1 1 - Merged

Merchant of Venice
Act - 1
Scene - 1
Extract - 1
(i) Where are Antonio and his friends? What does Antonio say about his sadness?
(ii) Give meaning of:

(a) whereof it is born
(b) a want-wit sadness
(c) That I have much ado to know myself
(iii) What reason does Salarino give as the probable cause of Antonio 's melancholy?
(iv)State in your own words the scene on the ocean as described by Salarino,when
Antonio 's ships were sailing .
(v)Why do you think Antonio is presented as melancholic character?What could be

cause for his melancholy?
Answers:
(i) Antonio and his friends are sitting around talking on the streets of Venice. Antonio tells
his friends that he doesn't himself understand his sadness (melancholy), but that it has
nothing to do with business worries or being in love.
(ii) (a) how it originated

(b) a dull sadness
(c) That I have much difficulty in recognizing myself
(iii) Salarino tells Antonio that he is sad because his mind is preoccupied with his ships
filled with cargo, which are out at sea.
(iv) Salarino compares Antonio's ships sailing on the waves with the great lords and
wealthy citizens, who look down on lesser men as they walk along the street. He says that
compared to smaller ships, Antonio's ships move swiftly on the sea with their canvas sails
and look like grand spectacles or pageants of the sea.
(v) Antonio is presented as a melancholic and passive character mainly for three reasons.
Firstly, by portraying Antonio as a whimsical person, who is least bothered about the
consequences of his actions, justifies his signing the bond agreement. Secondly, Antonio's
melancholy creates a tragic atmosphere suitable for the play. Thirdly, Antonio's melancholy
creates a sense of mystery for the audience.
Extract - 2
(i) Where would Salanio's attention be if had business ventures abroad? Why would
he be 'Plucking the grass'? what else would he be doing in that context?
(ii) What would make Salanio fear some danger to his ventures? Give examples from
the opening scene to show some objects remind Salarino of the danger to the ships.
(iii) Give the meaning of: Plucking the grass to know where sits the wind.
(iv) In spite of the danger to his ships, why is Antonio not worried about his financial
security?
(v) What light does the opening scene throw on the danger that the sea could pose to
ships? How does the scene show that Antony is very confident about his
business venture?
Answers:
(i) If Salanio had business ventures abroad, his thoughts would be fixed on the dangers to
his ventures and methods of securing them. He would be plucking the blades of grass and
casting them in the air to see which way the wind blew, to see if it was blowing in
a direction favourable to the course of his ships or not. Further, he would look into maps
for harbours, channels and open road-steads near to the shore where his ships could
anchor in case of need.
(ii) Every thought of Salanio would make him fearful of danger to his business ventures.
Two examples which reminded Salarino of the danger to his ships were:
(a) While cooling his soup by blowing on it, reminded him of the stormy winds at sea
causing terrible damages to his ships.
(b) The sandy hour-glass reminded him of the richly laden vessels wrecked on the sandy
shore.
(iii) Plucking of grass and casting them in the air to see which way the wind blew.
(iv) Despite danger to his ships, Antonio is not worried about his financial security because
his business is neither dependent on any one ship nor on any single location or commercial
transactions of the current year.
(v) The opening scene describes the possible dangers that the sea could pose to ships such
as strong winds, dangerous shallow waters, sandbanks and dangerous rocks.
Extract - 3
(i) Where does this scene takes place? Name the people who are present there. In
what mood is Salarino in this scene?
(ii) What would the wind cooling broth remind Salarino of?
(iii) Give the meaning of:

And see my wealthy Andrew dock'd in sand,
(iv) What is the 'sandy hour-glass'? What would it remind Salarino of?
(v) When Salarino would go to church what would he see? What would the scene
make him imagine?
Answers:
(i) This scene takes place in a street of Venice. Antonio, Salarino and Salanio are present in
the scene. Salarino is in a talkative mood and wants to know the reason for Antonio's
melancholy. He says that he too would be feeling melancholic if his ships were sailing on
the sea.
(ii) It would remind Salarino of the stormy winds at sea and of the terrible damages they
might cause to the ships.
(iii) In the above lines Salarino imagines that his rich cargo ship is grounded in sand and
her mast dipped down lower than her sides as if trying to kiss the sands that surround her.
(iv) Sandy hour-glass is an apparatus used to indicate time. It would remind Salarino of the
dangers from hidden banks of sand at sea, on which a ship may run aground.
(v) When Salarino would go to the church he would see the holy building made of stone.
This scene would make him think of the perilous rocks of the sea and imagine that a
collision of his ship with these rocks would be sufficient to break his vessel into pieces and
scatter on the sea all her spices and silks.
Extract - 4
(i) Who has just said that Antonio was in love? What was the reaction of Antonio to
that remark?
(ii) Antonio says that he is not sad because of love. What explanation does Salarino
give in the extract for Antonio's sadness?
(iii) What is meant by 'two-headed Janus'? Why is he referred to in the extract?
(iv) Describe in your own words the two types of strange fellows who have been
framed by the nature.
(v) Who comes at the end of Salarino 's speech ?Why does Salarino leave then?
Answers:
(i) Salarino has just said that Antonio was in love. Antonio calls the remark as nonsense and
completely denies that he is in love.
(ii) Salarino concludes that Antonio is sad because he is not happy. He remarks that there
are some curious creatures in the world. He swears by Janus, the two~headed Roman God
that some people have merry natures and are continuously laughing whether the things
they see are subject for mirth or not. Again there are others with the sourest countenance
who will not laugh at any thing though the gravest old warrior Nestor himself confirms the
joke as most amusing is a Roman god usually depicted with two heads looking.
(iii) Janus is Roman god usually depicted with two heads looking in opposite directions :-
one frowning and the other smiling. He had received from god Saturn, the gift to see both
the past and the future. He is referred to in the extract to show that there are two types of
people :- one happy and other sad.
(iv) Natures has two types of people. The first type of people have happy natures and often
laugh even if the subject of laughter is too trivial. The second type of people are those with
serious and grave faces, who do not laugh even at the most amusing jokes.
(v) At the end of Salarino's speech, Bassanio, Gratiano and Lorenzo come. Salarino leaves
Antonio then because Antonio's friends, Bassanio, Gratiano and Lorenzo have come to give
him company.
Extract - 5
(i) Why is young man compared to' his grand's sire cut in alabaster ? Under what
condition is he likely to be infected with jaundice?
(ii) Give the meaning of:

(a) Do cream and mantle like a standing pond:
(iii) What is said in the extract about the people who try to earn a reputation for
wisdom?
(iv) Give the significance of 'I am Oracle 'and 'Let no dog bark.'
(v) What advice does Gratiano give to Antonio at the end of the speech? What does
Bassanio say about Gratiano's speech a little later in the scene?
Answers:
(i) Gratiano gives the example of a warm-blooded young man who represses his spirits and
forces himself to stillness till he looks like the marble image of his grandfather. He does so
to advise Antonio not to remain in melancholy. He is likely to be infected with jaundice due
to his bad temper.
(ii)
(a) Some men overcast their faces with a pale expression as unchanging as the cream that
forms on the surface of milk and as the scum that forms on the surface of a stagnant pool.
(b) Maintain an obstinate silence not to disturb the solemnity of their faces.
(iii) In the extract, Gratiano speaks about people who try to obtain a reputation for wisdom,
seriousness and deep thought by remaining silent. Such people mean to say that they speak
with the authority of the Greek Oracle and they alone are infallible in their
utterances. When they speak, other should keep quiet.
(iv) 'I am Sir Oracle' means 'I speak with the authority of the Greek Oracle'. The Greek
Oracles made known the will of Gods and were received by all without questions.
'Let no dog bark' means ' let no one speak'. It refers to the attitude of those wise men who
consider themselves as the fountain of wisdom and wait that when they speak, others
should remain silent.
(v) At the end of his speech, Gratiano advises Antonio not to be one of those who try to gain
a reputation for wisdom by being silent. He further tells Antonio not use melancholy as a
bait to win the reputation of wisdom and cheap popularity, which is like a worthless cheap
fish, a gudgeon.
Extract - 6
(i) Where are Bassanio and Antonio ?What has Antonio said earlier in reply to which
Bassanio speak these words?
(ii) Explain the following:

Or bring latter hazard back again,
And thankfully rest debtor for the first.
(iii) Which experience of his school days Bassanio relate to justify his plan for
repaying the loan?
(iv) How does Bassanio propose to pay back his previous loan as well as the present
loan?
(v) What confession has Bassanio made to Antonio earlier about his financial
position?How can you conclude that Bassanio is spendthrift?
Answers:
(i) Bassanio and Antonio are in a Street in Venice. Prior to this extract, Antonio asks
Bassanio to tell him about his plans. He adds. that if Bassanio's plan is as honourable as he
is, he then promises him everything that he has :- money, influence, personal help and
utmost resources.
(ii) The above lines mean that at any rate Bassanio could pay the second loan and remain
his grateful debtor for the first.
(iii) Bassanio says that when he was a boy at school and he lost one of his arrows while
shooting, he would shoot another arrow in the same direction. Thus, by risking the second,
he often regained both the arrows.
(iv) Bassanio proposes to pay back his previous loan as well as the present loan by
carefully managing the expenditure of his second loan amount.
(v) Earlier, Bassanio confesses to Antonio that he has spent his wealth by having a more
lordly way of living than his moderate income allowed him. Therefore, he has incurred
heavy debts because of his youth and extravagance. This proves that Bassanio is
a spendthrift.
Extract - 7
(i) What is meant by, 'fair speechless messages 'and' nothing undervalued'?
(ii) Who are Cato and Brutus? Why are they referred to here?
(iii) What evidence is there in the passage to show that Portia's fame had spread
throughout he world?
(iv) Explain in your own words the meaning and significance of the 'golden fleece'
which Jason sought in Colchos.
Answers:
(i) 'Fair speechless messages' mean glances which are silent messages of love. Bassanio
wants to say that sometimes he received from Portia's eyes lovely silent messages. The
words 'nothing undervalued' mean not less precious. Bassanio says that his Portia is no
less precious than Cato's daughter.
(ii) Cato, the father of Brutus' wife Portia, was the great-grandson of the famous Cato, the
Censor. They are referred to show that Portia of Belmont is as precious and great as Cato's
daughter, Portia.
(iii) The passage says that Portia's fame had spread throughout the world as suitors from
every part of the world come to Belmont to win her hand in marriage.
(iv) Jason was a Greek hero, who was sent by Pelias, his uncle who had usurped the throne,
to fetch the golden fleece from Colchos. In Greek mythology, golden fleece is referred to as
the fleece of the winged ram Chrysomallos. It was kept at an oak tree in a grove sacred
to god Ares and guarded by a dragon in Colchos. Bassanio compares Portia to the
golden fleece and himself in his quest for Portia, to Jason on his voyage to fetch the golden
fleece. He refers to other suitors as Jasons.
Extract - 8
(i) Why is Antonio unable to help Bassanio at once?
(ii) 'To raise a present sum'. How much was this sum? Why was it urgently?
(iii) What does Antonio instruct Bassanio to do to get a loan?
(iv) Give the meaning of: "That shall be rack'd , even to the uttermost ."
(v) Give any two character traits of Antonio in the scene. How are they different from
the character trait of bassanio?
Answers:
(i) Antonio is unable to help Bassanio at once since he has no money in hand as all his
business ventures are at sea.
(ii) The sum was three thousand ducats. It was required urgently for Bassanio to go to
Belmont and present himself before Portia as a worthy suitor.
(iii) Antonio instructs Bassanio to find out a merchant who is ready to give him money
against his name.
(iv) The credit shall be stretched to the utmost limit. Antonio says that he is ready to
stretch the credit as far as to equip Bassanio to go to Belmont to woo Portia.
(v) Antonio is introduced in the scene as a rich merchant having many shipping ventures at
sea. He is in a state of melancholy and not interested in love. Loyalty and generosity
towards Bassanio are the major traits of his character. Compared to Antonio, Bassanio is
shown as a spendthrift young gallant, who lives a life of luxury beyond his means. He seems
to take undue advantage of Antonio's generosity. Unlike Antonio, he is a romantic man, who
wants to marry Portia, a rich and beautiful heiress from Belmont.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 1
Scene - 2
Extract - 1
(i) What has Portia just in response to which Nerissa speaks these words?
(ii) Describe the lottery referred to in this extract.
(iii) Give the reactions of Portia as well as of Nerissa to the lottery.
(iv) Give the meaning of "never be chosen by any rightly, but one who you shall
rightly love."
(v) Portia is melancholic in the beginning of the scene as it was the case with Antonio
in the previous scene. What is difference between Antonio melancholy and that of
Portia?
Answers:
(i) Portia has just said that she can neither choose the one she likes nor refuse the one she
dislikes because the choice of her husband depends on the lottery of caskets devised
according to her late father's will.
(ii) The lottery refers to the choice of the right casket containing Portia's portrait from
among the three caskets of gold, silver and lead. The suitor who will make the right choice
as father will win her in marriage.
(iii) Initially, Portia appears to be anxious over the prospect of choosing her husband
through a lottery devised according to her father's will. She feels sad as she can neither
choose the one she likes nor refuse. the one she dislike as a her husband. But later on she
accepts her father's will. She says that she would remain a virgin like Diana unless she is
won in marriage by some suitor fulfilling the conditions of her father's will. Nerissa's
reaction to the lottery was positive. She calls Portia's father pious and asserts that good
men do have inspirations at the time of death. She consoles Portia by saying that she will
be chosen correctly by a person whom she truly loves.
(iv) These lines mean that Portia will be chosen correctly by a person whom she truly loves.
(v) Portia's melancholy is the result of her anxiety over the prospect of her future husband
while the cause of Antonio's melancholy is unknown.
Extract - 2
(i) Where are Portia and Nerissa ?What are they generally discussing about? What
mood is Portia in the scene?
(ii) Who is County Palatine ?Why has he come to Belmont?
(iii) Who is the first prince described by Portia ?What does she say about him?
(iv) Who is weeping philosopher? In which context is he referred to in the extract?

Give the meaning of : a death's-head with a bone in his mouth
(v) Give a character-sketch of the County Palatine . What impression does Portia
have about him?
Answers:
(i) Portia and Nerissa are in a room in Portia's house at Belmont. They are discussing the
lottery of caskets and about the suitors who have already come to try their luck. In this
scene, Portia is in a mood of melancholy and anxiety.
(ii) County Palatine was the Count from Palatinate, the region on the west bank of the
Rhine in Germany. He was a powerful lord who came to Belmont to win Portia's hand.
(iii) The first prince described by Portia is the Neapolitan prince from Naples, Italy. Portia
describes him as a dashing youngster and as wild as a young horse. He does nothing but
talks of his horse. He further considers his ability to shoe a horse himself as a
great accomplishment.
(iv) The weeping philosopher refers to Heraclitus of Esphesus. He was a Greek philosopher
who lamented the stupidity and folly of mankind and wept at everything in the world.
Portia refers to him to describe County Palatine. She feels that since County Palatine is
unusually gloomy in his young age, he will become a sad philosopher like Heraclitus when
he grows old.
(v) County Palatine is describe as a gloomy and self-conceited person. He is always

frowning as if to say that if Portia will not marry him, She may choose someone else. He is
morose and sullen that even jovial stories don't make him laugh. He has an abrupt manner
of speech and may become a sad philosopher like Heraclitus when he grows old.
Extract - 3
(i) What has Portia said earlier about Neapolitan prince and his horse? Which
characteristic is common between Monsieur Le Bon and Count Palatine?
(ii) Give the meaning of: "he is every man in no man:"
(iii) How does the French Lord react to the singing of a thrush?
(iv) What would happen:

a) If Portia were to marry the Count?
b) if he were to despise Portia?
c) if he were to love Portia passionately?
(v) Give any three negative qualities of the French Lord. What does Portia say about
him?
Answers:
(i) Earlier Portia described the Neapolitan prince as wild as a young horse and so attached
to his horse that he always spoke about the horse only. The Count Palatine and Le Bon
share the common characteristic of frowning.
(ii) He has every man's characteristics but no personality of his own.
(iii) When he hears the singing of a thrush, the French Lord starts jumping immediately.
(iv)
(a) It would be as if she were married to twenty husbands as he is never one man but
twenty men by turns.
(b) If he were to despise Portia, Portia would not be in the least angry and would forgive
him.
(c) Portia could never return his love since she could never possibly love twenty husbands.
(v) Portia says that the French Lord is more attached to his horse than the Neapolitan
Prince and excels Count Palatine in frowning. If he hears a thrush singing, he starts jumping
immediately. Further, if he does not have anybody to fence with, he will take his own
shadow as adversary.
Extract - 4
(i) How is the young baron's external appearance described in the passage? What
light does it throw on the national pattern of clothes of Englishment?
(ii) What shows that the English lord has poor knowledge of the European
languages? Why does Portia find it difficult to interact with him?
a)He is a proper man's picture
b)How oddly he is suited!
(iv) What is referred to as 'a dumb-show? Why is the baron said to be 'dumb-show'?
(v) Give a brief description of the Scottish Lord. What type of contemporary
relationship among England, Scotland and France is reflected in the description of
the Scottish lord?
Answers:
(i) The baron's external appearance is described as odd and strange. He is oddly dressed
and very odd in behaviour too. He wears an Italian jacket and breeches in the French
fashion. He seems to have got his hat from Germany and his manners from everywhere.
Englishmen of Shakespeare's days had fondness for the manners and clothes of foreigners.
(ii) Portia's statement that the Englishman did not know Latin, French or Italian shows that
he had very poor knowledge of European Languages. Portia found it difficult to converse
with him as he did not know Latin, French or Italian and Portia's knowledge of English was
very poor.
(iii)(a) He is handsome and fine-looking.

