MERCHANT OF VENICE

ACT III SCENE 1

1 What is Rialto?
A.The Rialto is the Stock Exchange or Chamber of Commerce. The Venetian
merchants met here for the transaction of business.
2 What information does Salarino give Salanio?
A Salarino informs Salanio that there is a report still uncontradicted that one of
Antonios ships, with valuable cargo, has been wrecked at Goodwins in the waters of
the English channel.
3 What are the Goodwins?
A The Goodwins is the extensive sand-bank off the coast of Kent, near the mouth of the
Thames in England. This place has been the scene of many shipwrecks.
4 Explain: if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her word.
A In the above lines rumour has been personified as an old woman, Dame Rumour.
The above line means that if report or rumour (which is generally false news)
should be correct this time, then Antonios ship has been wrecked on the Goodwin
Sands.
5 What does Salanio wish?
A Salanio wished that Dame Report might prove to be as big a liar in this case as any
old woman whoever ate the ginger or told people that the death of her third husband
had broken her heart.
6 Why does Salanio wish to say amen quickly?
A When Salarino expresses the wish that Antonio should have no further losses, Salanio
wishes to say amen quickly before the devil has time to interfere and prevent it.
7 Who appears just then? What does Salanio remark?
A Just then Shylock is seen approaching. So, Salanio remarks that his worst fears are
realised, because the devil is appproaching in the form of the Jew, Shylock.
According to an old superstition, a prayer would lose its effect if the devil crossed
the path before the prayer was finished. So, on seeing Shylock coming, Salanio
pretends that Shylock is the devil and ends the prayer with amen.
8 What does Shylock accuse Salanio and Salarino of when he entered the
scene?
A Shylock accuses them of knowing very well, better than anyone that his daughter
has fled.
9 What is Salarinos reply?
A Salarino replies that he is quite right. In fact, he was well acquainted with the tailor
who made the clothes in which she ran away with her lover.

10 What does Salanio tell Shylock about his daughter?

A Salanio tells that Shylock was quite aware that his daughter was grown up. Just as
the young bird, fully feathered and is able to fly is bound to leave the nest similarly it
is natural for grown up girls to leave their parents house. i.e. Jessica was old enough
to run away with her lover.
11 What do Salarinos words of the devil-judge mean?
A Salarinos means that if Jesssicas fault is to be judged by the devil (Shylock) then
she certainly will be condemned to go to hell.
12 What does Shylock lament about? How does Salarino explain the difference
in character between Shylock and his daughter?
A Shylock laments that it is unbearable to think that his own child would turn against
him.
Salarino says that Jessica is a complete contrast to Shylock as jet (black) is to ivory
(white) or as rich red wine is to white Rhenish wine.
13 What does Salarino ask Shylock regarding Antonio? What is Shylocks
reply?
A Salarino asks Shylock if he has heard whether Antonio has suffered any loss at sea.
Shylock tells Salarino that his question reminds him of another of his bad bargains.
He angrily calls Antonio a bankrupt. He calls him a spendthrift for lending money
without interest. He says that Antonio is ashamed to appear on the Rialto because he
has mismanaged his affairs. He used to come smartly dressed boasting among the
traders in the market-place, but now he is a beggar. He had better see that he fulfills
the bond. He used to call Shylock a vile (wicked) money- lender. Shylock repeats that
Antonio should be careful about his bond. Antonio used to lend money free of interest
as an act of Christian kindness. Shylock ominously replies that Antonio had better be
careful to redeem his bond in time. He speaks with increased feeling and emphasizes
the word bond.
14 What does Salarino now want to know?
A Salarino now wants to know, if Antonio is unable to pay, whether Shylock will insist
on having his flesh. He asks Shylock of what possible use that will be.
15 What is Shylocks reply?
A Shylock replies that he will use Antonios flesh to use as bait to catch fish! Even if it
were of no other use, it will gratify his thirst for revenge.
16 How does Shylock go on to enumerate the wrongs he had suffered at
Antonios hands?
A Shylock says that Antonio had insulted him and made him suffer losses of half a
million ducats. He made fun of his losses, ridiculed his profit, hated his nation,
interfered with his business dealings, turned his friends against him and encouraged
his enemies against him. The sole reason for all these wrongs at Antonios hands is
that Shylock is a Jew.
17 How does Shylock attempt to justify his revengeful conduct towards
Antonio?

A Shylock tries to make the point that a Jew is like any other human being. A Jew has
eyes, hands, limbs, sense of feeling and emotions like other human beings. Shylock
finds that there is absolutely no difference between the Jews and Christians. A Jew
takes the same food as a Christian takes. He is hurt by the same weapon, attacked
by the same diseases and is cured by the same medicine. The same things give him
pleasure and pain. He suffers from the same weaknesses, warmed by the same
sunshine, and cooled by the same winter as the Christian is. If the Christian is
tortured or troubled, he will take his revenge. Then there is no reason why a Jew
should not take revenge when he is like the Christian in every other respect.
He further asks if a Jew is pricked does he not bleed, if tickled does he not laugh
and if poisoned does he not die. Similarly if a Jew is injured does he not take
revenge? If Jews are like Christians in all theses ways they should resemble them in
taking revenge too. If a Jew offends a Christian doesnt he take revenge. Similarly a
Jew should also take revenge when offended by a Christian. He decides to take the
course of action that the Christian has taught him and it will be strange if he will not
improve upon the lesson by being more malicious in his revenge.
18 Who enters the scene? What message does he convey to Salarino and
Salanio?
A A servant sent by Antonio enters the scene. He conveys a message that his master
Antonio wishes to speak to them both at his house.
19 What is Salarinos reply?
A Salarino replies that they have been looking for him high and low so that they could
cheer him up and relieve him of the grief he so fondly hugs.
20 Who enters the scene now and what remark does Salanio make about him?
A Tubal, another Jew and a friend of Shylock enters the scene.
Salanio remarks that it will be difficult to produce a third, as bad as these two to
match them, unless the devil himself turns Jew and makes up the company.
21 What does Shylock ask Tubal and what is his reply?
A Shylock asks Tubal what news he has brought from Genoa and whether he has found
his daughter.
Tubal replies that he often visited places in Italy where he was told she was, but he
could not find her as she had gone away to some other place.
22 How much had Shylock paid for the diamond stolen by Jessica?
A Shylock had paid two thousand ducats in Frankfurt, a German city, for the diamond
stolen by Jessica.
23 What does Shylock say about the curse on his nation?
A When Tubal tells Shylock that he has not been able to trace his daughter, he
considers the loss of his money and jewels as a greater injury than any that had ever
fallen on his race. He also feels that Jessicas falling away from the Jewish faith is a
curse.
Here Shylock is being selfish as he looks upon his misfortunes as a blow to the
Jewish race.

