that the merchant of Venice ships will return right at the end. Since it was only a rumour in the first place that his ships sunk.

Something I am interested in after watching these two videos: I am really interested in the exact details of the plot and how everything happens. Why does this Jewish man want a pound of flesh in the first place???? why are his ships rumoured to have sunk????

Here are the two videos we watched:

A quick guide in small detail

The 2004 trailer