(b) He is dressed very strangely.
(iv) The word dumb-show refers to a play in which all characters act without speaking, that
is by gestures. A pantomime is a dumb-show. Here it means that the Englishman is unable
to speak foreign languages and had to converse by means of signs as in a dumb-show.
(v) The description of a Scottish Lord is a reference to the frequent alliances between the
Scots and the French against England when Scotland was at war with England.
Extract - 5
(i) How does the young German behave when he is sober and when he is drunk? If
the worse happens to Portia which would compel her to marry him ,what would she
do then?

a)when he is worst, he is little better than a beast.
b)set a deep glass of Rhenish wine on the contrary casket.
(iii) What plan does Portia make to prevent the young German from choosing the
right casket ?
(iv) Why is the young German referred to as 'a sponge'?

(v) After Portia's speech, what does Nerissa say to console her about the suitors?
What conclusion can you draw about Nerissa's speech in the context?
Answers:
(i) When sober, the young German is less than a man in behaviour and when drunk he is no
better than a beast. If the worse happens to Portia, she will manage to do without him.
(ii) (a) When he is drunk, he is no better than a beast.

(b) Place a tall goblet of Rhenish wine on the wrong casket.
(iii) To prevent the young German from choosing the right casket, Portia instructed Nerissa
to place a tall goblet of Rhenish wine on the wrong casket. Portia was sure that the German
suitor will not be able to resist the temptation of his national drink even if the picture of
the devil himself was within.
(iv) A sponge constantly absorbs water. Similarly, a drunkard, who constantly takes liquor
is called a 'sponge'. Since the young German is a drunkard, Portia calls him a 'sponge'.
(v) Nerissa tells Portia to set aside her fears concerning the suitors. She says that they have
informed her of their decision to go back home and not to press their courtship further
unless Portia's father's decree concerning the caskets can be set aside and they may woo
her in an ordinary way.
Extract - 6
(i) What was Portia 's father's will as far as Portia 's marriage was concerned?
(ii) Who is Sibylla and who is Diana ?Why are they referred to in the context?
(iii) What does Nerissa say to introduce Bassanio? What were the feeling of Portia for
Bassanio in this scene?
(iv) In what sense can we say that the opening of the first two scenes of Act I give the
plots of the play?
(v) Name the six suitors given in this scene. Give two characteristics of any two
suitors described by Portia.
Answers:
(i) Portia's father's will was that her marriage will be decided by the lottery of the three
caskets. The suitor, who chooses the right casket containing Portia's picture will be her
husband.
(ii) In Ovid’s metamorphoses, Sibyl was prophetess. She was granted a wish by god Appllo
that she would live for as many years as the grains of sand she held in her hand. She was
the ageless old woman.
Diana was the goddess of moon and hunting. She is known as the virgin goddess. They are
referred to here to explain Portia’s resolve to remain a virgin like Diana even if she lives to
be as old as Sibyl of Cumae unless she is won in marriage by some suitor in the lottery of
casket.
(iii) To introduce Bassanio, Nerissa recalls the visit of a young Venetian along with the
Marquis of Montferrat, when Portia’s father was alive. He was a scholar and a soldier. In
this scene, Portia’s feelings for Bassanio are quite positive. She recalls his name and tells
Nerissa that he fully deserves her praise. Her simple reply shows that she is already in love
with Bassanio.
(iv) The opening of the first two scenes of Act I gives the plot of the play. The two main
plots of the play are the bond-story and the casket -story. The bond-story is initiated in
Scene I while the casket-story is initiated in Scene 2 of Act I.
(v) The six suitors in given scene are:

1) The Neapolitan Prince from Naples, Italy, was a dashing youngster, as wild as a horse. He
always talked about his horse.
2) The County Palatine was always frowning and unusually gloomy.
3) Monsieur Le Bon is from France, who had the characteristic of every man and had no
personality of his own.
4) Mr, Falconbridge from England, though handsome was strangely and unmannerly
dressed and did not know Latin, French or Italian.
5)The Scottish Lord, was a coward and did not repay the Englishman who gave him a blow.
6) The Duke of Saxony was a drunkard. He is his sober moments, behaved less than a man
and when drunk no better than a beast.
Merchant Of Venice
Act - 1
Scene - 3
Extract - 1
(i) Give the condition to which Antonio is bound. How wise was Antonio to bind
himself to such condition?

May you stead me? Will you pleasure me?
(iii) Shylock says that Antonio is a good man. What does Shylock mean by the
connotation 'good'?
(iv) Enumerate the possible threats to Antonio's business ventures as stated by

Shylock, after the above extract.
(v) How can it be said that Antonio is prudent businessman? How can you say that he
is overconfident?
Answers:
(i) Antonio is bound to a bond according to which if he fails to repay the amount in due
time, Shylock will be entitled to take an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s
body that he may wish. It was very unwise of Antonio to misjudge Shylock’s intentions and
sign such a fatal bond.
(ii) Can you help me and will you do me this favour?
(iii) When Shylock says the above words, he means that Antonio is a reliable man, whose
surety is sufficient to give a loan.
(iv) Shylock enumerates the possible dangers to Antonio’s merchandise ships being only
planks of wood are apt to be broken; the mariners being merely human beings, are liable to
be drowned; there are pirates on the waters; and there are all the dangers of the ocean
from the gales, tempests and dangerous rocks.
(v) Antonio can considered as a prudent businessman as his wealth is distributed over the
whole world. One of Antonio’s ship is on its journey to Tripolis, another is bound for the
Indies, a third is voyaging to Mexico, fourth to England and others to various other distant
places. He is so overconfident of his riches that he agrees to an unreasonable and
dangerous bond.
Extract - 2
(i) What is meant by 'a fawning publican'? Give three reasons why Shylock hates
Antonio.
(ii).Write the meaning of the following in your own words:

If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
(iii) What old grudge does Shylock have against Antonio?
(iv) What does the 'sacred nation' refer to? What insults has Antonio heaped upon
Shylock?
(v) How does Shylock plan to get the money immediately? What light does this
extract throw on Shylock's character?
Answers:
(i) Publicans were tax collectors for the Romans and were generally oppressive. They were
hated by the Jews because they were the agents of Rome, who collected taxes also from the
Jews. Publican is a natural term of contempt and loathing in the mouth of a Jew. Shylock
hats Antonio because he is a Christian, lends money without interest and hurls abuses on
him.
(ii) The above words mean that if Shylock could get hold of Antonio at a disadvantage or in
a weak spot, he will satisfy fully the long-standing hatred he has against him.
(iii) Shylock had a long-standing grudge against Antonio because Antonio was a Christian
and looked upon the holy Jewish race with contempt. He used to lend money without
interest. He even spat on Shylock, kicked him and called a ‘cut-throat dog.’
(iv) ‘The Sacred Nation’ is a reference to the holy Jewish race. Antonio insults Shylock for
his business deals and for earning profit by lending money on interest.
(v) Shylock plans to get money immediately from a wealthy fellow-Jew, Tubal. It shows that
Shylock wants to execute the bond as soon as possible and use the chance to take his
revenge on Antonio.
Extract - 3
(i) What topic is referred to in extract? Who were Jacob and Abraham?
(ii) Give the story of Jacob who got his share as his payment from Laban.
(iii) What is the difference between taking interest and receiving payment for one's
labour?
(iv) How does Antonio interpret Jacob's success after this extract?
(v) What role did Jacob's wise mother play to make him the third possessor?
Answers:
(i) The topic referred to in the extract is lending money for interest. Jacob was the second
son of Issac who became the third successor to Abraham. Abraham was the founder of the
Hebrew nation and Jacob’s grandfather.
(ii) Laban was Jacob’s uncle. Jacob and Laban entered into an agreement that Jacob would
receive as his wages the lambs which were born with spots or stripes. During the breeding
season, Jacob arranged the wooden rods in such a way that the shadows of the rods should
fall on the sheep. Consequently, most of the lambs were born spotted or stripped, and thus,
they became Jacob’s property.
(iii) Taking interest means to charge specific amounts on the money given as loan for a
specified period. Receiving payment for one’s labour means to take remuneration for one’s
service rendered. This is legitimate while taking interest is not in order.
(iv) After this extract, Antonio tells Shylock that it was purely a matter of chance in Jacob’s
case. He had no control over it himself, but providence guided and governed the event. It
was not a matter in the hands of men, like the taking of interest.
(v) Esau and Jacob were Issac’s sons. Issac wanted to bless his elder son Esau but would do
so after he brought him some savoury meant. Jacob’s mother Rebecca overheard this
conversation. She wanted to get this blessing for Jacob. She told Jacob to fetch two goats to
make a savoury dish. Rebecca then asked Jacob to go to his blind father with the savoury
meat. In this way, Jacob, through the crafty assistance of his mother, got the blessing of his
father.
Extract - 4
(i) What is meant by 'shall we be beholding to you'? What is Rialto?
(ii) Give some examples to show that Shylock was ill-treated by Antonio. How did
Shylock react to Antonio's insults?
(iii) Why did Shylock bear Antonio's insults patiently?
(iv) Give the causes, financial and racial, for Shylock 's hatred for Antonio.
(v) Antonio is a rich merchant. What is the need for Antonio to borrow money from
his enemy?
Answers:
(i) ‘Shall we be beholding to you’-this statement was made by Antonio and he wants to say
to Shylock, “Are you going to lend us money?” Rialto was the Venetian Stock Exchange
where the merchants met for the transaction of business.
(ii) Shylock speaks of his ill-treatment at the hands of Antonio. He says that Antonio had
spat upon his Jewish robe in contempt and called him an unbeliever and a cur. He had also
spat upon his beard. On another day, he had pushed him aside with his foot as if he were a
stray dog being kicked out of his house. Shylock reacted to Antonio’s insults patiently.
(iii) Shylock bore Antonio’s insults patiently since, as a shrewd Jew, he was waiting for an
opportunity to take revenge on Antonio. Earlier, in the scene Shylock admits that patience
is the badge of his race.
(iv) Financially Antonio is a threat to Shylock’s money lending business because he lends
money without charging interest and thus brings down the rate of interest charged by
money lenders. Besides, he hates Antonio since he is a Christian, who despises the Jewish
race.
(v) Antonio needs to borrow money from his enemy Shylock to give it to Bassanio, his
friend so that he can go to Belmont to woo the rich lady Portia.
Extract - 5
(i) What were the 'shames' which stained Shylock?
(ii) What is meant by 'the present wants'? On what terms is the speaker willing to
supply the wants?
(iii) How does Antonio storm Shylock? Why was Shylock willing to lend money
without interest?
(iv) What is meant by Shylock when he says, "This is kind I offer?" What did he
propose to do immediately after this?
(v) Who is the third person, present at the scene? Why is he reluctant to agree to
Shylock's terms?
Answers:
(i) Shylock is referring to the insults hurled on him by Antonio such as speaking abusively
of him and his money-lending, spitting on him, kicking him, calling him a dog and ridiculing
the Jews.
(ii) ‘The present wants’ refer to the immediate need of Antonio - three thousand ducats to
provide for Bassanio’s trip to Belmont to woo Portia. The speaker is ready to supply the
wants provided Antonio signs a bond, according to which if Antonio is unable to pay him
the money on the specified date, the penalty to be paid will be an exact pound of flesh from
any part of Antonio’s body.
(iii) Antonio storms Shylock by saying that in future too he is likely to abuse and disgrace
him and that he should lend the money as to an enemy rather than a friend. He challenges
him exact the penalty if he fails to repay on time. Shylock is willing to lend the money
without interest because he wants to trap Antonio in a fatal bond and take his revenge.
(iv) ‘This is kind I offer you’ means this is the kindness that I offer you. This refers to his
lending of money without charging any interest on it. Immediately after this, the speaker
proposes to Antonio to accompany him to a lawyer and execute a bond with his signature
wherein the forfeit to be paid will be an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s
body.
(v) The third person present at the scene is Bassanio. He is reluctant to agree to Shylock’s
terms because he did not trust the kind words uttered by Shylock. He tells Antonio that he
will not have him make such an agreement on his account. He would rather remain as poor
as he is now and do without his wants supplied at such a price.
Extract - 6
(i) Who is a notary? Whom does Shylock want to take to the notary? Why?