24 What has Jessica stolen? What does Shylock wish for in his fury at the
theft?
A Jessica has stolen two sealed bags of double ducats, two precious stones, that is a
diamond and turquoise, and besides, many other precious jewels.
In his fury at the theft, Shylock wishes that his daughter were lying dead at his feet
with the jewels in her ears. He further wishes she were in her coffin at his feet and
the ducats in the coffin.
25 How does Shylock pity himself?
A Shylock feels that it is a repeated loss for him as she has stolen so much and he has
spent so much in trying to find her. He feels it is all in vain as he can not find any
satisfaction nor revenge. He feels as if he alone in the world were suffering ill luck.
He pities himself saying that he is the only one who has to heave sighs of grief and
he alone seems to have to shed tears of sorrow.
26 What makes Shylocks sad mood to turn suddenly to fierce joy?
A When Tubal informs Shylock that he heard in Genoa that one of Antonios large ships
has been wrecked on the way back from Tripolis, Shylocks mood turns suddenly to
fierce joy and laughter. Tubal says that he met some of the sailors who were saved
from the wreck and had informed him of the above.
27 What does Tubal malevolently report about Jessica? What is Shylocks
reaction?
A Tubal malevolently reports that he heard Jessica has spent eighty ducats in one night.
Shylock is appalled (shocked) once again. He tells Tubal that his words stab his
heart. He laments that he will never see his money again and sorrowfully repeats
that she has spent eighty ducats in one night.
28 How does Tubal make Shylock feel elated (happy) again?
A Tubal makes Shylock feel elated again by telling him that several merchants, to
whom Antonio owes money travelled with him back to Venice, and that they all said
that Antonio cannot help going bankrupt.
29 Why is Shylock cast down again? What does Shylock say on hearing this?
A Shylock is cast down again when Tubal tells him that one of the merchants showed
him a ring which Jessica had given him in payment for a monkey that she had bought
from him.
Shylock is grief-stricken for he guesses that it was the turquoise ring of betrothal
(engagement) that his late wife, Leah, had given him. He says it is an agony for him
to hear this, as he would never have parted with it for a whole forest of monkeys.
30 How does Tubal console Shylock now?
A Tubal consoles Shylock now by pointing out that Antonio is certainly ruined.
31 What does Shylock instruct Tubal to do now
A Shylock now instructs Tubal to engage a lawyer to handle the case for him. He tells
him to engage him fifteen days before the bond falls due. If Antonio breaks his
agreement, he will extract the payment of the forfeit. He will have his very heart.
Once Antonio is removed from Venice, he can make what profits he likes. He tells

Tubal to go ahead and do what he has instructed him to do and then to meet him at
the synagogue (a Jewish house of worship) without fail.
32 Why does Shylock go to the synagogue?
A Shylock goes to the synagogue to swear an oath that he will take his revenge upon
Antonio. He believes in the old Mosaic Law which prescribed an eye for an eye and a
tooth for a tooth.

Act III scene 2

1. Where does the scene take place and name the characters who enter the
scene?
A. The scene takes place in the casket room, in Portias house in Belmont.
Bassanio, Portia, Gratiano, Nerissa and attendants.
2. Why does Portia ask Bassanio to wait for a day or two before making his
choice of a casket?
A. Portia asks Bassanio to wait for a day or two before making his choice of a casket as
she wants to enjoy his company for some time. If his choice is wrong, she will lose
his company, as he has to then leave at once.
3. How does Portia convey to Bassanio that she loves him?
A. Portia begins by saying that something in her tells her that she should not lose him,
though she does not know whether that feeling is dictated by love or not. He must
judge for himself whether hate would be likely to prompt that feeling, and give
advice to wait for a while.
She is afraid that he may not understand what she has just said and is going to add
an explanation, but she is suddenly overcome by maidenly modesty and says that it
is not appropriate for a maiden to disclose all her thoughts and feelings. She can only
reiterate her wish to keep him there, near her, for a month or two before he hazards
a choice of the caskets. In this speech Portia conveys her warm love for Bassanio.
4. Why will she not tell Bassanio which casket to choose? What is the sin in
her mind?
A. Portia will not tell Bassanio which casket to choose as she has promised her father
not to reveal the secret of the casket to anyone. She will never break her promise.
So, it is possible that Bassanio may lose her by making a wrong choice and miss
her, then she would wish she had broken her oath and committed sin.
5. What does Portia say about the effect of Bassanios eyes on her?
A. Portia says that Bassanios eyes have bewitched her and divided her for she seems
to be no longer herself. She says that half of her belongs to him and the other half of
her also belongs to him. She should like to say that the other half belongs to her, but
if it belongs to her, it belongs to him and so she is completely his.