a) single bond
b) merry sport
(iii) What did Bassanio say to prevent Antonio from signing the bond?
(iv) Why is Antonio confident that there is no danger in signing the bond? What
aspect of Antonio's character is shown in this incident?
(v) Why does Shylock insist on a pound of Antonio's flesh in the bond? Which aspect
of his character is shown in his absurd demand?
Answers:
(i) A notary is a lawyer who has the authority to execute official and legal dealings and
agrrements. Shylock want to take Antonio to the notary to sign the bond document which
stipulates that the forfeit to be paid will be a pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s
body.
(ii) a. agreement in which Antonio will be the only signatory
b. for a pleasant joke
(iii) Bassanio tells Antonio that he will not have him make such an agreement on his
account. He adds that he would rather remain as poor as he is now and do without his
wants supplied at such a price.
(iv) Antonio is confident that there is no danger in signing the bond because he is confident
that one month before the date of payment, his ships will have brought nine times the
amount they are borrowing and they will not have to pay the penalty. This incident shows
Antonio’s overconfidence and generosity towards Bassnio.
(v) Shylock insists on a pound of Antonio’s flesh to take revenge on him and to put him
completely at his mercy. Shylock’s hatred for Antonio and Christians is shown in his absurd
demand. Taking advantage of the situation, he wants to take revenge on Antonio and all
Christians, who persecuted him and his race.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene - 1
Extract - 1
(i) Where does this scene take place? Who are present in the scene? What
explanation does Morocco give for his dark complexion?
(ii) What qualities does a creature born in north have? Why?
(iii) Who is Phoebus and what is meant by Phoebus' fire? What test does the speaker
propose, to prove 'whose blood is reddest'?
(iv) What effect does the physical appearance of Morocco have on the brave men and
the prettiest women of his country?
(v) On what condition is the speaker prepared to change his dark complexion? What
idea do you get about the character of the Prince of Morocco from the extract?
Answers:
(i) This scene takes place in a room in Portia’s house at Belmont. People present are: Prince
of Morocco and his attendants, Portia, Nerissa and her attendants. Morocco says that he got
his dark colour because of the fierce sun. He was born and brought up in a country where
the sun is very close to the earth.
(ii) People born in north are fair-skinned. This is because the sun’s rays are so faint in the
north that they are hardly able to melt the frost, snow and icicles.
(iii) Phoebus in Greek mythology is one of the names of the Sun God, Appollo. "Phoebus’
fire" means the rays of the sun. Morocco proposes that he should be matched with any fair-
skinned man born in the north. They should open their veins to see whose blood is redder.
Red blood was considered to be sign of courage.
(iv) Morocco’s physical appearance frightened the brave men whereas the prettiest women
admired and loved it.
(v) The speaker is prepared to change his dark complexion only to win over Portia’s favour.
From the extract we know that the prince of Morocco is a warrior and self-assured man. He
has a large imposing physical appearance and is proud of his dark complexion. He is an
egoist who thinks that he is better than other people. He boasts of his red blood and the
admiration and affection he enjoys in his land from the nobles and the best maidens.
Extract - 2
(i) What is the lottery of Portia's destiny? How does it prevent her from the right of
voluntary choosing?
(ii) Give the meaning of: "But if my father had not scanted me, / And hedged me by
his wit,..."
(iii) How prudent was Portia's father to have arranged her marriage through a
lottery? Give a reason for your answer.
(iv) Give the brief character sketch of the Prince of Morocco in this scene.
(v) Do you agree with Portia's statement that the Prince of Morocco stands as fair a
chance as the other suitors? Give the reason to justify your opinion.
Answers:
(i) Lottery of Portia’s destiny refers to the lottery devised according to her deceased
father’s will. According to the lottery, each suitor has to choose from amongst the three
caskets of gold, silver and lead the one containing Portia’s portrait. The suitor who will
choose the correct casket will win Portia’s hand in marriage. The lottery of caskets
designed by her father, thus prevents Portia from exercising her freedom of choice. The
suitor, who will make the right choice will win her as wife.
(ii) These lines mean: "If I had not been limited and restricted by my father's wisdom and
obliged to accept for a husband the one who will succeed in winning me by the means I
have told you."
(iii) Portia’s father was prudent to have arranged for her marriage through a lottery. We
see that at the end the wisdom of her father prevails and she is won as wife by Bassanio
whom she loves and admires.
(iv) Form the extract we know that the Prince of Morocco is a warrior and self-assured
man. He has a large imposing physical appearance and is proud of his dark complexion. He
is an egoist who thinks that he is better than other people. He boasts of his red blood and
the admiration and affection he enjoys in his land from the nobles and the best of maidens.
He admits that the lottery of the caskets has no consideration for heroism and can be won
by anyone, even an undeserving candidate. He harps on the idea of chance-choice, lottery,
destiny, choosing, fortune and hazards.
(v) Portia does not really mean that Morocco had a good chance of winning her love,
because in Act I, Scene 2 she holds her former suitors in contempt. She thinks the same of
Morocco because he is boastful. Portia treats him with perfect courtesy and tact and speaks
as if she holds him in high esteem.
Extract - 3
(i) What is meant by a 'scimitar'? What conquests did Morocco make by using his
scimitar?
(ii) State two of the brave deeds Morocco is prepared to carry out in order to win
Portia.
(iii) Who are Hercules and Lichas? What could happen if they were to play a game of
dice? In what way is this example applicable to Morocco?
(iv) What final instruction does Portia give to Morocco before he is led to make the
choice?
(v) Why is the fortune said to be blind? What does Morocco fear since the blind
fortune is leading him to choose the casket?
Answers:
(i) ‘Scimitar’ means sword. By using his sword, Morocco had slain the Emperor of Persia
and a Persian Prince, who had defeated Sultan Solyman of Turkey thrice.
(ii) The brave deeds Morocco is prepared to perform in order to win Portia are:
a. To challenge the most brave warrior on earth
b. Snatch away the young sucking cubs from the mother bear and dare her wrath
(iii) In Greek Mythology, Hercules was renowned for his manliness, strength and exploits.
Lichas was his servant. According to the legend, once Hercules and Lichas were playing a
game of dice. By chance, the winning throw came from Lichas. This example is applicable to
Morocco since his fame, wealth and achievements are of no help to him to win Portia. He is
forced to take his chance against any inferior rival.
(iv) Before he is led to make the choice, Portia tells Morocco that he must take a chance. He
must either leave the matter altogether and not make the attempt or swear in the Chapel
before choosing, that if he makes the wrong choice, he will never again speak to any lady on
the subject of marriage.
(v) The goddess fortune is usually represented blindfolded. Fortune is said to be blind due
to the unaccountable variations in her dispensation of favours to mankind. He fears that as
the blind fortune is leading him to choose the right casket, the outcome depends only on
chance as in a game of dice.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene - 2
Extract -1
(i) Who is Launcelot Gobbo? What inner struggle is going on in his conscience? What
does his struggle show about the contemporary Christian practice?
(ii) Why does Launcelot want to run away from the Jew? What does his conscience
advise him to do?
(iii) Launcelot's speech provides some comic relief in the play? Why was such a relief
needed in the context of the play?
(iv) Enumerate the reasons given by Launcelot's conscience to stay on with the
master.
(v) Finally, whom does Launcelot obey-the devil or his conscience? How is the theme
of racial discrimination brought out in Launcelot's decision to run away?
Answers:
(i) Launcelot Gobbo is Shylock’s servant. An inner struggle is going on in his mind between
his conscience advising him to be a faithful servant and the devil tempting him to leave
Shylock’s service and take up service with Bassanio. Launcelot’s inner struggle shows the
contemporary Christian practice of struggling with the temptation to yield to it or not.
(ii) Launcelot want to run away from the Jew because his master, Shylock is the very devil
in human form. According to Launcelot, Shylock is a miserly man under whose service he
remains famished. Besides, he fears that he would become a Jew if he served Shylock any
longer. Initially, his conscience tells him not to run away from Shylock’s household and to
be careful. However, when the devil persuades him to flee, his conscience tells him that as
he is the child of a good father or at least a good mother and so, he should stay where he is
and not move.
(iii) In this scene Launcelot provides some comic relief in the play. In the context of the play
such a relief was needed because the previous scene related to the bond story, depicted a
serious mood where Antonio agrees to sign a treacherous bond that stipulates a pound his
flesh in case he forfeits the agreement.
(iv) Launcelot’s conscience advises him not to run away as such an act of fleeing is a matter
of contempt. It adds that he is the child of a good father or at least a good mother and
hence he should stay on with the master.
(v) Finally, Launcelot obeys the devil. The theme of racial discrimination is brought out in
Launcelot’s decision to run away because he runs away from his master, Shylock, who was
a Jew and takes up service with Bassanio, a Christian.
Extract - 2
(i) Where are Launcelot and old Gobbo? What is meant by 'true-begotten father'?
Why cannot old Gobbo recognise his son?
(ii) Why is old Gobbo looking for the way to Master Jew's house? How does Launcelot
confuse the old man while giving directions to him to reach the Jew's house?
(iii) What was Gobbo's reaction to the direction given to him by Launcelot?
(iv) What present has Gobbo brought to give to the Jew? What does Launcelot say to
his father about it?
(v) Launcelot plays a comic role in this scene. Give two examples of comedy
provided by him.
Answers:
(i) Launcelot and old Gobbo are in a street in Venice. ‘True begotten father’ means 'my
father who begot me'. Old Gobbo cannot recognize his son as he is more than half-blind.
(ii) Old Gobbo is looking for the way to the Jew’s house to go there to find out if his son
Launcelot , who was working as a servant in Shylock’s household is still there. Launcelot
confuses Gobbo by giving him wrong directions to Shylock’s house.
(iii) Gobbo says that by the saints, it was a difficult direction to follow.
(iv) Gobo has brought a dish of cooked doves to give to the Jew. Launcelot tells his father to
give Shylock a rope to hang himself with rather than any present because he has half-
starved him.
(v) When Gobbo asks Launcelot the way to Shylock’s house, the wrong directions which
Launcelot gives him provide real comedy in the scene. The directions are too confusing for
Old Gobbo to follow. The second example is Launcelot’s asking his father’s blessing. He
kneels before his father. Being blind, his father touches Launcelot’s face and says that
Launcelot has more hair on his face that Dobbin, his cart horse.
Extract - 3
(i) Why does Launcelot use high-scounding words in his conversation with Gobbo?
What does Shakespeare want to convey to the audience in this context about the
habit of some people in his time?
(ii) Why does Launcelot call old Gobbo 'father' in the first line of the extract? Give the
meaning of:
...according to Fates and Destinies, and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and such
branches of learning...
(iii) How does Gobbo react to the news of the apparent loss of his son?
(iv) How does Launcelot show dramatically that he is Gobbo's son? Why does Gobbo
refer to his mother's name later in the scene?
(v) How does Gobbo show by words and actions that he is fond of his son? Give any
two humorous situations from this scene.
Answers:
(i) Launcelot uses high-sounding words in his conversation with Gobbo to impress him that
he possesses classical learning and is a gentleman. Shakespeare wants to convey to the
audience that habit of some vain people of his time who pretended to be what were not.
(ii) According to Fates and Destinies, and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and such
branches of learning,
Launcelot calls Old Gobbo ‘father’ in the first line of the extract as he plans to reveal his
identity gradually to him. In the given lines Launcelot tells Gobbo that according to his Fate
or Destiny or the Three Sisters of the ancient Greeks and such other branches of learning
the young man is dead.
(iii) Old Gobbo is stunned on hearing that his son is dead. He states that his son was his
only support in his old age.
(iv) When Gobbo asks Launcelot to tell him whether his son is really dead or not, Launcelot
dramatically confess that he is Gobbo’s son. But Gobbo does not believe him. Then
Launcelot mentions the name of his mother, Margery, as a proof to show that he is really
Gobbo’s son.
(v) Gobbo is fond of his son. When Launcelot tells him that his son is dead, Gobbo is
shocked to hear it and laments that his son was his only support in his old age. Further
Gobbo does not believe Launcelot’s confession till he mentions the name of his mother.
When Launcelot tells him that he is his son, Gobbo, being blind, feels Launcelot’s face to
ascertain that he is actually his son.
One humorous situation is when Launcelot give Gobbo directions to go to Shylock’s
house. The directions are so confusing that Gobbo does not follow it. Another humorous
situation is the scene of Launcelot asking his father’s blessing. He kneels in front of his
father. His father feels his beard and says that Launcelot has more hair on his face than
their cart-horse has on his tail.
Extract - 4
(i) What has just happened that makes Gobbo say that Launcelot has changed? What
present did Gobbo bring? To whom does he want to give it?

(a) My master's a very Jew
(b) give him a halter
(iii) How can you conclude from the extract that Launcelot has been suffering in the
Jew's service?
(iv) What kind of attitude against the Jews is shown in this scene?
(v) What special privilege would Launcelot have if he served Bassanio? What would
happen if Launcelot were to serve the Jew 'any longer'?
Answers:
(i) When Gobbo remarked that Launcelot has more hair on his face than Dobbin, their
shaft-horse has on his tail, Launcelot responded that Dobbin’s tail is growing less because
when he last saw him, he had more hair on his tail than he had on his face. At this Gobbo
remarked tha Launcelot has changed. Gobbo has brought a dish of cooked doves to be given
to Shylock.
(ii)(a) My master is a typical jew, i.e., he is a miserly man.

(b) give him a rope to hang himself with.
(iii) In the extract Launcelot tells his father that under Shylock’s service he has grown so
thin for want of proper food that his ribs and bones are standing our prominently and can
be counted with the finger. This shows that Launcelot has been suffering in the Jew’s
service.
(iv) The miserly nature of the Jews is shown in this scene. Launcelot says that his is half
famished under Shylock’s service and adds that he has grown so thin for want of food that
his bones and ribs are standing our prominently and can be counted with a finger.
(v) If Launcelot serves Bassanio, he will have the privilege of having new uniforms.
According to Launcelot if he works any longer for the Jew, he may become a Jew himself. He
means that it is impossible for him to remain in Shylock’s service any further.
Extract - 5
(i) How has Launcelot shown that he could speak for himself to be employed by
Bassanio?
(ii) What impact is the palm-reading by Launcelot likely to make on the audience?
(iii) What does Launcelot predict about his wives and his escape from dangers to his
life?
(iv) What instructions did Bassanio give to his servants after employing Launcelot?
(v) Before this extract Launcelot referred to a proverb which is applicable both to
Shylock and to Bassanio. What was the proverb? How is it applicable to both of them?
Answers:
(i) When old Gobbo delays in asking Bassanio to accept his son, Launcelot in his service,
Launcelot cuts him short and tells Bassanio that he wants to server him.
(ii) The palm-reading by Launcelot provides the audience a comic relief and foretells the
good fortune that may happen in the life of Launcelot.
(iii) After reading his palm, Launcelot foretells that he will have a long life. He will marry a
large number of wives(eleven widows and nine maids in all). He will escape thrice from
drowning and will have a hair-breadth escape once from falling our from a feather bed.
(iv) After employing Launcelot, Bassanio tells the Gobbos to go to Shylock and bid him
farewell and then reach his house. He tells his servants to get a uniform for Launcelot with
more decorations or ornamental stripes than those of his other servants.
(v) The old proverb that Launcelot mentions is : ‘The grace of God is wealth enough.’ He
says that this proverb is equally applicable to Shylock and Bassanio. Bassanio is a good man
and has the grace of God. Shylock does not have grace of God. But he has ‘wealth enough.’
Extract - 6
(i) Give the context in which Bassanio speaks these words.

To allay with some cold drops of modesty
Thy skipping spirit,
(iii) Briefly summarise the advice given by Bassanio to Gratiano in the extract.
(iv) Why does Bassanio ask Gratiano to behave properly in Belmont?
(v) What assurance does Gratiano give to Bassanio about the lattter's advice? What
exception to gratiano's behaviour is accepted for the particular night? Why?
Answers:
(i) Bassanio speaks these words to Gratiano when the latter makes a request to him to
permit to accompany him on his trip to Belmont.
(ii) To tone down your lively spirits by exercising a little moderation.
(iii) Bassanio tells Gratiano that he is uncontrollable, blunt and rough. These faults of his
are acceptable to Bassanio and his friends as qualities of his nature. But his wild behaviour
may be misunderstood at Belmont. Hence, Bassanio advices him to control his wild
behaviour and tone down his lively spirit by exercising moderation.
(iv) Bassanio asks Gratiano to behave properly in Belmont because he fears that for people
who don’t know Gratiano, his behaviour will appear as faulty. His wild behaviour will be
misunderstood at Belmont and Bassanio may lose all chances of marrying Portia.
(v) Gratiano promises to behave in a proper manner. He says that he will converse
gravely and will seldom use an oath. He will carry prayer books in his pockets and look
most sedate. During the grace before meals, he will veil his eyes with his hat and solemnly
say ‘Amen’. He will do everything that politeness demands and follow all the customs of
good manners, as though he trying to please his grandmother by showing a quiet and
serious behaviour.
Bassanio tells Gratiano that his rude behaviour will be tolerated for the night because of the
party. This is because Bassanio wants that night to be one of fun and mirth. He will be sorry
to see Gratiano in a sad mood. Bassanio would prefer to see him in his wildest spirits.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene - 3
Extract - 1
(i) Give reasons for Launcelot’s leaving Jessica’s house.

Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
(iii) How does Jessica show in words and action that she liked Launcelot’s presence
in her house?
(iv) What errand does Jessica give to Launcelot? What precautions does she ask him
to take while doing the errand?
(v) How does Jessica show herself as a scheming but prudent young lady? In what
way is her character different from that of Portia?
Answers:
(i) Launcelot left Jessica’s house since her father Shylock was a miserly Jew and is stay as
his servant has half-famished him. He felt that any further stay with him would make him
like the Jew. Besides, Bassanio has accepted him in his service and Launcelot feels that
Bassanio is a better master.
(ii) In the above lines, Jessica says that her house is hell because of her father’s avarice.
Launcelot with his jolly nature and with his antics and nonsensical capering has relieved it
of much boredom and dullness.
(iii) Jessica shows in words and actions that she liked Launcelot’s presence in the house. He
calls him a merry devil and thanks him for reducing the boredom and dullness in her house.
She offers him a ducat too.
(iv) Jessica gives to Launcelot the errand of delivering a letter to Lorenzo at supper in
Bassanio’s house that night. She advises him to deliver the letter to Lorenzo secretly.
(v) Jessica shows herself as a scheming lady when she plans to elope with a Christian boy,
Lorenzo without the knowledge of her father. She proves herself to be prudent when she
instructs Launcelot to deliver her letter to Lorenzo at Bassanio's party secretly. Her
character is entirely different from that of Portia. While Portia obeys her deceased father’s
will to marry the one who wins the lottery of caskets, Jessica betrays her father and religion
to marry Lorenzo.
Extract - 2
(i) How does Launcelot bid farewell to Jessica? In this context, what are your feelings
for Launcelot, Jessica and Shylock?
(ii) Why does Jessica regret being the daughter of Shylock? What is the ‘heinous sin’
referred to in the extract? Is it really a sin? Give reasons to justify your answer.
(iii) Give the meaning of :

But though I am a daughter to his blood,
I am not to his manners
(iv) Explain Jessica’s relationship with her father which is shown in the scene.
(v) Which promise has Lorenzo to keep? Describe the strife that Jessica is going to
end.
Answers:
(i) Launcelot bids farewell to Jessica calling her 'most beautiful pagan' and later 'most
sweet Jew'. He says that tears prevent his tongue from uttering his feelings. We feel happy
for Launcelot and Jessica. Launcelot is leaving his miserly master and is undertaking
Bassanio's service where he will be happier
(ii) Jessica regrets being the daughter of Shylock due to his behaviour, his being a bad
father to her and for making her home ‘hell’. Jessica describes her feeling of
being ashamed for being her father’s daughter as a heinous sin. It is not really a sin
because even if she is Shylock’s daughter by birth, she does not actually detest her father
but detests his miserliness and tyrannical nature.
(iii) The above lines mean that although I am his daughter by birth, I don’t have his habits.
(iv) Jessica is a lively young girl who rebels against the oppression of her father and the
joylessness of her life at home. She calls her home ‘hell’. She cannot get along with her
father. She detests her father’s miserliness and tyrannical nature. She affirms that though
she is Shylock’s daughter by birth, she does not share his disposition. Besides, she is
influenced by the Venetians around her to form a different attitude to life than her father’s.
she is ready to leave her father and elope with Lorenzo, a Christian.
(v) Lorenzo has to keep the promise of eloping with Jessica that night. Jessica will end the
struggle between her desire to marry Lorenzo and her duty to her father, Shylock.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene - 4
Extract - 1
(i) Why do Lorenzo and his friends plan to disguise themselves at dinners time? How
well are they prepared for the disguise?
(ii) Who is supposed to be the torch-bearer? What is the actual purpose of having a
torch-bearer in the scene?
(iii) Who is giving the dinner party? Whom does Launcelot invite for dinner?
(iv) Describe briefly how the dinner party facilitates the elopement of Jessica with
Lorenzo.
(v) Whose letter does Lancelot bring? Why is it an important confidential letter? How
does Lorenzo guess whose letter it is?
Answers:
(i) Lorenzo and his friends plan to disguise themselves at dinner time since they were
organizing a masquerade for Bassanio’s dinner party. During Elizabethan times the masque
was an amateur dramatic practice usually performed in private houses. The players wore
masks and costumes and took part in a torch procession, playing musical instruments. They
were not fully prepared for the disguise.
(ii) Jessica, disguised as a boy, is supposed to be the torch-bearer. The actual purpose of
having a torch-bearer in the scene is to facilitate the elopement of Jessica with Lorenzo.
(iii) Bassanio is giving the dinner party. Launcelot invites Shylock for the dinner party.
(iv) The dinner party facilitates the elopement of Jessica with Lorenzo. Jessica is free to
leave her house as her father is away at Bassanio’s dinner party. Lorenzo and his friends
organize a masquerade for Bassanio’s dinner party. Jessica joins them as a torch-bearer
dressed as a boy and elopes with Lorenzo.
(v) Launcelot brings the letter of Jessica? It is an important confidential letter as it
contained Jessica’s plan to elope with Lorenzo. On receiving the letter Lorenzo guesses
whose letter it is after looking at the handwriting. He declares that the handwriting is
familiar to him and the letter is written by a lovely, fair and beautiful hand.
Extract - 2
(i) What information has Jessica given to Lorenzo regarding her elopement?
(ii) According to Lorenzo, how could the Jew go to heaven? How can you conclude
that Lorenzo has a high opinion of Jessica?
(iii) What does Lorenzo wish for Jessica? According to him, how could misfortune
come to Jessica?
(iv) Give an example of racial discrimination hinted at in the extract.
(v) Describe the atmosphere of activity and pre-occupation prevailing in this short
scene.
Answers:
(i) Jessica informs Lorenzo about the arrangements she had made to elope with him. She
will leave her father’s house with money and jewellery, disguised in the uniform of a page-
boy.
(ii) According to Lorenzo, the Jew, Shylock could go to heaven only because of his sweet
and gentle daughter. We can conclude that Lorenzo has a high opinion of Jessica since he
feels that if at all Shylock ever goes to heaven it will be because of her. He prays that no
misfortune ever comes to her except for being Shylock’s daughter.
(iii) Lorenzo wishes that no misfortune ever happens to Jessica, for being the daughter of a
non-believing Jew. She has no stain of sin in her unless her birth is regarded as a sin.
(iv) Reference to Shylock as a ‘faithless Jew’ is an example of racial discrimination hinted at

in the extract. Christians believed that faithless Jews won’t go to heaven.
(v) An atmosphere of activity and pre-occupation prevails in this scene. Activities include
preparations for the masquerade and Jessica’s elopement. Pre-occupation regarding the
dinner party dominates the scene. Even Shylock is invited for the party. Launcelot acts as a
messenger in this scene. He delivers Jessica’s letter to Lorenzo and Lorenzo’s reply to
Jessica. He invites Shylock for Bassanio’s party on Bassanio’s behalf.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene - 5
Extract - 1
(i) Why does Shylock accept the invitation to dinner? On what grounds did Shylock
refuse to accept an invitation to dinner earlier in the play?
(ii) Why is Shylock unhappy to accept the invitation this time too? Who is the
prodigal Christian? Give the significance of a the word: prodigal.

a) I am not bid for love: I am not invited our of love.
b) I am right loath to go: I hate to accept the invitation to dinner.
(iv) How do Jessica and Lorenzo take advantage of Shylock’s absence from home
during dinner?
(v) What sort of a bad omen did Shylock have which made him think that there is
some evil being plotted against him?
Answers:
(i) Shylock accepted the invitation because he wanted to spend the money of Christian by j
oying the dinner over there. In act I, Scene 3 when Bassanio invites him for dinner he
refuses to dine with Christians since they were pork-eaters.
(ii) Shylock is unhappy to accept the invitation this time too as he feels intuition of some
misfortune about to take place. The previous night he had a dream about money-bags which
was considered as a bad omen.
Bassanio is referred to as the prodigal Christian because he is a wasteful, who

spends money extravagantly which he has borrowed from Shylock. Prodigal is a reference
to the prodigal son described in the Bible who wasted his share of wealth by lavish and
careless living.
(iii)(a) I am not invited our of love.

(b) I hate to accept the invitation to dinner.
(iv) Jessica and Lorenzo taking advantage of Shylock’s absence from home makes a plan to
elope. Jessica uses the occasion to leave home with her father’s money and jewellery.
Lorenzo uses the occasion to arrange the masquerade in which Jessica will be the torch-
bearer and thus easily elope with him.
(v) Shylock had a dream about money bags on the previous night. To dream about money
and all kinds of coins was considered as a bad omen. This made Shylock think that there
was some evil being plotted against him.
Extract - 2
(i) Who is the speaker of the above lines? To whom is he giving his advice? Why
should the doors be locked?
(ii) Where is the speaker going? What reason does he give for his going out? Who was
Jacob? Why does the speaker swear by Jacob’s staff?

a) Clamber not you up to the casements
b) Sound of shallow foppery
(iv) Who are the ‘Christian fools with varnished faces’? What were they planning
against the speaker? What warning did the speaker have of it earlier?
(v) Summarize the advice of the speaker in your own words. Does the person to
whom the advice is given, follow the speaker’s advice? Why?
Answers:
(i) Shylock is the speaker of the above lines. He is giving this advice to his daughter, Jessica.
When Launcelot tells him about the masquerade, he is alarmed for fear that such revelry
may become unruly. He hates their frivolity. Hence, he asks Jessica to lock the doors of the
house so that no sound of foolish displays may enter his serious house.
(ii) The speaker is going for Bassanio’s dinner party. He is going out for dinner out of
hatred for the Christian and to eat the food of the extravagant, Bassanio. Jacob was the
grandson of Abraham, the founder of the Jewish race. According to the Bible, Jacob, the
ancestor of Shylock had a staff that proved a blessing to him. In Genesis 32:12, Jacob boasts
that he had crossed river Jordan only with a staff yet returned with companies of men.
(iii)(a) Do not climb up to see from the windows.

(b) Shrill notes of the fife
(iv) 'Christian fools with varnished faces' refer to the Christians taking part in the
masquerade at Bassanio's dinner party. They were planning to make the speaker's
daughter to elope with a Christian, Lorenzo with the speaker's money and jewellery. The
speaker had warning of this in the form of a 'dream where is on money bags and coins'.
(v) He asks Jessica to lock up his doors and asks her not to go to the casement when she
hears the drum and the foolish squealing of wry-neck fife and advices her to look at the
stupid Christians. The advice was given to Jessica by her father, Shylock. She did not follow
the advice and used the occasion of masquerade to elope with Lorenzo.
Extract - 3
(i) What is meant by the ‘patch’ in the extract? What reasons does Shylock give to
Jessica for parting with Launcelot?
(ii) Whom does Shylock wish to be ruined? Why?
(iii) What does Shylock mean by saying, ‘drones hive not with me’?
(iv) What is meant by the ‘borrowed purse’? For what purpose was it borrowed?
(v)
(a) Why does Shylock ask Jessica to shut doors? Give the meaning of: Fast bind, fast
find.
(b) Describe briefly how Shylock becomes an instrument of fate in this scene.
Answers:
(i) The word ‘patch’ in the extract means the clown or the fool or the jester. Shylock says
that he is sending Launcelot to Bassanio as he would assist Bassanio in his spendthrift
habits and waste his borrowed money.
(ii) Shylock wishes Bassanio to be ruined because he wants to take revenge upon Antonio
and can do so if Bassanio and Antonio fail to repay the loan on a stipulated date.
(iii) By the above words, Shylock means that lazy people cannot live with him. Shylock says
that Launcelot is lazy and cannot be his servant, so he allows him to join Bassanio’s service.
(iv) ‘Borrowed purse’ refers to the three thousand ducats borrowed by Bassanio from
Shylock on the basis of the bond signed by Antonio. The money was borrowed to enable
Bassanio to go to Belmont and win Portia in marriage after participating in the lottery of
caskets.
(v)(a) Shylock asks Jessica to shut the doors to make his house safe from revellers taking
part in the masquerade. He quotes an old proverb ‘fast bind, fast find,’ which means that if
you lock a thing up, you will find it safe. (leave secure and you will find all secure)
(b) In this scene, Shylock becomes an instrument of fate to further the action in the plot. On
the one hand, his desire for revenge upon Antonio is revealed because he goes to the
supper to help to consume Bassanio’s borrowed money. He overlooks his religious
principles which forbade him dining with Christians. He even ignores the premonitions of
impending evil because of his revengeful nature. This provided Jessica an occasion to flee
from home with money and jewellery and to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian. Thus, fate has
used Shylock to further its plans.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene - 6
Extract - 1
(i) Where does this scene take place? Who has out-dwelt his hour? Normally what do
the lovers do as far as the appointed time is concerned?
(ii) Who is Venus? How do the Venus’s pigeons behave as far as love is concerned?
(iii) How does Gratiano explain in the extract the state of people in love?
(iv) Give the meaning of:

a. He out dwells his hour
b. To seal love’s bonds new-made
(v) At the end what happens to the masque? Why?
Answers:
(i) This scene takes place in the street outside Shylock’s house. Lorenzo has out-dwelt his
hour to meet Gratiano and Salarino for the masque. Lovers generally rush to the
meeting place long before the appointed hour.
(ii) In Greek mythology, Venus is the goddess of love. Salarino comments that the doves
that draw the chriot of Venus, the goddess of love, fly ten times faster when they are
journeying to bind new love more firmly, than they do when love is already pledged and
certain.
(iii) According to Gratiano, people in love are anxious to meet each other. They rush to their
meeting places much before the appointed time. Thus, people in love keep punctuality in
their meetings and never delay.
(iv)(a) He overstays the time fixed by him to meet.

(b) To bind new love more firmly.
(v) Masque was postponed as the wind changed his direction and Bassanio wants to depart
from Venice for Belmont without any further delay and the scene ends and this news was
announced by Antonio.
Extract - 2
(i) Where is Lorenzo and who are his sweet friends?
(ii) What did his friends say about the anxiety of those in love?
(iii) What were the affairs that kept the speaker away so long?
(iv) What is meant by ‘to play the thieves for wives’? How apt are these remarks in
the context?
(v) What does Lorenzo ask Jessica to do later in the scene? What is Jessica’s reaction
to his request?
Answers:
(i) Lorenzo is in the street outside Shylock’s house. His sweet friends are Salarino and
Gratiano.
(ii) His friends said that lovers generally rush to meet each other before the appointed
time. Salarino commented that the doves that draw the chariot of Goddess of love, fly ten
times faster, when they are journeying to find new love than they do when love is once
pledged and certain.
(iii) The speaker was kept away so long due to his business affairs. Also he had to plan
for the masquerade, in which he would elope with his lady-love, Jessica.
(iv) 'To play the thieves for wives' means if any of them wishes to do what he is doing that
night and steal away a fair lady to be his wife he will wait as long as they have done to help
him on the occasion. These remarks are quite relevant because Lorenzo wants to give the
reason for his delay as well as thank his friends whom he has kept waiting for a long time.
(v) Later in the scene, Lorenzo tells Jessica to come down in the street quickly and that she
has to play the part of his torch-bearer in the masque that night. Jessica is shocked and
embarrassed at the suggestion. She asks Lorenzo whether she must hold a light to show up
her shameful acts-her elopement, theft and male dress.
Extract - 3
(i) What do you think is sent down in the casket? How can you conclude that the
contents in the casket are valuable?
(ii) What is meant by ‘I am much ashamed of my exchange'? Why is the exchange
needed?
(iii) In what way is love blind in the context? Who is referred to as Cupid? Why would
he blush?
(iv) How is Jessica’s feminine nature is highlighted in the extract?
(v) What is meant by a torch bearer? In what way Jessica would hold a candle to her
shames, if she were a torch bearer?
Answers:
(i) The casket must have valuables like jewellery which Jessica has stolen from her house.
We can conclude that the contents in the casket are valuables since Jessica hands over the
casket only after making sure that the person to whom she is giving the casket is her love,
Lorenzo. Besides, she tells Lorenzo that it is worth carrying the casket.
(ii) The above words mean that Jessica is much ashamed that she has to change her dress
to that of a page boy. This exchange was needed for her to elope with Lorenzo.
(iii) Love is blind in the context since it makes Jessica dress like a page boy, steal jewellery
and money from her house and be ready to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian. Cupid is the
classical God of love who is always represented as a blind boy with bows and arrows.
Jessica says that Cupid, the little blind God of love himself would be shocked and blush if he
saw her dressed like a boy.
(iv) Jessica’s feminine nature is highlighted in the extract. Her shyness at her male clothes
shows her feminine modesty as in Elizabethan times women never wore men’s clothes.
Also she comes down from her house after making sure that the person who has come to
take her is Lorenzo, her lover.
(v) Masquerades were dramatic performances where players wore masks and costumes
and took part in a torch like procession playing drums and fife. Jessica was to carry the
torch light or candle. If she carries the candle, she will show up her shameful acts- her male
attire, the casket containing her theft and the fact of her elopement.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene - 7
Extract - 1
(i) Who is asked to draw aside the curtains? Who is asked to make his choice?
(ii) What does Portia say later to the prince regarding the right casket?
(iii) Which casket does the Prince of Morocco finally choose? What are the reasons
for his choice?
(iv) For what reasons does the prince reject the other two caskets?
(v) What does the prince find when he opens the casket? What does Portia say when
the prince leaves the place.
Answers:
(i) Portia asks one of her attendants to pull apart the curtains so that the different caskets
are made visible. The prince Morocco is asked to make the choice.
(ii) After reading the inscription on the three caskets, Morocco asks Portia how he will
know if he chooses the right casket. Portia replies that her portrait will be in the
right casket. If he selects that one, then she will be his wife.
(iii) The Prince of Morocco in the end chooses the golden casket. Morocco argues that base
lead can't include the sort of saintly character like Portia. Silver that is ten instances not so
good as gold additionally can't keep Portia as he's the sort of wealthy gem. So he concludes
that Portia, whom many guys desire and is maximum valuable ought to be contained
withinside the golden casket. Besides, the English have a gold coin which with the
determine of an angel engraved on it. Portia is an angel and consequently her portrait can
be withinside the golden casket.
(iv) He rejects the base lead arguing that it cannot contain such a noble person like
Portia and silver which is ten times inferior to gold cannot contain Portia as she is such a
rich gem.
(v) When the prince opens the casket he finds a skull and in its eyeless socket a
scroll. When the prince leaves the place, Portia calls it a good riddance and wishes that
every suitor like him should make a similar choice.
Extract - 2
(i) On which casket do the words, who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves,
appear?
(ii) Why does Morocco initially doubt his worth to deserve the lady?
(iii) Why does he change his mind and say that he deserves the lady?