6. Explain: O these naughty times Let Fortune go to hell for it, not I

A. Portia is sad because of the limitations or restrictions put upon her by her fathers
will. She loves Bassanio but she cannot express her love. Moreover she cannot marry
him unless he chooses the right casket. She says that these unjust and unkind times
have put an obstacle between owners and their rights. She means to say that she
who really belongs to Bassanio already (because she loves him) may never be given
to him (as his wife).
Although she feels that she belongs to Bassanio yet she cannot belong to him
unless he chooses her by selecting the right casket. If Bassanio proves that she is not
his by selecting the wrong casket, then it will not be her mistake. It would be the
mistake of fate and so fate should be punished for it, not she.
7. What does she finally acknowledge as the reason for her talking too much?
A. She says that she is talking too much only to prolong the time to its fullest extent
and to put off the moment when Bassanio has to make his choice.
8. What is Bassanios reaction? What does Portia ask him?
A. Bassanio wants to make his choice straightaway, for his present state of suspense
makes him live in torment, upon the rack.
Portia pretends to take the word rack in its literal sense. So she teases Bassanio
and says that he must be a traitor and he must confess the treason that is mixed
with his love.
9. What example does Bassanio give hereafter to prove his loyalty?
A. Bassanio replies that there is no treason at all in his love. The only disloyalty, if it can
be called treason, is the fear that he may not succeed in love. As there cannot be
friendship or union between snow and fire similarly his love cannot exist with
treason.
10. What does Portia now say to Bassanio? Why does Bassanio call his
torment a happy one?
A. Portia tells Bassanio that she has to take his declaration with caution. Since he had
confessed that he is upon the rack, he must have made his statement under
pressure. It is like the protestations of those who are tortured on the rack and they
will declare anything and tell any number of lies to save their lives.
Bassanio replies that if Portia assures him that she will give him life, he will declare
the truth that he loves her dearly.
In former days, life was promised to a traitor stretched upon the rack in return for a
confession.
11. Why does Bassanio call his torment a happy one?
A. When Portia tells Bassanio to confess and live, he says that if Portia had said
confess and love instead, she would have exactly expressed all he had to confess.
He had nothing more to confess than that he loves her.
Bassanio says that his torture or torment is giving him pleasure. He is happy
because his tormentor (Portia) is teaching him the answer by which he can win his
safety and freedom from torture.
12. Why does she tell Nerissa and the others to stand away?

A. She tells them to be out of the way when Bassanio is making his choice because she
does not want even the slightest hint to be given which may help Bassanio.
13. Portia call for music when Bassanio is making his choice. What purpose
does it serve?
A. First of all, it would calm the riot (unrest) in her own heart when Bassanio is choosing
the casket. However, she does not want to reveal her tension, so she defends her
action by saying that
if he makes a wrong choice, his end will be like that of the swan, which sings just
before its death. In order to make the comparison more suitable she says Bassanio
shall swim away in the stream of tears provided by her eyes. Her eyes will become
the river and the watery death-bed for him, just as the river is the swans death-bed.
If Bassanio chooses the right casket, the music would be comparable to the
trumpet which is sounded when the king is crowned. At such a time, the subjects bow
to the newly crowned king. It could also be compared to the sweet tunes which
awaken the bridegroom in the morning and lead him to marriage.
14. Explain: now he goes with no less presence Go Hercules!
A. In these lines, Portia compares herself with Hesione, the daughter of the king of Troy
and Bassanio to Hercules.
In Troy, a virgin had to be offered to the sea monster as a sacrifice. Once it was the
turn of the kings daughter and the Trojans with tear-filled eyes waited to watch the
result of the encounter between Hercules and the sea-monster. Hercules, the Greek
hero, fought the sea monster and saved the daughter of the king. Hercules did this
for the sake of a rich reward and not for the love of the princess. Portia says that
Bassanio goes to the caskets with the dignity of Hercules but with much greater love.
Portia herself is like Hesione while Nerissa and her other maids standing there are the
Dardanian wives (women of Troy). These women have come to watch the result of
Bassanios great adventure.
15. Who are the Dardanian wives? Who are compared to them by Portia?
A. The Dardanian wives are the Trojan women. Dardanus was the mythical ancestor of
the Trojans. Therefore they are called Dardanians. Portia compares Nerissa, Gratiano
and others who are standing apart to the Trojan women.
The Trojan women had assembled on the beach with tear-stained faces to wait and
watch the result of the encounter between Hercules and the sea-monster. In Portias
room, Nerissa and the others are nervously waiting for the outcome of Bassanios
trial of the caskets.
Hercules saved Hesione from death. Bassanio, if he wins, will save Portia from
unwelcome suitors.
16. What is the substance of the song?
A. The song says that some people inquire where fanciful love( not true love) originates;
whether it does so from the feelings of the heart or mind, and how it is kept alive.
The reply is that it is only a passing feeling. It is not bred in the heart or in the
intellect, but in a glance of the eye only, when the glance alights on some pleasing
form. It is nourished by the continued sight of the loved one. It is very short-lived. It
fades away almost as soon as it is born.

The song gives a warning not to judge by the eyes alone, i.e. by outward
appearances.
17. Explain: So may the outward shows be least themselves: ..obscures
the show of evil?
A. In these lines, Bassanio takes his hint from the song and starts thinking about the
outward appearance of things. He believes that the world is always misled by the
external appearance of things.
18. What are the various examples given by Bassanio to prove that world is
deceived by external appearance?
In a law case, no matter how foul and dishonest an argument may be, its falsity and
unsoundness gets hidden if the advocate has a pleasing voice.
In religion, the greatest deviation or sinful errors, can be overlooked if a priest
supports and confirms them by giving examples from holy books. Thus the evil
character of the error can be hidden with an attractive decoration.
No vice or bad habit is so bad or simple that it cannot take on some virtuous quality
on its external appearance.
There are many cowards who are absolutely unreliable and undependable like the
stairs of sand, but wear beards upon their chins like the Greek hero Hercules or the
stern-looking, Mars. But when we see below the surface or when we examine the
inner qualities of such persons, we find their hearts very weak and cowardly. They
put on beards, which are believed to be a sign of bravery, to make themselves look
dreadful or formidable.
In the case of beauty, we see that beauty can be purchased by paying a certain
amount of money. Women use cosmetics to look beautiful. These cosmetics can be
purchased. They bring about a wonderful change in the appearance of the users so
that those who make the maximum use of these beauty-aids appear to be the
brightest though they are also the most superficial, frivolous and fickle.
The shining, golden tresses whose ringlets are tossed about by the playful breeze,
seen on the head of a woman, appear to be real. Actually this is false hair; it
originally belongs to a dead woman who is lying in the grave.
Decoration and external beauty are only like the treacherous shore of a very
dangerous sea. It may be compared to the beautiful scarf which when removed,
might reveal a dark coloured ugly Indian woman.
In short, external ornament is undependable. It is used by clever, deceitful persons
to mislead even the most experienced people.
19. Explain: therefore then thou gaudy gold I will none of thee
A. Bassanio looks at the golden casket and says that gold which prove to be useless
food for Midas, will never be his choice.
20. What reason does Bassanio give for rejecting the silver casket?
A. Silver was the metal of exchange between man and man because the common coins
were made out of it. It serves for business transactions and so it is a common, gross
thing, serving everymans need like a public slave. So he rejects the silver casket.
21. Why does Bassanio choose the lead casket?

A. Bassanio chooses the lead casket because it makes no pretentions. Its unpretentious
looks impress him more than the most fervent protestations of the gold and silver
caskets.
22. Describe Portias feelings when Bassanio decides to choose the lead
casket.
A. She says that all other emotions, like anxiety, despair, fear, jealousy which has been
agitating her for so long, vanish into the night. The sole occupant of her heart now is
love. She asks the god of love to calm her wild delight. She asks love not to
overwhelm her with this rapture and to grant his blessings with a less generous hand,
lest she should be altogether overpowered. She is afraid of such perfect bliss
because it might prove too much for her.
23. With reference to Portias portrait comment on Bassanios statements on:
eyes, lips, hair of the portrait.
A. On opening the lead casket, Bassanio finds the portrait of Portia and a scroll. Praising
the artist who has painted Portias portrait must have been half-divine because the
picture is so alive and real. It is close to Gods work of creation.
Gazing at the portrait, he says that the eyes seemed to be moving. Then he
supposes that since their image is taken up by his own eyes, they seem to live and
move.
About the lips he says, they are slightly parted because a sweet breath is escaping
from the mouth. He calls the lips two sweet friends and says that nothing but a sweet
breath should come between them.
In painting the hair, he says, the painter has kept in mind the cobweb of a spider.
Just as a spider weaves cobwebs in which to trap tiny insects and gnats, so the artist
has portrayed Portias sunny tresses in such braids and knots that the hearts of men
are trapped by their beauty sooner than insects in spiders web.
Bassanio says that he cannot imagine how the artist could have painted the eyes.
He says they are so beautiful that it seems to him that when one of them was made,
its beauty ought to have dazzled the painter and blinded both his eyes. This ought to
have rendered him unable to paint the second eye. Bassanio is filled with wonder
that the artist succeeded in painting both of Portias eyes, when he himself might
have lost both his eyes.
24. Explain: yet look, how far the substance of my praise.. doth limp
behind the substance.
A. When Bassanio is praising the portrait, he concludes by saying that just as his actual
praise is unjust to this portrait because it under-estimates the picture, similarly the
portrait falls short of the living Portia in beauty.
25. What were the contents of the scroll?
A. Bassanio reads that since he has not chosen by mere outward appearances, he
should always be fortunate and make his choice as wisely as his one. Since this
fortune has befallen him, he should be satisfied and seek nothing more for his
happiness. If he is well pleased with his luck, and feels that fate has brought him
happiness, then he should go to his lady and claim her as his own with a kiss of love.