(a) And weigh thy value with an even hand:
(b) a weak disabling of myself.
(v) Why does Morocco think that Portia’s picture is not in the lead casket?
Answers:
(i) On silver casket.
(ii) Morocco initially doubts his worth to deserve the woman because he thinks that though
by his own standard, his merits could also be very high, yet those merits might not be
sufficient enough to deserve Portia, as her reputation is bigger than his.
(iii) Morocco, after having doubts about his worth to win Portia, afterward changes his
mind. He feels that he deserves Portia due to his royal birth, his wealth, his virtues and his
upbringing. Above all, he's deserve her due to his deep affection for her.
(iv)(a) And compare your personal worth impartially.

(b) A sign of weakness which would bring discredit on myself.
(v) Morocco read the inscription on the lead casket which stated that whosoever selects it
must be prepared to offer all and to risk everything. Morocco declares that nobody except a
fool are going to be prepared to risk everything for the sake of lifeless lead. He argues that
lead cannot contain such a noble person like Portia.
Extract - 3
(i) Who speaks these words? Where is he? What has he said earlier about his
courage?
(ii) What is the significance of the words 'Shrine' and 'Saint' in the context? Which
breathing saint does the speaker refer to?
(iii) What warning is given by Portia to the speaker before he makes the choice?

(a) Hyrcanian deserts:
(b) The Watery kingdom:
(v) Who are 'they' that are referred to in the first line of the extract? What difficulties
do they face while coming?
Answers:
(i) The prince Morocco speaks these words. He is in a room in Portia’s house getting ready
to make his choice of caskets. In an earlier scene, Morocco said that with his sword he had
slain the emperor of Persia and a Persian Prince, who had defeated Solyman of Turkey
thrice. He boasted that he was courageous enough to confront a hungry lion, defy the most
valiant warrior on earth and face the wrath of a mother-bear by separating its young ones
from her.
(ii) Shrine is a place where any sacred relic of a holy person or the image of a saint is kept.
In this context, the saint is Portia and the shrine is Belmont. The breathing saint is a
reference to Portia. Morocco says that people came from every part of the globe to worship
at the holy place which enshrines this living object of adoration-Portia.
(iii) Before he makes the choice, the speaker is told by Portia that the correct casket
contains her picture and if he chooses it, she will be his wife.
(iv)
(a) Hyrcania was a province of the ancient Persian empire. Hyrcanian deserts were deserts
lying in the South of Caspian sea.
(b) The oceans and its fierce waves do not stop suitors
(v) ‘They’ the refers to the many suitors who come to Belmont from all parts of the globe to
woo Portia. While coming they travel through Persian deserts, wilderness of Arabia and
even cross the ocean.
Extract - 4
(i) Why does the prince think that Portia’s picture not in the silver casket?
(ii) What is the 'sinful thought'? Why is it so?
(iii) Describe the coin referred to in the extract. What is the difference between an
angel on the coin and the angel in the casket?
(iv) After opening the casket, the Prince finds a dead skull and a scroll. Explain what
is written on the scroll?
(v) What theme is shown in the choice made by Morocco? Which casket he chooses?
Answers:
(i) Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver
has only a tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything
less than gold.
(ii) Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver
has only a tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything
less than gold.
(iii) The coin referred to in the extract is the gold coin in England on which the figure of
Archangel Michael standing and piercing a dragon was engraved on one side. The coin was
called an angel and its value was about ten shillings. Morocco says that the figure of the
angel on the coin is engraved on the surface of the coin. It is outside, whereas Portia is an
angel, who lies on a golden bed within the casket entirely hidden from view.
(iv) On the scroll it is written that things which make the most brilliant show are not
always the truest metal. For the sake of mere gold, hundreds have risked and sacrificed
their lives. Costly gold plated tombs may be erected, but they have no real value. Decay and
death are all they contain.
(v) The theme is the reality and appearance shown by the choice of the prince of
Morocco. He chooses the gold casket.
Merchant of Venice
Act – 2
Scene – 8
Extract - 1
(i) What is meant by 'a passion so confused, so strange, outrageous, and so variable'?
Why was the Jew so excited?
(ii) Earlier, how the Jew troubled the Duke? Where did the Duke go and what were
his findings?
(iii) Besides money, what else did the Jew's daughter steal?

(a) double ducats:
(b) a sealed bag:
(v) What did the Jew utter in his excitement? Explain how Shylock's lamentations
add to the humour in the play.
Answers:
(i) In the given lines, Salanio says that he has not seen such an outburst of anger, so
confused, so strange, excessive and frequently changing as is displayed by the Jew. Shylock
discovers that his daughter has eloped after robbing him of his money and jewellery. This
makes him excited and furious with grief and despair. He gives vent to it by an exhibition of
passionate excitement and anger which p is strange, excessive and frequently changing.
(ii) Earlier, Shylock roused the Duke with his complaints against Lorenzo and Jessica for
robbing him and eloping. He made such a disturbance that the Duke was obliged to attend
to his demands. He even accompanied the Duke to search for Lorenzo and Jessica on board
Bassanio’s ship. By the time they reached the place, the ship had already set sail. The Duke
was told by someone that Lorenzo and Jessica had been seen sitting together in a gondola.
(iii) In his excitement, Shylock utters confused cries for his daughter, who had eloped with
a Christian, taking with her, his ducats and jeweller . He wants justice from the law. Besides
money, Jessica has taken away from Shylock some jewels, precious stones and diamonds.
(iv)(a) coins of double ducats.
(b) a bag that is securely sealed to ensure the security of its contents.
(v) Shylocks' lamentations add to the humour in the play. He is depicted as a comic
character in the scene. The manner in which he laments the loss of his daughter and his
ducats amuses the audience; Shylock’s repetition of ‘O my daughter! O my Christian
ducats!’ indicate his greedy nature and shows that Jessica is another possession for him like
the ducats. The manner in which all the boys of Venice follow him and repeat his words of
lamentation in a tone of mockery and jeer at him further add to the humour in the scene.
Extract - 2
(i) What is meant by: 'Let good Antonio look he keep his day'? What could be the
consequence if Antonio failed to 'keep his day'?
(ii) What did Salarino hear from the Frenchman, the previous day? Why was the
news quite starling?
(iii) After hearing the news from the Frenchman, what did Salarino wish?
(iv) What advice does Salanio give to Salarino regarding Antonio?
(v) Explain how the news given by the Frenchman creates suspense in the story.
What would be Shylock's reaction after hearing the news?
Answers:
(i) ‘Let good Antonio keep his day’ means let worthy Antonio make sure that he has the
money to pay Shylock on the appointed day, If he fails to keep his day, Shylock would take
his revenge on Antonio.
(ii) In his conversation with a Frenchman, Salarino heard that a richly laden ship from Italy
had been wrecked in the narrow channel which divides England and France. The news was
startling because Salarino thought of Antonio's ship and wished that it might not be one of
his ships.
(iii) Salarino wished that the wrecked ship might not be one of Antonio’s ships.
(iv) Salanio advises Salarino to tell Antonio what he has heard about shipwreck. However,
he advises him not to tell Antonio about the news immediately for it may make him sad.
(v) The news given by the Frenchman creates a suspense in the story. The possibility of the
wreckage of one of Antonio's ships casts a gloom since it may imply that Antonio would not
be able to make payment of the loan on the day the bond is due. After hearing the news,
Shylock is happy that he could take his revenge on Antonio, He calls him a bankrupt and
insists on the execution of the bond.
Extract - 3
(i) In what context has Antonio said the words given in quotation? Who quotes his
words here?

(a) Slubber not business for my sake, Bassanio
(b) But stay the very riping of the time.
(iii) What advice did Antonio give to Bassanio about the latter's stay in Belmont and
his love affair?
(iv) Describe how Antonio parted from Bassanio. What does it show about their
relationship?
(v) What role do Salanio and Salarino play in the scene? What do they decide to do at
the end of this scene?
Answers:
(i) Antonio has said these words at the time of bidding farewell to Bassanio, when the latter
was about to embank on his journey to Belmont. Salarino quotes his words here.
(ii) (a) Bassanio, do not spoil your plan for my sake.

(b) But stay as long as it would be necessary to attain your objective.
(iii) Antonio advises Bassanio to stay at Belmont as long as it would be necessary for
winning Portia and tells him not to bother about the bond. He advises Bassanio to be
cheerful and devote himself entirely to win his lady-love in most suitable manner.
(iv) While parting, Antonio's eyes were filled with tears. He turned his face away and
extended his hand behind him. Then, moved by his love, he held the hands of Bassanio and
they parted from each other. It shows that there is great love and affection between them.
(v) Salanio and Salarino plays the role of friends of The merchant of Venice, who is Antonio
and Bassanio who is the main hero of this play. They all are good friends. Also, well wisher
of Antonio and they had also advises him when he's ship had wrecked. At the end of the
scene, Salanio and Salarino decided to look for Antonio and raise his low spirits with some
amusement.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 2
Scene – 9
Extract - 1
(i) What proper honour is given to Arragon to indicate that he is a prince?
(ii) Enumerate the conditions in the oath which Arragon was supposed to take.
(iii) How wise is it to arrange marriages through a lottery system where chance plays
a significant role? How does Nerissa justify the system in Portia's case?
(iv) It is said that Arragon is too proud and self-opinionated. Do you agree with this
statement? Give two reasons to justify your answer.
Answers:
(i) To honour Arragon as a prince, trumpets were sounded as he entered the room and
Portia addressed him as 'noble prince'.
(ii) Arragon is bound by the oath to observe three conditions. First, he must never reveal to
any other person which caskets he has selected. Second, if he does not win Portia, he
should not woo any other lady. Third, if he chooses wrongly he must depart at once without
further words. He explicitly kept the last condition of the scene.
(iii) It is not wise to arrange marriages through lottery system where chance plays a
significant role. Portia initially feels that her fate is sealed by the lottery of caskets designed
by her father. However, later she accepts her father's will and asserts that she will abide by
it and would remain a virgin like Diana if no suitor wins her in marriage. Nerissa justifies
the lottery of caskets saying that her father was a virtuous man, who must have had her
well-being at heart. So, according to her father's will she will be chosen by someone who
will truly love her.
(iv) Prince Arragon is too proud and self opinionated. While making his selection, he calls
the common people as 'fool multitude' and again as 'barbarous multitudes'. He says that he
will not act according to what common men choose and put himself on the level of the
ignorant and the foolish. Secondly, Arragon thinks himself to most deserving because of
inherited nobility.
Extract - 2
(i) What does the inscription on the gold casket say? Which casket does the speaker
choose?
(ii) How does Arragon interpret the meaning of 'many men' given on the gold casket?
(iii) How does Arragon compare the martlet to the foolish multitude?

(a) in the force and road of casualty.
(b) rank me with the barbarous multitudes.
(v) How is the theme of appearance and reality brought out in the choice of caskets?
Why did Portia's father devise such a choice of caskets for Portia?
Answers:
(i) The inscription on the gold casket says 'who chooses me shall gain what many men
desire'. The speaker chooses the silver casket.
(ii) Arragon says that the words 'many men' probably refer to the foolish majority, who are
so slow witted and who have so little wisdom that they judge only by appearances and
outward glitter. Their untaught eyes never see the inner meaning of things, but is content
to remain on the outside like the swallow.
(iii) Arragon compares the multitude to the marlet. The marlet, instead of seeking a
sheltered place for its nest, constructs it in the most exposed places like the outer wall,
unprotected from, any stormy weather or any accident which may occur. Similarly, the
foolish common people who judge by the outside of the things, fall into error and
calamities.
(iv)(a) open to disaster and in the very path of danger.

(b) I don't put myself at the level of the ignorant and foolish common people.
(v) The theme of appearance and reality is brought out in the choice of caskets. Arragon
rejects the lead casket calling it base lead because of its dull and plain appearance. He says
lead must present a more attractive appearance than it does before he gives or risks
anything for it. He rejects the gold casket saying he will not choose what many people
desire. He will not put himself at the level of ignorant common people. The word ‘deserves’
meaning ’merit’ on the silver casket attracts Arragon and he selects it.
Extract - 3
(i) What does the inscription on the silver casket say?

(ii) Why did the words of the inscription on the silver casket appeal to Arragon?
(iii) Give the meaning of :

To cozen fortune and be honourable
Without the stamp of merit?
(iv) How does Arragon explain further the importance of deserving before getting an
honoured position?
(v) Which casket did Arragon finally choose? What did he feel after making the
choice?
Answers:
(i) The inscription on the silver casket says, ‘who chooses me shall get as much as he
deserves’.
(ii) Words on the inscription on the silver casket appeal to Arragon because the word
’deserves’ meaning ‘merit’ in the inscription appeals to him. He thinks himself to be the
most deserving. He feels that there are many who succeed without having any inner merit.
But he ‘deserves’ because of his inherited nobility.
(iii) To try to cheat fortune and win something without merit. It means no one ought to be
allowed to deceive and trick fortune by asking her for what he does not deserve.
(iv) Arragon further tells that no man should aspire to be honoured unless he deserves it.
Arragon wishes that all the positions of rank, dignity and offices were bestowed on the
deserving, instead of being obtained dishonestly. If this happens, many low ranking people
would be separated out from the ranks of the truly honourable.
(v) Arragon finally chooses the silver casket. After making the choice, Arragon is dumb—
founded and very disappointed with what he finds in the casket. He pauses silently for a
longtime before speaking. He says that there is such a difference between that creature and
the picture he hoped to see. He asks Portia whether he deserves no more than the head of a
fool. He wants to know whether that is his prize and whether he deserves nothing more
than that.
Extract - 4
(i) After which incident does Arragon speak these words? In what mood is he? With
which fool's head did he come to woo?
(ii) Which second head did he get? Briefly state what was written on the schedule
attached to the second head.
(iii) Which casket does the speaker choose? Why did he choose that casket?
(iv) After the departure of the prince, what did Portia say about him?
(v) State the old saying uttered by Nerissa after the prince's departure. How does the
servant describe the young suitor who comes after the departure of the prince?
Answers:
(i) Arragon speaks these words after opening the silver casket. He is in a mood of
disappointment. He came to woo Portia with one foolish head of his own.
(ii) The second head he got was from the silver casket. The scroll attached to the second
head says that silver metal of the Casket was tested seven times by fire. A mind which
never makes an error of judgment must be similarly tested seven times. Some people find
their happiness in shadows and unreality. Their happiness is therefore only shadowy and
unreal. There are many living fools whose foolishness is hidden by theory silvery hair
because they have the appearance of being venerable and wise. One of these is the fool's
head concealed in the silver casket. Arragon will always have a foolish head. He should now
leave as his chance is over.
(iii) The speaker chooses the silver casket. The motto of the silver casket appeals to the
speaker. It says 'who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves’. He feels that he
deserves Portia because of his inherited nobility.
(iv) After the departure of the prince, Portia says that there is another moth which has
burnt itself in the flame of the candle. These people, when they choose, the wisdom of their
superficial knowledge makes them look utterly foolish and lead them to make the wrong
choice.
(v) After the Prince's departure, Nerissa utters an old saying "Hanging and winning goes by
destiny”; It means that it is fate that decides what happens to one, whether one is to be
hanged or to be wedded. It Implies that it is destiny that has saved Portia from two
unsuitable suitors and it is destiny that may give her a worthy suitor.
Extract - 5
(i) Where does this scene take place? Who has alighted at the gate?
(ii) The visitor brought gifts of rich value. What does this indicate in the context of
the scene?
(iii) Give the meaning of the last three lines of the extract.
(iv) What were the reactions of Portia and Nerissa to the announcement of a new
suitor?
(v) Why does Portia say to the servant to be silent and not to praise the young
Venetian further? Explain how the plot makes progress in this scene.
Answers:
(i) This scene takes place in a room in Portia’s house at Belmont. Gratiano has alighted at
the gate.
(ii) Gifts of rich value indicate the great regard and love Bassanio has for Portia.
(iii) In the last three lines of extract, the servant says that he has not seen so generous an
ambassador of love. Even a day in April, the sweetest spring day, coming to give people a
foretaste of bright and bountiful summer, is not comparable to this gorgeous messenger,
who rides in advance of his master.
(iv) Portia asks the servant to stop speaking because he is so generous in his praise that she
is dreading to hear him say that he is some relative of his. Then Portia tells Nerissa to come
quickly along with her to meet this messenger of Cupid, who has arrived in such a
courteous manner. Nerissa prays to Cupid, the god of love, that the lord announced be
Bassanio if such is his will.
(v) Portia tells the servant to be silent because he is too extravagant in his praises that she
is dreading to hear him say that he is some relative of his.
The plot of the play makes further progress in the scene. This scene, the second of the
casket scenes, is important because it fills up the interval of the three months between the
signing up of the bond and the forfeiture. It also seems to reveal the wisdom of the device
caskets because it shows that the results are not a mere lottery. It proves that only the
person, who rightly loves, will choose rightly. This scene also, reveals to the audience which
is the right casket. It will heighten the suspense during Bassanio's selection later. This
scene also keeps up the theme of appearance and reality.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 3
Scene – 1
Extract - 1
(i) Where does the scene takes place? Whom does she refer to in the first line of the
extract? What is said about her in the extract?
(ii) What was said earlier about the place where a ship of Antonio was wrecked?
Where did the news about the ship-wreckage spread?
(iii) Give the meaning of: "without any slips of prolixity or crossing the plain highway
of talk,".
(iv) How does Shylock react to the loss of Antonio's ship?
(v) What feelings for Antonio are expressed by Salanio in the scene? Who enters the
scene at this time? What does Salanio say about his daughter?
Answers:
(i) In the first line ’she’ refers to the rumour or report which is personified as a tattling old
woman. When Salarino talks about Antonio’s ship, Salanio only wishes that Rumour may
prove to be a big liar in this case as any old woman, who ever gossiped with her neighbours
over her ginger bread cakes and made her neighbours believe that she mourned sincerely
for the death of her third husband.
(ii) Earlier, it was told that Antonio's ship was wrecked in the waters of the English channel
at a spot known as Goodwin Sands, a most perilous sand bank. The news about the ship-
wreckage spread at the Rialto or the Exchange where merchants met for business
transactions.
(iii) The given words mean: ‘without speaking much or beating about the bush’. That is
without being guilty of any lengthy, irrelevant or tedious speech or going outside plain
direct speech.
(iv) Shylock was pleased to hear about the loss of Antonio's ship. He calls him a spendthritt
and a beggar, who used to come smiling, so self-satisfied to the market. He must take care
to redeem his bond in time.
(v) In the given extract, Salarino and Salanio express their feelings of concern and
sympathy for Antonio. Salanio calls him ‘good Antonio’, honest Antonio and wants a better
adjective to describe ‘him’. Finally, Salanio conveys the news that Antonio has lost a ship.
Salarino hopes that this may be the end of his losses.
Extract - 2
(i) Whose flight is being talked about? Where has the person flown? With whom has
the person flown?
(ii) What bad news, besides the flight of the bird, is given just before the arrival of
Shylock?

The bird was fledged;
and then it is the complexion of them all to leave the dam.
(iv) What steps has Shylock taken to get back the flown bird?
(v) How does Salarino compare after the extract the character of the flown bird with
that of Shylock?
Answers:
(i) The flight of Jessica is being talked about. She has flown to Belmont. Jessica has flown
with Lorenzo
(ii) Just before the arrival of Shylock, the news about the Antonio's ship-wreck in the
English Channel at a spot called Goodwin Sands is given.
(iii) The given words mean that it is the nature of a fully feathered young bird to leave the
nest when it is old enough. He means to say that Jessica was old enough to run away with
her lover, Lorenzo.
(iv) Shylock took all possible steps to get back his eloped daughter. He asked the Duke for
justice and even persuaded him to check the ship in which Bassanio left for Belmont. Later
it was said that someone saw Lorenzo and Jessica in a gondola. Shylock engaged his friend
Tubal for finding and bringing Jessica to him.
(v) After the extract, Salarino compares the character of Jessica and Shylock. He says that
Jessica is a complete contrast to Shylock as black is to white or as ordinary red wine is to
expensive white Rhenish wine.
Extract - 3
(i) What is meant by a bankrupt as well as a prodigal? Why has the man gone
bankrupt? Why is he called a prodigal?
(ii) What is known as Rialto? Why was the man said to go 'so smug upon the mart'?
(iii) Give some incidents to show that the man referred to in the extract used to
insult Shylock?
(iv) How did the 'bankrupt' cause loss to Shylock in Venice?
(v) How is the bankrupt likely to go into a loss? How will such a loss affect Shylock as
far as his revenge and financial position is concerned?
Answers:
(i) A ‘bankrupt’ means a person who has not enough money to a off his just debts. ‘Prodigal’
means a spendthrift who spends recklessly. The man has gone bankrupt because his ship
has wrecked in the English Channel with its rich cargo. He is a spendthrift who has
mismanaged his affairs and has gone bankrupt. That is why he is called a prodigal by
Shylock.
(ii) The Venetian Stock Exchange where the merchants used to met to transact business
deals, was known as the Rialto. The man used to go to Rialto smiling and so self-satisfied
because he was sure of his financial position as he owned a number of ships carrying
merchandise to the four corners of the world. Shylock says these words to compare
Antonio’s financial position in the past with his present bankrupt condition.
(iii) The man referred to in the extract used to insult Shylock. He used to disgrace him,
laugh at his losses, mock at his gains, despise his race and interfere in his business deals
simply because he was a Jew.
(iv) The bankrupt caused loss to Shylock in Venice by lending money without interest and
thus, affecting Shylock’s business of lending money at exhorbitant rate of interest.
(v) The bankrupt is likely to go into a loss as his ship has been wrecked with its rich cargo.
Besides, he is to pay three thousand ducats he had borrowed from Shylock for Bassanio.
Such a loss will favour Shylock to pursue his plan of revenge.
Extract - 4
(i) Who is the thief referred to in the extract? What had the thief stolen? What loss
has Shylock suffered due to the theft?
(ii) Who is Tubal? Why did he go to Genoa?
(iii) What news did Tubal bring from Genoa about the thief?
(iv) The extract refers to 'satisfaction' and 'revenge'. In what context are these
expressions used by Shylock?
(v) State what ill-luck befell Antonio. Why was Shylock happy over the news?
Answers:
(i) The thief referred to in the extract is Shylock’s daughter, Jessica. The thief had stolen his
money, gold and gems, including a diamond costing two thousand ducats. After the theft,
Shylock has to spend money to locate Jessica. So he. has suffered loss upon loss due to the
theft.
(ii) Tubal is another Jew, a friend of Shylock. He went to Genoa to search for Jessica, who
has eloped with Lorenzo.
(iii) Tubal brought the news that he went to the places in Genoa where he heard some news
about Iessica but could not find her.
(iv) Shylock uses the expression satisfaction and revenge in the content of his efforts to
retrieve his lost money and eloped daughter. His daughter, Jessica had stolen money,
precious stones, and many jewels. His efforts to locate her and retrieve them have not
succeeded.So, he has neither the satisfaction of getting back his lost daughter and money
nor taking revenge on the Christians, who caused her elopement.
(v) One of Antonio’s large ships has been wrecked on the way back from Tripolis. This was
the ill-luck that befell Antonio. Shylock was happy over the news as his chances of taking
revenge on Antonio became brighter.
Extract - 5
(i) What does Tubal say that Antonio is undone? What makes him say with certainty
that Antonio is undone? Who is Leah? Why is she referred to in the extract?
(ii) In what mood is Shylock in this scene? How is Tubal said to be torturing him?
(iii) What is Shylock's reaction on hearing about Antonio's misfortune? How is he

going to punish Antonio? What would he gain by his Revengeful action?
(iv) What is a synagogue? What can you conclude from Shylock's journey towards the
synagogue?
(v) In what way, by the end of the scene, does Shylock convince the audience that his
attack on Antonio is without any mercy? Which character trait of Shylock is shown in
this scene?
Answers:
(i)Tubal says that Antonio is undone because he has heard from some of the sailors he met
in Genoa that one of Antonio’s large ships has been wrecked on the way back from Tripolis.
(ii)In this scene, Shylock is in a mood of grief. He feels as if he is the only one in the world
suffering from ill luck. Tubal is said to be torturing Shylock by giving alternate accounts of
Antonio’s losses and Jessica’s extravagances. He alternately makes Shlock elated and
depressed for apparently no reason. He elates him by the news of wreckage of Antonio’s
ship on its way back from Tripolis, while he depresses him by saying that he could not find
Jessica and that she had spent eighty ducats on one evening and exchanged a ring with a
merchant for a monkey.
(iii)Antonio’s misfortune makes Shylock elated because he will be able to take his revenge
on Antonio. He will punish Antonio by exacting a pound of flesh from any part of his body.
By his revengeful action, he would avenge his hatred for Antonio and the Christians.
Further, if Antonio is removed from Venice he can make profits as he likes.
(iv)A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. Shylock’s journey to the synagogue gives us
the clue that he will take revenge on Antonio. Shylock believes in the old Mosaic law, which
prescribed an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. So, Shylock feels he is justified in
taking revenge against an enemy of his religion and race.
(v)Shylock’s passion for revenge and his complete justification of it is given in this scene.
He explains the insults he has suffered unjustly and his right to take revenge. He believes
that he is doing as his enemies would do. The fierceness of his thirst for revenge is
expressed in his final threat ‘I will have the heart of him’. Shylock states that Jews are no
different from Christians and they will follow their example in the matter of revenge too.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 3
Scene – 2
Extract - 1
1. Where does this scene take place? What is meant by the first line of the extract?
Answers: This scene takes place in a room in Portia's house at Belmont. The first line refers
to Portia's maidenly modesty according to which she has no other choice except to think,
though she may not express her thoughts Portia says enough to convey to Bassanio that she
loved him. She is doubtful whether Bassanio has understood what she has said and wanted
to explain further. But then she is taken over by her maidenly modesty.
2. What reason does Portia give at the end of her speech for speaking so long? What
does this show about her feelings towards Bassanio?
Answer: At the end of her speech, Portia says that she spoke at length to stretch the time and
delay to the fullest extent Bassanio's act of choosing the caskets. This shows that she has
feelings of love for Bassanio and does not want to lose him soon. In her speech, she repeats
her wish to make him stay in Belmont for a month or two before he hazards the choice of the
caskets.
3. Why can't Portia teach Bassanio to choose the correct casket? If Bassanio were to
make an incorrect choice what would Portia have wished?
Answer: Portia cannot teach Bassanio to choose the correct casket as she has promised her
father not to reveal the secret of the caskets to anyone. She would never break her pledged
word. If Bassanio were to make an incorrect choice, Portia would have wished that she had
broken her promise.
4. Give the meaning of:

Beskrew your eyes,
They have o'erlookd me and divided me;
Answer: The above lines mean, 'May your eyes be confounded. They have cast a. Spell on me
and divided me'. Portia says that Bassanio's eyes have cast a spell on her and divided her for
she no longer seems to be herself. She says that half of her belongs to him and the other half
to her. Even if the latter halt is hers, it would still be his. So she is entirely his.
5. What light does the extract throw on the character of Portia as a daughter and as a
lover?
Answer: The extract shows that as a lover, Portia loves Bassanio and does not want to lose
him and wants to detain him with her for a month or two. Also she wants to train him how
to choose the right casket. She says that Bassanio's eyes have bewitched her and divided her.
She affirms that she is completely his. But as a dutiful daughter, she will never guide Bassanio
to choose the right casket as it would break her promise to her father.
Extract - 2
1. Explain the meaning of he makes a swan-like end.' What contemporary belief about
swans is expressed in the extract?
Answer: There was a contemporary belief that the swan, which is usually mute, sang a
beautiful song just before its death. The swan-song was sung only once. If Bassanio were 'to
die', that is, to lose the love for Portia, by choosing the wrong casket, then his end will be
accompanied by the fading music, like the swan that sings before it dies.
2. Why does Portia Order music to be played while Bassanio makes the choice of
caskets? To what does Portia compare the music, should Bassanio choose correctly?
Answer: Portia calls for music first of all to calm the excitement in her own heart and her
tension when Bassanio is choosing the casket. She further defends her action saying that if
Bassanio fails he will bid him his last farewell in the midst of music and thus will be like the
swan that sings before it dies. If Bassanio succeeds, the music will add to the festive
atmosphere of the occasion, making everyone happy.
3. How could Portia's eyes be a watery death-bed for Bassanio?

Answer: Portia explains the condition if Bassanio fails to choose the right casket. In that case,
he will have a swat-like end. Making the comparison more explicit, Portia says that her eyes
with tears will be Bassanio's watery grave as the river is the grave for the dying swan.
4. How would the music call the dreaming bridegroom to his marriage?
Answer: If Bassanio is successful in the choice of caskets then the music also represents the
sweet notes of music that awaken the dreaming bridegroom on the morning of his marriage
and tells him that his wedding day has come. It refers to an old English custom of playing
music under the windows of the bridegroom on the morning of the wedding day.
5. In what way does Portia act as a romantic heroine in this scene?

Answer: In this scene, Portia acts as a romantic heroine. Her maidenly modesty and bright
wit is seen when she detains Bassanio a little longer while making his choice. She
accomplishes the difficult task of revealing to Bassanio her affection for him. When Bassanio
chooses correctly, she is happy and surrenders herself, her property and her servants to
Bassanio. She also offers him a ring and makes him promise never to part with it.
Extract - 3
1. Who is Alcides? What is the 'virgin tribute'? How did Alcides save the virgin tribute?
Answer: Alcides refers to young Hercules, son of Alcaeus. In Greek mythology, he is depicted
as a strong and courageous youth. "Virgin Tribute' refers to Hesione, the unmarried daughter
of the Trojan King. Hesione was tied to a rock on the sea-shore of Troy, expecting every
moment to be devoured by the sea-monster. Hercules saved the 'Virgin Tribute' by killing
the sea monster and setting her free. Here Portia compares her tension and suspense while
Bassanio makes his choice of caskets to the anxiety of Hesione, waiting for the sea monster's
attack. She sees Bassanio as having more love than Alcides.
2. In what way is Bassanio compared to young Alcides? Why does Portia here 'stand
for sacrifice'?
Answer: Portia compares Bassanio to Hercules by saying that Bassanio has as much digruty
of bearing as Hercules had, but he goes with much more love than Hercules. Hercules did not
go to save Hesione out of love but to get the horses offered as a reward. Here Portia compares
herself to Hesione, who was offered as a sacrifice to a sea-monster. Similarly, if Bassanio
chooses the wrong casket, she will fall into the clutches of an unworthy suitor.