26. Describe Bassanios feelings on learning the success of his choice.

A. On learning the success of his choice, Bassanio is at the height of his joy. He says
that he feels like one who is striving to win some contest, like one of the two prizefighters. He hears the applause and the shout, but is too bewildered by the struggle
to be able to tell whether the applause is for him or not. Such is Bassanios condition,
as he is yet uncertain whether he has won Portia or not. He asks Portia to confirm,
approve and sanction it and to return the kiss.
27. How does Portia reply to Bassanio when he claims her?
A. Portia says that as far as her desires are concerned, she is content to be as she is
and does not wish to be much better. Yet, for Bassanios sake, she wishes she were
thrice twenty times better (sixty times more) than what she is, a thousand times
more beautiful and ten thousand times richer. She wishes she were infinitely fairer,
and that her friends, her goodness, her possessions and estates were beyond all
description and calculation, if that would raise her higher in his esteem. All she can
offer him in her own person is a mere nothing. She may be described as nothing
better than a maiden without education, training and experience. However, she is
glad that she is still young enough to have time to improve. She is even happier
because she is not so dull by nature as not to be able to learn. She is happiest of all
because she is now able to surrender her mind and heart completely and willingly to
the guidance of her lord, master and king, Bassanio; to be moulded by him as he
likes.
28. What does Portia say about her possessions?
A. Portia tells Bassanio that all she possesses, together with herself, now changes hands
and is given to him. A moment before, she ruled over her beautiful house, governed
her attendants and was mistress of herself and her own actions, and now, at this
very moment, she bestows them all upon him the mansion, her servants and
herself.
29. What does Portia give Bassanio as a token of her surrender to him? What
warning accompanies it?
A. As a token of her surrender to Bassanio, Portia gives him a ring.
She warns him that if he ever parts with it, lose it or give to someone else, it will be
a sign that he loves her no more and she shall then blame him for this.
30. What is Bassanios reaction to Portias self-surrender to him? What does
he say?
A. Bassanio is overpowered with emotion when Portia makes her self-surrender to him.
He tells her that her love and goodness render him speechless. Only the rush of his
blood through his veins betrays him, and tries to answer her. He is so overwhelmed
by his emotions that he feels bewildered. As the confused murmur of applause, which
rises from the crowd at the conclusion of a well-delivered speech from a favourite
prince, is expressive of pleasure and yet confused and almost hesitant, so Bassanios
faculties seem to be unable to give expression to his great joy in any logical speech.
31. What promise does Bassanio make regarding the ring?

A. Bassanio promises Portia that when the ring leaves his finger, then his spirit will flee
and his life will leave him. He will only part with the ring in death.
32. What special favour does Gratiano ask Bassanio?
A. Gratiano wishes Portia and Bassanio that all the joy and happiness they desire may
be showered upon them. He says that he hopes that they will wish him to have the
same. He asks them to grant him a special favour when their marriage ceremony is
performed; he also wants to celebrate his marriage at the same time.
33. How had Gratiano wooed and won a wife?
A. Gratiano tells Bassanio that he is not in any way behind Bassanio in perceiving
beauty. While Bassanio wooed Lady Portia, Gratiano wooed her lady- in-waiting. Just
as Bassanio made a speedy courtship, so did Gratiano. Bassanios success or failure
depended upon his choice of the right casket and so did Gratianos as well. After he
had exhausted himself in pleading and persuasion, and vowed affection till he could
speak no longer, at last he obtained a promise from the fair Nerissa. The promise was
that Nerissa would love Gratiano, on condition that Bassanio had the good fortune to
win the love of her mistress.
34. Who arrives a little later and how does Bassanio welcome them?
A. Lorenzo, Jessica and Salerio arrived. Bassanio welcomes Lorenzo and Salerio to the
house, if he may venture to do so yet, considering the fact that it is very recent that
he has acquired the rights to play the host. He tells Portia, if she will allow him, he
welcomes these true friends and fellow-citizens with all his heart.
35. What does Salerio bring with him and what is his reply when Bassanio
asks about Antonio before opening the letter?
A. Salerio gives Bassanio a letter from Antonio.
Before opening the letter, Bassanio asks about Antonio. Salerio replies that he
cannot say he is ill, unless it be mentally, nor can he pronounce him well, unless it be
mentally. Then he tells Bassanio that the letter sent by him will inform him of his
condition.
36. What does Portia observe and say about Bassanio as he is reading
Antonios letter?
A. Portia says the letter contains some bitter news which has made Bassanios cheeks
pale. Some dear friend must have died for surely nothing else can affect the physical
condition of such a firm man. She sees that his sorrow deepens. Then she begs of
Bassanio to tell her the cause of his sorrow as she and Bassanio are now one, so she
ought to share anything that befalls him. She asks him to tell her what news that
letter has brought.
37. What confession does Bassanio make to Portia now?
A. Bassanio tells Portia that the letter contains some of the most unwelcome news that
was ever put in black and white. He confesses that when he first disclosed his
affection for her, he told her that the only wealth he possessed was his good birth.
He spoke nothing but the truth. But even when he claimed nothing more than that
and told her that he owned no possessions, he was exaggerating his position. He
ought to have told her the he owned nothing, being in debt. He tells Portia that he is