(a) howling Troy: the loud lamentations of the people of Troy at the sacrifice of Hesione
(b) bleared visages: means tear-stained faces. The reference is made to the Trojan women
who had assembled on the beach with tear-stained faces to wait and watch the result of the
encounter between the sea-monster and Hercules.
(c) The issue of the exploit: It means the outcome of the rescue operation. It refers to the
outcome of the encounter between Hercules and the sea-monster.
4. What are 'The rest aloof' referred to in the extract? Who are the Dardanian wives?
What were the wives doing in the scene when Alcides was saving the virgin tribute?
Answer: ‘The rest aloof’ referred to in the extract are people in the room like Nerissa,
Gratiano and others whom Portia compares to Trojan women Dardanian wives are Trojan
women. Dardanus was the mythical ancestor of the Trojans, who were called Dardanians.
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
5. Why does Portia say, 'Go, Hercules'? What will she be doing at the same time?
Answer: Portia asks Bassanio, 'Go Hercules' because in her opinion the similarity between
Bassanio and Hercules is complete and perfect. Portia tells Bassanio to go ahead and choose
the casket. While he is choosing she will be watching the test with much more anxiety than
he, who has to make the choice. She says that if he lives, that is, he succeeds, she lives. If he
fails, it is death for her.
Extract - 4
1. Which theme in the play is highlighted in the above extract? How is it highlighted?
Answer: In the above extract, the theme of appearance and reality is highlighted Bassanio,
commenting on the caskets says that a pretty exterior may often hide a rotten interior. The
multitude is always led astray by decorations and adornments of various kinds. He is
highlighting this theme by providing the examples of lawyers, religious heresies and cases of
cowards, who assume outward signs of valour.
2. How can vice assume the external show of virtue?

Answer: Bassanio says that every wrong has some appearance of virtue. He explains it
through the example of a lawyer. In a law-suit, possession of a pleasing voice and attractive
presence in a lawyer, entirely hide any appearance of wrong in the cause he pleads. The
ornament of the voice gives an unsound plea, the false appearance of a good reality. Similarly
religious heresies can be glassed over if a preacher makes them appear as true and just.
3. What are 'stairs of sand'? To what are these stairs compared?

Answer: ‘Stairs of sand' refer to a stairway made of shifting sand. Such a stairway is
unreliable and gives way beneath the footstep it should support. These stairs are compared
to cowards, who cultivate beards to give them the appearance of great warriors like Hercules
and Mars. The manly appearance is cultivated only to deceive the world into thinking that
they are formidable.
4. Who is Hercules and who is frowning Mars? What are they, with their beards known
for?
Answer: Hercules was a great hero in Greek mythology and Mars was the Roman god of war.
Hercules and Mars are referred to here because they, with their beards, stand for strength,
manliness and bravery.
5. Give the meaning of the following:

has livers white as milk: The Elizabethans looked upon the liver as the seat of courage. A
brave man's liver was said to be red with blood. Cowards were spoken of as having white
livers.
Extract – 5
1. Explain how is beauty purchased by weight? How does it make the wearers lightest?
(Give the two meanings of the word: lightest.)
Answer: Bassanio says that if we take the case of beauty we find that an imitation of it is
easily obtainable and may be brought in the market. The cosmetics which enhance beauty
can be bought by weight in a chemist's shop. These bring about a marvellous change in the
appearance of women.
The word lightest is punned on. Bassanio means that the addition of cosmetics makes a
woman light that is fair coloured. The other meaning of 'lightest is to be frivolous and fickle-
minded.
2. What is referred to as "crisped snaky golden locks'? Who wears them and who is
their actual owner?
Answer: Crisped snaky golden locks' refer to false hair that women wear. Bassanio says that
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 it is false hair and originally it belonged to a dead
woman, who is lying in the grave.
3. What is referred to as 'the dowry of a second head'? Who has bred this head? Where
is the head now?
Answer: ‘The dowry of a second head' refers to the false hair (wig) worn by a woman, that
appear to be real but actually is a gift from some dead woman, i.e. it originally belonged to a
dead woman who is lying in the grave. Shakespeare refers to the popular custom of wearing
wigs among the Elizabethan women.
4. Why does Bassanio say that Ornament is but the guiled shore to a most dangerous
sea?
Answer: Bassanio says that outward adornment is always deceptive. It is like the attractive
but treacherous sea-shore that leads people into perilous waters.
5. Give any two examples from Bassanio's speech to show that appearances are
deceptive.
Answer: Bassanio asserts that appearances are deceptive. Two examples he mentions are:
First, the shining, golden false hair that some women wear. Though they look real, they
belong to a dead person. The second example is that of a lovely scarf that hides the ugly face
of an Indian beauty. This is deceptive as people expect to see something better than an Indian
beauty when the scarf is removed.
Extract - 6
1. Where was the gentle scroll? Give the summary of what was written on the scroll.
Answer: The gentle scroll was in the lead casket. On the scroll it was written that since he
has not chosen by mere outward appearances, he may be fortunate and make his choice as
wisely as he has done. Since this forte has come to him, he should be satisfied and seek
nothing more for his happiness. If he is pleased with his luck and feels that fate has brought
him happiness, he should go to his beloved and claim her as his own with a loving kiss.
2. What prize had the speaker won? Give the reasons which led to the winning of the
prize.
Answer: The speaker has won Portia. The speaker chose the correct casket, i.e. lead casket
containing Portia's portrait. Its simple looks impressed Bassanio more than the protestations
of gold and silver. Besides, the inscription on the casket stated that the man who chooses it
must give and hazard his whole being which means his true love.
3. What was the speaker asked to give and to receive?

Answer: The speaker was asked to go to the lady and claim her as his own with a loving kiss
and receive a kiss from her.

(a) universal shout: loud applause of joy. This refers to the clamour of the crowd at
Bassanio's choice of the right casket.
(b) Giddy in spirit: overwhelmed with joy. This speaks of the bewildered state of mind of
Bassanio after his choice of the lead casket.
5. To whom does the speaker compare himself? In what way does he compare himself?
Answer: The speaker compares himself to the one who is striving to win some contest, like
one of two prize-fighters. He compares himself as someone who wins a prize in the contest.
6. Why is the speaker doubtful whether what he sees is true?

Answer: Bassanio is at the height of his joy after choosing the correct casket. He hears a loud
applause from the people standing there. He is so bewildered by the outcome of making the
correct choice, that he is not sure if the applause is for him or not. He asks Portia to confirm
it and sanction it by returning his kiss.
Extract - 7
1. Which possessions of hers, does Portia transfers to Bassanio after he chose the
correct casket?
Answer: After Bassania chooses the correct casket, Portia transfers her mansion, her
servants, herself and all her possessions to him.
2. Mention three of the wishes of Portia which express her desire to excel in
everything.
Answer: Portia, for the sake of Bassanio wishes that she were sixty times better than herself,
a thousand times more beautiful and ten thousand times Wealthier. These wishes express
her desire to excel in everything for the sake of Bassanio.
3. On what condition does she give the ring to Bassanio? How does the ring become a
part of the main plot in the story?
Answer: As a token of her love to Bassanio, Portia gives him a ring. She warns him that if he
parts with the ring or loses it or gives it away, that will be a sign that his love for her is dead
and give her the right to reproach him. The ring becomes a part of the main plot of the story
as it starts the ring episode we come across later in the play.

Let it presage the ruin of your love,
And be my vantage to exclaim on you
Answer: These lines mean: "Let that be a sign that your love for me is dead and it will give
an opportunity for me to accuse you for that." Here Portia asserts that if Bassanio loses the
ring she has given him, it will show the loss of his love for her and will give her the right to
reproach him.
5. After Portia's speech, what does Bassanio say in his excitement? What assurance
does he give to her about the ring?
Answer: After Portia's speech, Bassanio is overpowered with emotion and he tells Portia
that her love and goodness has made him speechless. Regarding the ring, Bassanio promises
Portia that when the ring leaves his finger, his spirit will flee and his life will leave him. He
will part with the ring only at his death.
Extract - 8
1. Give the context in which Gratiano speaks these words. What good wishes does he
give to Bassania?
Answer: After Bassanio's successful selection of the right casket and after the speeches of
Portia and Bassanio Nerissa greets them and wishes them great joy. Thereafter Gratiano
speaks these words. Gratiano wishes Portia and Bassanio that all the joy and happiness they
desire may be showered upon them.
2. What request does Gratiano make to Bassanio?

Answer: Gratiano requests Bassanio to grant him a special favour - that is, to permit hm to
allow him to marry at the same time of the marriage ceremony of Portia and Bassanio.
3. What condition does Bassanio put regarding Gratiano's request?

Answer: Bassanio gives his consent most heartily, provided Gratiano can get a wife.
4. Explain how Gratiano's fortune too 'stood upon the caskets?

Answer: While Bassanio wooed Lady Portia, Gratiano wooed her lady-In-waiting Nerissa.
However, the promise that Gratiano received from Nerissa was that Nerissa would love
Gratiano provided that Bassanio had the good fortune of winning the love of Portia by
selecting the right casket. Thus, Gratiano's fortune too stood on the caskets.
5. How has Gratiano-Nerissa episode added humour to the story in this scene?
Answer: Gratiano Nerissa episode has added humour to the story. The romance and
marriage of Nerissa and Gratiano strengthen the old belief that characters in association with
nobility are themselves ennobled. Gratiano experienced the joy of love in the company of
Bassanio. Nerrisa being educated by her mistress Portia, was able to win a gentleman's love.
Gratiano, with a keen sense of humour arouses much mirth and laughter in the scene.
Extract - 9
1. Where does the scene take place? Who brings the letter from Antonio to Bassanio?
Answer: This scene takes place in a room in Portia's house at Belmont, Salerio brings the
letter from Antonio to Bassanio.
2. How does Portia conclude that there is some bad news in the letter? What could be
the bad news according to Portia?
Answer: Portia concludes that there is some bad news in the letter because as soon as
Bassanio reads the letter, his face turns pale and he becomes greatly agitated. According to
Portia, the bad news in the letter must be about the loss of someone loved by Bassanio.
3. What right does Portia now have to know from Bassanio the contents of the letter?
Answer: Portia begs of Bassanio to tell her the cause of his sorrow as she and Bassanio are
one, and she ought to share in everything that happens to him. Hence, she asks Bassanioto
tell her what news that letter has brought.
4. Briefly state what Bassanio told Portia about the bond and the destruction of
Antonio's cargo ships.
Answer: Bassanio tells Portia that the letter contains some of the most unwelcome news. He
tells Portia that he is deeply indebted to a kind friend. This friend for his sake agreed to hand
with his worst enemy, a man who hates him. He did this solely to supply Bassanio with the
needed to come to Belmont. Bassanio looks upon Antonio's letter as if it is his body and the
cruel words of the letter as wounds from which blood is gushing out. He then tells that all the
ships of Antonio have been wrecked on the dangerous rocks.
5. What did Salerio say about Shylock's insistence on the forfeiture of Antonio's bond?
Answer: Salerio says that even if Antonio had sufficient money to pay off his debt, Shylock
will not accept the payment. Shylock threatens to take legal action against the city's
governance and call in question the equality of rights of foreigners with the citizens of Venice,
if they refuse Shylock justice by bringing Antonio to trial. Twenty merchants, the Duke and
the noblemen of the highest rank in Venice, have tried to persuade Shylock to be reasonable,
but without any success. Shylock holds stubbornly to his malicious purpose of exacting the
full penalty for the forfeiture of the bond.
Extract - 10
1. Who are Tubal and Chus? What did Jessica hear Shylock say to Tubal and Chus about
the bond?
Answer: Tubal and Chus are two Jewish friends of Shylock. When Jessica was at home, she
had heard Shylock swearing to Tubal and Chus that he will have the penalty carried out and
that a pound of Antonio's flesh would give him more pleasure than to be paid the debt twenty
times over.
2. What would the Duke, law and influential citizens do to prevent Shylock from taking
his cruel forfeiture?
Answer: The Duke, law and influential citizens would use all their powers of persuasion to
prevent Shylock from taking his cruel forfeiture.
3. What is the danger if the forfeiture is denied to Shylock as per the terms of the bond?
Answer: If the forfeiture is denied to Shylock as per the terms of the bond, there was the
danger of Shylock taking legal action against the city's governors and call in question the
equality of rights of foreigners with the citizens of Venice. Thus, there was the danger of
Shylock bringing discredit to the business in Venice.
4. What does Portia offer to do in terms of payment to Shylock in cash?

Answer: In terms of payment to Shylock in cash, Portia offers to pay him double the amount.
Then she says to give him double of six thousand and then three times of that. Later she says
that she will give him enough gold to pay the debt twenty times over.
5. What does Antonio's letter state about his last wish?

Answer: Since the payment of the penalty means his death, Antonio's last wish is to see
Bassanio before he dies. He says that it will cancel all bonds and obligations between
Bassanio and him. However, he adds that Bassanio should do as he wishes and should not
pay any attention to Antonio's welfare.
Extract - 11
1. What were Protia’s secret plans in sending Bassanio to Venice?

Answer: Portia gives money to Bassanio and sends him to rescue Antonio. She makes a plan
to disguise herself as a lawyer and Nerissa as her assistant and then go to Venice to rescue
Antonio from the clutches of Shylock.

(a) ‘call me wife’: make me your wife, get married to me.
(b) ‘With and unique soul’: with a disturbed, grief stricken mind.
3. What is Bassanio supposed to do as far as Antonio’s forfeiture of the bond is

concerned?
Answer: Bassanio was supposed to go to Venice and offer double the amount of bond to
Shylock and cancel the bond. If he did not agree to that Bassanio is to offer him, double of six
thousand ducats or three times that amount or even twenty times the bond amount.
4. What would Portia and Nerissa supposed to be doing in Belmont after their
husbands leave for Venice? What did they really do?
Answer: Portia and Nerissa were to stay in Belmont as spinsters or widows after their
husbands leave for Venice. But in fact they did not do so. Portia and Nerissa went to Venice
in disguise of a lawyer and her assistant, respectively and played a constructive role in saving
Antonio from the clutches of Shylock.
5. How important is this scene for the forward movement of the storyline?
Answer: This scene is important for the forward movement of the storyline. It completes the
casket story and brings it in direct contact with other stories- the bond story, Jessica-Lorenzo
love story and the ring story. The ring story begins in this scene. The bond story is revealed
through Antonio’s letter and Bassanio’s return to Venice.
6. After the choice of the casket by Bassanio, Portia takes over the leadership in the
play. What are your views on this statement?
Answer: It is true that after the choice of the casket by Bassanio, Portia takes over leadership
in the play. When Antonio is in trouble, she offers Bassanio twenty times the bond amount
to save Antonio. She herself dons the cruise of a lawyer and using a perfect blend of mercy
and justice saves Antonio.
from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2
Merchant of Venice
Act - 3
Scene – 3
Extract – 1
1. What does Shylock ask the jailer to do? Give two reasons from the extract to justify
why Shylock was against Antonio.
Answers: Shylock asks 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. The extract shows that
Shylock was against Antonio. He insists on having the bond saying that he has taken an
oath to exact the full penalty of the bond. Besides, he says that since Antonio called him a
'dog’. Antonio should beware of his teeth, as they can bite.

(a) lent out money gratis: lending money without interest
(b) beware my fangs: beware of my teeth. That is beware of my revenge
3. What does Shylock say after this extract, blaming the jailer for bringing Antonio
out of prison?
Answers: After this extract, Shylock angrily tells the jailer that he is surprised at his being
so foolish as to yield to Antonio's request and to bring him out in the open. He censures the
jailer for bringing him out.
4. How does this short scene show the determination of Shylock to extract the
penalty as stipulated in the bond?
Answers: This short scene shows the determination of Shylock to extract the penalty as
stipulated in the bond. His passion for revenge is revealed in this scene, when he savagely
cries to the jailer to guard Antonio closely and see that he does not escape. He refers to the
bond five times in the scene and refuses to listen to Antonio's pleas. His determination is
sealed by his statement that he has sworn an oath that he will have his bond.
5. Describe briefly how this scene prepares the audience for the climax of the Trial
scene.
Answers: This scene is important because it brings the action near to the Trial Scene It
adds suspense to the bond story as it shows that it is impossible for Antonio to escape
Shylock's revenge. This scene fills the interval before the Trial scene and allows time for
Bassanio's journey from Belmont to Venice
Extract - 2
1. What has enraged Antonio to speak in this manner? According to Antonio, why
does Shylock seek his life?
Answers: When Antonio's continuous pleas to Shylock to listen to him fail and he insists,
on having his bond, Antonio get enraged. He says that Shylock wants to take away his life
because he has frequently helped Shylock's debtors out of his clutches when they
approached him for help. This has made Shylock to hate him.
2. What does Salarino say about the Duke?