deeply indebted to a kind friend of his. This friend, for his sake, has given a bond to
his worst foe. He did this solely to supply Bassanio with the money he needed.
38. How does Bassanio look upon Antonios letter after reading it?
A. After reading it, Bassnio looks upon Antonios letter as if it is his body. The cruel
words as the number of stabs, each seeming to spout blood of his friend.
39. What does Antonio ask of Salerio now?
A. He asks Salerio whether the news in the letter can be really true. Bassanio wants to
know whether not one of Antonios enterprises is successful. He asks whether not
even one of his ships which have sailed to Tripolis, Mexico, England, Lisbon, Barbary
and India, has attained success. He inquires again whether not a single vessel has
escaped being wrecked on the dangerous rocks which prove so ruinous to merchants.
40. What is Salerios reply?
A. Salerio replies that not a single ship escaped. Besides, it seems that even if Antonio
had the money to pay to the jew, the jew is not prepared to take it. He says that he
has never known another creature in the shape of a man who is so keen and desirous
of destroying another man.
Shylock urges the Duke of Venice morning and evening to take action against
Antonio. He further says that if justice is denied to him he will discredit the state of
Venice by saying that the rights of foreigners are not protected in Venice.
He further goes on to say that twenty merchants, Antonios friends, the Duke
himself and all the most important noblemen (Magnificoes) of Venice have all argued
with Shylock and pleaded with him for mercy but none has been able to persuade
him to give up his cruel and malicious demand for justice. He demands that he must
get the penalty that is mentioned in the bond as Antonio has forfeited (failed to fulfil)
the bond.
41. Explain: and doth impeach the freedom of the state
A. The word impeach means call in question. The phrase freedom of the state refers
to the privileges which the state guarantees to foreigners dwelling in it.
One of the privileges which the state guarantees to foreigners is that they should
have an equal claim with citizens of Venice to legal justice.
If Shylocks case against Antonio is not treated properly, it will bring discredit on the
justice of Venice for violating the free rights which foreigners were supposed to enjoy.
42. Which incident does Jessica relate now? What opinion does she express?
A. Jessica relates that when she was at home, Shylock has frequently sworn to
Tubal and Chus (both Jews) that to have the penalty and to have Antonios flesh
would prefer to have Antonios flesh than to have twenty times the value of the sum
that Antonio owes to him.
She expresses the opinion that she is certain that Antonio is in grave danger, unless
the authority of the state, the law and the power of the Duke are able to intervene
and save him.
43. When Portia asks Bassanio whether it is his dear friend who is now in such
danger, what eulogy (tribute) does Bassanio pronounce upon Antonio?
A. Bassanio says that Antonio is the dearest friend and the kindest man that he has
ever seen. He is the best natured man and is never tired of doing favours. He shows

the ancient Roman spirit of honour more clearly than any living man in the whole of
Italy. His loyalty to friends and country is unparalleled.
44. When Portia learns that Antonio owes only three thousand ducats to
Shylock, what advice does she give Bassanio?
A. When Portia learns that Antonio owes only three thousand ducats to Shylock, she
tells Bassanio to pay him double (six thousand) and cancel the bond. Double six
thousand (twelve thousand) and then treble that (thirty six thousand) before a friend
of such good qualities can lose even a single hair because of Bassanios fault.
She suggests that they should go to the church and get married at once, so that
Bassanio will have a right to the money and then go to Venice to his friends
assistance. He must not stay by her side when his mind is so full of worries. He will
get enough gold to pay that loan twenty times over. When his loan is paid, he must
return to Belmont with his friend.
In the meantime, Nerissa and she will live like unmarried girls or widows. She says
that they should go at once to the church to get married. After that he must depart
quickly, on the very day of their marriage. Meanwhile, he should welcome his friends
and show a cheerful countenance to them. She will love him very dearly, and value
him most highly, since such a price has been paid that she might wed him.
45. Give the substance of Antonios letter to Bassanio.
A. Antonio begins by telling Bassanio that all his ships have been lost, his creditors have
become cruel, his resources are at a very low ebb and hence he is unable to repay
the Jew. So he has to pay the penalty of the bond and since in paying that, he would
lose his life, his only wish is to see him once before he dies. All of Bassanios debts to
him will be cleared if he can come at the time of his death. Nevertheless he should
use his discretion or do as he pleases. If his beloved does not allow him to come,
then he should not pay any attention to his request.
46. What does Portia tell Bassanio to do?
A. Portia tells Bassanio to do all that is to be done quickly and leave for Venice at once.
47. What is Bassanios reply?
A. Bassanio replies that he will indeed hasten since she is willing that he should go, but
he will not sleep nor take any rest till he returns to her. Then they all leave to get
married.

ACT III SCENE 3

1. Where does the scene take place? Name the character who enter the scene.
What are they probably doing before they meet Shylock?
A. This scene takes place in a street in Venice. Shylock, Salarino, Antonio and the
Gaoler (jailer) enter the scene.
The scene begins with a conversation already in progress. The jailer has probably
been talking to

Shylock before the scene opens.

2. Whom does Shylock tell the jailer to look to? What three things about him
does Shylock tell the jailer?
A. Shylock tells Antonio to look to Antonio.
He tells the jailer to guard Antonio closely and see that he does not escape. He tells
him not to plead with him to show mercy to Antonio. Then he says that Antonio is the
fool who gave loans without interest.
3. Why does Antonio say Hear me yet? Why does he call Shylock good?
A. Antonio says hear me yet because he wants to beg Shylock to relent and to
persuade him to call off the trial.
He calls Shylock good to soften him and win him over so that he will change his
mind.
4. What is Shylocks reply?
A. Shylock says he must have the penalty mentioned in the bond. He is not willing to
listen to even a word against it. He has taken an oath that he will obtain the penalty
mentioned in the bond.
He recalls that Antonio would call him a dog before shylock had given him any
cause or occasion to do so. He tells Antonio that since he is a dog, Antonio should
beware of his teeth for they can bite. He says that he will have the case judged by
the Duke, who cannot allow the breaking of a signed agreement.
5. What does Shylock angrily tell the jailor? Why?
A. Shylock angrily tells the jailer that he is surprised greatly at his being so foolish as to
yield to Antonios request and bring him out into the open.
He is angry at the sight of Antonio enjoying so much liberty. Therefore he criticizes
the jailer for bringing him out.
6. How does Shylock reply when Antonio beseeches him a second time to
listen to what he has to say?
A. When Antonio beseeches Shylock a second time to listen to what he has to say,
Shylock says that he will not listen to him. All he wants is his bond. He tells Antonio it
is useless attempting to talk him over. He insists on the agreement. He says he is not
so stupid as to yield to persuasion, or be shaken in his determination by the
pleadings of anyone, nor give up his point at the request of his Christian friends. He
tells Antonio not to attempt to come after him. He will not argue with him. He again
insists on his bond.
7. What does Salarino remark about Shylock after he leaves?
A. After Shylock leaves, Salarino remarks that he is surely the most hard-hearted,
merciless dog that has ever lived with human creatures.
8. What reason does Antonio suggest for Shylocks unrelenting (merciless)
attitude?
A. Antonio declares that he will ask no more favours of Shylock since he knows that
Shylock wants only his life.

Antonio says that Shylock is merciless because many a times Antonio had saved
men upon whom Shylock was trying to impose the penalties of not fulfilling their
bonds with him. When they came to see him in their distress, he had delivered them
out of Shylocks clutches. Therefore Shylock hates him.
9. How does Salarino try to bring hope to Antonio regarding the bond?
A. Salarino tries to bring hope to Antonio regarding the bond by saying that he is sure
that the Duke will never permit the penalty of the bond to be enforced.
10. How does Antonio point out that his hope is in vain? Explain.
A. Antonio says that the Duke cannot change the course of the law. The foreigners enjoy
certain rights and privileges in Venice. The law of the land will be called in question if
the Duke denies the taking of the penalty and it will adversely affect the trade of the
city since a number of foreigners and strangers have trade with them. So Antonio is
certain that Shylocks case is strong and that the Duke cannot change the law to
favour Antonio.
11. What effect do Antonios anxieties have on his body? What remark does
Antonio make about it?
A. Antonios body is reduced greatly because of his anxieties and troubles.
Antonio remarks that he will hardly have a pound of flesh left upon him by the day
of the trial, to pay the forfeit to Shylock.
12. Explain: to see me pay his debt
A. The only thing that Antonio wants now is to see Bassanio once more before he dies.
Antonio means that Bassanio should arrive in time to see Antonio pay with his life
the debt that he contracted for the sake of his friend, Bassanio.
SCENE 4
1. Where does the scene take place? Name the character who enter the scene.
A. This scene takes place in a room in Portias house in Belmont. Portia, Nerissa, Lorenzo
and Balthazar enter the scene.
2. What is Lorenzo telling Portia? What does he say in praise of Antonio?
A. Lorenzo tells Portia that she has a noble and true idea of the divine quality of
friendship. This idea is clear from the fact that she is thus bearing the absence of her
husband, Bassanio. He says that though he says this in her presence, he does not
mean to flatter her.
He tells Portia that if she knew the person to whom she has shown this honour and
kindness, if only she knew how true a friend he was to Bassanio, then she would be
more proud of her action in sending, Bassanio, than normal kindness can make her
feel.
3. What does Portia say about her kind actions?
A. Portia says that she has never had cause to regret any kind action she may have
done and she is certain that she will not need to regret this kind action just
mentioned by Lorenzo.

4. How does Portia describe the likeness between her husband and Antonio?
A. Portia believes that when two friends associate, spend time together and feel an
equal force of love, there must necessarily be a similarity of characteristics, of
manners and of nature.
This makes her think that Antonio, who is the bosom friend of her lord, must
necessarily be like her lord.
5. Explain: if it be so, how little is the cost I have . the state of hellish
cruelty
A. Portia says that if Antonio is like her husband, the expenditure of money is a very
small sacrifice on her part to save Antonio from the clutches of the cruel Jew.
6. What instructions does Portia now give Lorenzo?
A. Portia gives Lorenzo the responsibility and management of her household till her
husband returns. As far as she is concerned, she says that she has taken a secret
pledge before God to spend the time in prayers and religious thinking with none but
Nerissa as her companion, until the return of their husbands. Two miles from there is
monastery where they will stay. She concludes by telling Lorenzo not to refuse to
carry out this task which her love and present necessity makes her place upon him.
7. After Lorenzo and Jessica accept the task assigned to them and depart,
what does Portia instruct Balthazar privately?
A. After Lorenzo and Jessica accept the task assigned to them and depart, Portia
privately instructs Balthazar, her honest and trustworthy servant, to bear a letter
from her to her cousin, the lawyer, Doctor Bellario of Padua. He has to hasten with all
the speed he is capable of to Padua and deliver her letter into her cousins own
hands. Then he has to obtain certain letters, notes and robes. He has to be careful to
bring them as quickly as possible to the public ferry- boat which plies back and
toward Venice. Portia tells him not to waste time in talking but to go speedily. She will
be at the ferry before he gets there.
8. What hints about her plan does Portia give Nerissa after Balthazars
departure? In what state will their husbands see them?
A. After Balthazars departure, Portia gives Nerissa a hint about her plan that they will
see their husbands before they can so much as even dream of it.
Their husbands will certainly see them, but in such clothes that they will be
completely deceived. They will think that they possess the qualities of men which
they do not really possess.
9. How does Portia plan to behave and speak, so as to be taken for a young
man?
A. Portia says that when she is dressed like a young man,
she will wear her dagger by her side in with a more gallant air,
she will speak in a voice which is between a young boys and a mans and it will be
shrill.
She shall take one manly stride in place of two short ones as women do.
Speak of fights like a boastful young boy

 She will tell fanciful lies about how respectable ladies have loved her and have died
of a broken heart because she did not love them in return.
She will say she could not help it and pretend she is sorry for them and that she
wished they did not die for her sake as it was not her fault.
She will go on with a score of other little inventions and lies until people will believe
that she has left school more than a year already.
Portia says that her mind is full of these thousands of school-boyish pranks such as
these young, inexperienced and bragging youth employ, and she will try them all.
10. Where and when will Portia outline the rest of the plan to Nerissa? Why
does Portia say they must not delay?
A. Portia will outline the rest of the plan to Nerissa in the coach which is already waiting
for them at the park gate. She will let Nerissa hear it while they are travelling in it.
Portia says they must not delay for they have to travel twenty miles to Venice
before nightfall.
SCENE 5
1. Where does the scene take place? Name the characters who enter the
scene.
A. This scene takes place in a garden at Belmont. Launcelot and Jessica enter the scene.
2. What reason does Launcelot give for Jessica being damend?
A. Launcelot tells Jessica that the wicked deeds of the parents have evil consequences
for the children. Launcelot means that Jessica will be damned because of her fathers
sins, i.e. Shylocks determination to take revenge. Moreover, Christians in those days
believed that there was no salvation for the souls of Jews and non-Christians. So,
since Jessica is the daughter of a Jew, she is sure to be damned.
3. What does Jessica mean by saying that she will be saved by her husband?
A. By saying that she will be saved by her husband, Jessica means that being converted
to Christianity by her husband, she will be saved from damnation.
4. According to Launcelot why is Lorenzo to be blamed rather than praised for
her conversion?
A. According to Launcelot, Lorenzo is to be blamed rather than praised for her
conversion because he has added to the number of Christians of whom there were
enough already.
This making of Christians will raise the price of pork because if all become eaters of
pork they shall soon not get a slice of bacon left to cook over the fire.

5. Who enters the scene now? What does he say to Launcelot?

A. Lorenzo enters the scene now.
He tells Launcelot that he will begin to become jealous of him, if he sees him talking
to his wife in quiet places like the garden.
6. How does Jessica assure Lorenzo that he need not be afraid of their
friendship? What does she report about their conversation?

A. Jessica assures Lorenzo that he need not be afraid of their friendship as she and
Launcelot have just quarreled.
She reports that Launcelot has just told her plainly that Heaven will show no mercy
to her as she is the daughter of a Jew. She says he also finds fault with Lorenzo. He
says that Lorenzo is not a good citizen and does injury to his fellow-citizens for he
makes pork dearer by converting Jews to Christians, thus adding to the number of
those who may eat it.
7. What does Lorenzo bid Launcelot to do? How does he pun on the words
prepare for dinner?
A. Lorenzo bids Launcelot to go indoors, and tell the servant to get dinner ready and
serve it. Launcelot willfully misunderstands his words and says that they will be ready
and fully prepared for dinner as they have plenty of appetite.
8. What does Lorenzo say to Launcelot when he willfully misunderstands him?
What is Launcelots reply?
A. Lorenzo calls him a wit-snapper meaning that he is ever ready to snap up the words
of Lorenzo and pun on them. Then he corrects himself and simply says prepare
dinner.
When Lorenzo says prepare dinner, he means get the dinner ready for serving.
Launcelot willfully makes it mean get dinner cooked. So he replies that it is cooked
and ready. Only the table has to be laid (covered).
9. What does Lorenzo now tell Launcelot to do? In what sense does launcelot
take the word cover? Explain the pun.
A. Lorenzo now asks Launcelot to cover meaning to lay the cloth on the table, lay the
table with plates and dishes.
Launcelot pretends to take the word cover in the sense of wearing the hat.
He replies that he will not wear his hat in the presence of his superiors, Lorenzo and
Jessica saying that he knows the duty as a servant.
Launcelot is punning on the word cover. One meaning is to lay the table the
other is to put on ones hat.
10. What is Lorenzos reaction to his series of puns? What does he say?
A. Lorenzo is heartily tired of Lorenzos puns. He asks him if he is trying to show them
all his cleverness in one moment. He begs him to try to take in the meaning of the
simple words of a simple man. He tells Launcelot to go and tell his fellow-servants to
lay the table and bring in the food. They will come to dinner.
11. What is Launcelots ridiculous reply?
A. He tells Lorenzo the table shall be served meaning laid, the meat shall be
covered meaning served. He says as for their coming in to dinner, that depends on
their mood and fancy for he cannot bid them to do anything.
12. What does Lorenzo ironically remark to Jessica about Launcelot after he
goes away?
A. Lorenzo remarks that a great lack of discrimination is shown in Launcelots
misapplication of words. That fool has filled his mind with quite a stock of fine words
ready for use.

Since Lorenzo is rather vexed with Launcelots nonsense, he remarks that he knows
many men who have higher rank in society but are really fools like him. They have a
large stock of good words and like him they will let the whole sense of the subject in
hand go by, for the sake of using a witty and clever expression, that is, by placing a
double meaning on a word.
13. In what terms of lofty praise does Jessica speak of Portia?
A. Jessica says that her praise for Portia is beyond all words. It is proper that Bassanio
should now lead an honest life. Since his wife is such a blessing to him he finds the
joy of heaven on this earth. If he does not lead an honest life on the earth he can
never expect to go to heaven. If two gods were to play some match in heaven and
stake on the wager two earthly women and if Portia be one of them then something
of value would have to be added to the other woman for this poor world does not
possess Portias equal.
14. What does Lorenzo mockingly remark now? What is Jessicas reply?
A. Lorenzo mockingly remarks that Jessica has just as peerless (without a match) a
husband as Bassanio has a wife.
Jessica teasingly replies that he should not be too sure of that. He should wait and
hear her opinion of him just as he heard her opinion of Portia.
15. When does Lorenzo want to hear it? Why?
A. Lorenzo wants to hear it during dinner, because however unpalatable (unpleasant)
her words may be, he will still digest them with the rest of his dinner.
Lorenzo means to say that if Jessica is going to say something unpleasant about
him, it will be unpalatable by itself, before dinner.
If she says it when having dinner, the food will serve as a sauce to enable him to
digest her words.
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