Answers: Salarino says that he is sure that the Duke will never permit the penalty of the
bond to hold good in law.
3. Who are the strangers referred to in the extract? What commodity do they have in
Venice?
Answers: Strangers referred to in the extract are the traders and businessmen from other
countries doing business in Venice. Here, specific reference is to Shylock, a Jew, a foreigner.
They do trade and business in Venice.
4. Can the Duke deny the course of law to the strangers? Why?
Answers: The Duke cannot deny the course of law to the strangers. Firstly, the rights and
privileges of trade that foreigners have in Venice cannot be denied. If denied they will
expose the justice system of the state to reproach. Secondly, prosperity of Venice depends
on its trade with foreign nations. If injustice is done to Shylock, other foreigners will raise
alarm and objections. They will loose confidence in the justice system and it will affect the
trade in the city.
5. What final wish does Antonio express before he would die? What does it reveal
about his character?
Answers: Antonio's final wish is to see Bassanio before he dies. This shows his great love
and affection for Bassanio, Antonio resigns himself to his fate but takes comfort in the
thought that he is going to die for the sake of his friend.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 3
Scene – 4
Extract – 1
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Who is referred to as a true gentleman? Why is he in need of relief?

Answers: Antonio is referred as a true gentleman. He is in teed of relief as Shylock insists on
the penalty for the former of the bond, which is a pound of flesh from any part of his body.
2. Explain the relationship that exists between the gentleman and Bassanio.
Answers: The relationship between the gentlemen i.e. Antonio and Bassano is that of love,
affection and friendship. Antonio readily agrees to Shylock's band to give money to
Bassanio to woo Portia and never regrets his generosity even at the forfeiture of the bond.
His last wish is to see Bassanio before he dies. Bassanio reciprocates the same sentiments
by rushing back to Venice Soon after his marriage to save his friend.
(a) an equal yoke of love: by the same bond of love.

(b) Of lineaments, of manners and of spirit: features, mind, behaviour and disposition
4. Why does Portia conclude that the true gentleman must be like Bassanio?
Answers: Portia says that when two people are close friends and are united by the tie of
mutual love their two natures may have many things in common. There must be a certain
similarity of features, mind, behaviour and disposition. This makes her conclude that the
true gentleman, i.e. Antonio must be like Bassanio.
5. Show clearly how Portia's marriage takes place due to the risk taken by the true
gentleman.
Answers: Bassanio needed three thousand ducats to come to Belmont to woo Portia. He
approached Antonio for help. As Antonio had no ready cash with him, he borrowed the
amount from Shylock, his enemy after signing the treacherous bond. Bassanio could win
over Portia and marry her due to this generosity of Antonio.
6. Which aspect of Portia's character is shown in this scene?

Answers: This scene shows Portia's intellectual ability, her devotion to Bassanio and her
admiration for Antonio. She feels that since Antonio is like Bassanio in mind and
personality, her admiration for Antonio is justified.
Extract - 2
1. What is meant by the husbandry and manage of my house?

Answers: The above words mean: the control and management of my house. Portia tells
Lorenzo that she gives into his hands the entire management and care of her mansion till
the return of her husband.
2. What responsibilities does Portia give to Lorenzo? Till her husband's return, what
would Portia do?
Answers: Portia gives Lorenzo the complete control and management of her mansion till
her husband's return. Portia says that she has taken a secret oath to pass her days in
religious exercises and holy meditation with Nerissa alone as her companion until the
return of her husband.
3. What in fact was Portia's intention in leaving her home? Why did she need Nerissa
to accompany her?
Answers: Portia's intention in leaving her home was to go to Venice to save Antonio from
the clutches of Shylock by disguising herself as a lawyer. She needed Nerissa to act as
lawyer's clerk
4. Under what pretext was Portia leaving her house?

Answers: Portia was leaving her house under the pretext of spending her days in religious
exercises and holy meditation in the company of Nerissa till the return of her husband.
5. Why does Portia say that during her absence Lorenzo would not find it difficult to
run her house smoothly?
Answers: Portia says that during her absence Lorenzo would not find any difficulty in
running her house because she has instructed her servants to accept Lorenzo and Jessica as
their master and mistress till she comes back.
6. How does Portia show that she is intelligent and has good management skills?
Answers: In this scene, Portia shows that her intelligence and good management skills. She
devises a plan to save Antonio from the clutches of Shylock. After consulting her cousin Dr.
Bellario, she decides to go to Venice, dressed as a lawyer with Nerissa dressed as lawyer's
clerk. She entrusts to Lorenzo and Jessica the administration of her mansion. It is her
intelligent planning and management of the situation that take the action of the play
forward.
Extract - 3
1. Where does Portia send Balthazar? Why does she choose him to do the errand for
her?
Answers: Portia sends Balthazar to Padua to Dr. Ballaria. She chooses him for this errand as
Balthazar is her honest and trustworthy servant.
2. What does Balthazar take with him? To whom is he to give it?
Answers: Balthazar takes with him a letter to be given to Dr. Bellario of Padua, a lawyer and
Portia's cousin.
(a) with imagined speed: with maximum speed one is capable of.
(b) to the common ferry Which trades to Venice: to the public berry boat which plies to
and from Venice.
4. What was the purpose of sending Balthazar to Portia's cousin?

Answers: The purpose of sending Balthazar to Portia's cousin was to hand over to him her
letter and then to bring back from him certain letters, notes and robes. Notes prefer to Dr.
Bellario's written opinion about the case. Robes refer to the robes of a Doctor of Law for
Portia and the dress of a lawyer's clerk, meant for Nerissa.
5. What hints does Portia give to Nerissa in the extract regarding their mission?
When and how are the rest of the plans to be revealed?
Answers: After Balthazar's departure, Portia gives Nerissa a hint regarding their mission
saying that she has some urgent work. She also says that they will go to the place where
their husbands are. Portia will outline the rest of the pain to Nerissa in the coach which will
carry them to their destined place.
Extract - 4
1. Why wouldn't the husbands of Portia and Nessa recognize them when they would
see them?
Answers: The husbands of Portia and Nerissa would not recognise them when they would
see them because they will be dressed like young men, one a Doctor of Law and the other as
his clerk.
2. How will Portia appear and behave after she reaches the destination?
Answers: After she reaches her destination dressed as a young man, Portia will wear a
dagger by her side. She will speak in the husky voice of a youth passing from boyhood to
manhood. She will walk with long manly strides instead of two short and quick steps of a
woman. She will talk of broils and fights like a boastful young man. She will tell fanciful
stones, as for instance how many great ladies have loved her and died of a broken heart.
She says that her mind is full of thousands of school-boyish pranks and she will try them all.
3. What ‘quaint lies’ would Portia tell to mislead people? How does she expect men to
react to her quaint lies?
Answers: Portia will tell fanciful stories as for instance how many great ladies have loved
her and died of a broken heart because she did not love them in return. Then she would say
that 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. Similarly, she would tell scores of other little
inventions and lies. She expects men to believe that she has left school more than a year.
(a) puny lies: credible lies, lies that are convincing

(b) raw tricks: inexperienced tricks of youth.
(c) bragging Jacks: boastful fellows.
5. What does Portia tell Nerissa about disclosing her future plan? Comment on the
imaginative skills of Portia in this scene.
Answers: Portia tells Nerissa that she will outline her future plan to her in the coach while
travelling to Venice. This scene describes the imaginative skills of Portia. She plans in detail
the plan of action and decides clearly her and Nerissa's roles in it. The way she plans to
speak and walk and tell boastful lies clearly indicate Portia's imaginative skills.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 3
Scene – 5
Extract – 1
1. Where is Launcelot? What is he discussing and with whom?

Answers: Launcelot is in the garden of Portia at Belmont. Launcelot is discussing with
Jessica the question of her salvation. He says that being the daughter of a Jew, she will be
damned, that is there is no salvation for her soul because children are punished for the sins
of their fathers. This is because Christians of those days believed that for the souls of Jews
and non-christians, there is no salvation.
2. Who is to be blamed more and for what reason?

Answers: According to Launcelot, Lorenzo is to be blamed for the conversion of Jessica
because by converting her, he has added one more remember to the community of
Christians, who are already many. Besides, it will raise the price of pork as one more pork-
eater will be added to the group of pork-eaters
3. How would Jessica's becoming a Christian affect the price of hogs?

Answers: Jessica's becoming a Christian will increase the number of pork-eaters and thus,
will affect the price of the pork.
4. What did Launcelot say earlier about damnation of Jessica? How did he justify his
opinion of damnation? How does Jessica hope to escape damnation?
Answers: Earlier, Launcelot had said that Jessica will be damned due to the sins of her
father. He justifies this by referring to a passage in the Bible (Exodus 20/5) which says that
even children and children's children will be punished for the sins of their fathers. Jessica
hopes to escape damnation through her husband. That is being converted to Christianity by
her husband she will be saved. This has also a reference to Bible where St. Paul says that
the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband. (1 Corintheans 7:14).
5. Explain the conflict of religions referred to in this scene.

Answers: Conflict of religions is highlighted in this scene. Christians of those days believed
that non-Christians and jews will be damned. Since Jessica is the daughter of Shylock, she
will be damned. However, Jessica asserts her position referring to St. Paul, who said that
the unbelieving wife is sanctified by her husband who is a Christian.
Extract - 2
1. What is 'Past all expressing’? Why does Jessica suggest that Bassanio should lead
an upright life?
Answers: Jessica uses these words - 'Past all expressing' which mean words are not enough
to express her admiration for Portia. Jessica suggests that Bassanio should lead an upright
life because he has such a blessing in his wife, Portia. He has the joys of heaven here on
earth. If he does not value the joy while on earth, he does not deserve to expect happiness
in heaven
2. What does Jessica say immediately after this extract praising Portia?
Answers: Immediately after this extract praising Portia, Jessica says that if two gods should
enter into a contest and stake two earthly women as prizes in the game, then if Portia were
to be one of them, the other woman would need some addition to her worth so as to make
the stake equal. Thus, Jessica states that there is no another woman like Portia in this
world. She is peerless.
3. What has Lorenzo said earlier about Launcelot's skill in using words?
Answers: Lorenzo tells Launcelot that he is trying to show his wisdom by using words at
every opportunity. He tells him to try to understand a simple man, who speaks plan
language.
4. What mix up of words has Launcelot done earlier in the context of serving dinner?
Answers: Bring out the humour arising from his speech. In the context of serving dinner,
Launcelot behaves like a refined jester. Lorenzo asks Launcelot to go indoors and tell the
servants to get dinner ready and serve it. Launcelot misunderstands 'prepare for dinner’ as
'prepare themselves for dinner’ and says that they are ready and have good appetite.
Further he takes ‘prepare dinner’ for ‘get dinner cooked’. Launcelot inverts the words take,
'meat and bid. He tells Lorenzo that the table shall be 'served' meaning 'laid' and the meat
shall be covered' meaning served'. He says as for their coming to dinner, it depends on their
mood and fancy and he cannot 'bid' them to do anything
5. Give a brief character sketch of Launcelot in this scene.

Answers: In this scene, the character of Launcelot changes from that of an ignorant
practical joker to that of a more refined jester. He resembles, a court fool here. He theorises
on the consequences of Jessica's turning a Christian. He further reveals his skills in punning
words so that even Lorenzo admits that the fool has filled his mind with quite a stock of
fine words ready for use.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 4
Scene – 1
Extract – 1
1. Where does this scene take place? What has the Duke said before this extract
about the hard-hearted adversary?
Answers: This scene takes place in a court of justice in Venice. Before this extract, the Duke
has described the hard-hearted adversary as an inhuman wretch without pity, totally
lacking in mercy.
2. What rigorous-courses is referred to in the extract? Why does Antonio say that no
lawful means can carry him out of his enemy's reach?
Answers: The rigorous course referred to in the extract is the demand for the pound of flesh
from Antonio's body by Shylock, as the penalty for the forfeiture of the bond. Since Shylock
remains obstinate, Antonio says that no lawful means can save him from his enemy.
(a) I do oppose/My patience to his fury: I shall suffer his cruelty and anger with patience.
(b) arm’d/To suffer: I am prepared to face his cruelty and anger with a calm spirit.
4. From the speech of the Duke, after the extract, give an example to show that the
Duke was annoyed with Shylock.
Answers: The extract shows the Duke's annoyance with Shylock. He tells Shylock that it is
everyone's opinion that Shylock intends to keep up the show of severity and hatred until
the last stage of the case. Then he will relent and not only show kindness and pity but will
agree to abandon his claim and forego a portion of the original sum borrowed by Antonio.
5. In what mood are Shylock and Antonio at this juncture?

Answers: At this juncture, Shylock is defiant and insistent on the penalty for the forfeiture
of the bond, i.e. a pound of Antonio's flesh. Antonio on the other hand, is resigned to his fate
and is ready to face calmly the consequences of the forfeiture. He believes that no lawful
means can save him from Shylock's sinister intentions.
Extract – 2
1. In what way does the Duke expect Shylock to mitigate his stand towards the
forfeiture?
Answers: The Duke expects Shylock to mitigate his stand towards forfeiture after
considering Antonio's heavy losses that have come so thick and fast. The Duke expects that
Shylock will be moved by human tenderness and sympathy.
2. What is meant by 'a moiety of the principal'? Why does the Duke request Shylock
to have mercy on Antonio?
Answers: A moiety of the principal' means a part of the principal. The Duke requests to
have mercy on Antonio since his losses have been so heavy and have come so thick and fast
upon him lately that they have been enough to ruin a noble merchant. They are enough to
draw pity and sympathy for his condition from anyone.
(a) so huddled on his back

Answers: So accumulated on him. It refers to the many losses that befell on Antonio so thick
and fast.
(b) never train’d/To offices of tender courtesy

Answers: Who have never been taught the feelings of human kindness. The Duke says that
Antonio's losses are enough to draw pity and sympathy for his condition from hearts as
hard as brass and as rough as stones and from uncultured Turks and Tartars, who have
never been taught the feelings of human kindness.
4. Who are the Turks and Tartars? What is said about them in the extract?
Answers: Turks are the people of Turkey and Tartars are the people of Tartary. They were
considered uncultured and having no feelings of human kindness. They were considered to
be stubborn. The Duke says that even the Turks and Tartars, who have never been
schooled in acts of kindness and love, will feel pity and sympathy for Antonio's plight.
5. Why does Shylock refuse to have mercy on Antonio?

Answers: Shylock refuses to have mercy on Antonio because he wants to take revenge on
him. He tells the Duke that he has already explained to the Duke his intentions. Moreover,
he has taken an oath by his holy Sabbath, to see that the terms of the forfeit are carried ous,
Extract - 3
1. What question is Shylock answering in the context? What examples does he give in
the extract to justify his position for not giving a fin reason?
Answers: Shylock is answering the Duke's suggestion that he expects a gentle answer from
him. Shylock says that he will not give an exact reason. He goes on to state that he has
undivided whims like other men. If his house is infested with rats, he may spend ten
thousand ducats to have them poisoned. There are people who cannot tolerate the sight of
an open mouthed roasted pig sight of a cat or the stream of a bag pipe. In all these there is
no definite reason for hating these things. It is determined by a strong whim or mood,
which can overpower any reason.
(a) As to offend, himself being offended.

Answers: This means offending others, after being offended. Shylock speaks of people
behaving according to their whims. These people stoop low by offending others and
expressing their dislike.
(b) a lodged hate

Answers: This means a deep-rooted hatred. This refers to Shylock's deep and definite
dislike and hatred of Antonio.
3. How does Bassanio react to what Shylock says in the extract?

Answers: Bassanio reacts to what Shylock says by calling him a hard-hearted creature. He
further says that his answer is no excuse for his merciless actions.
4. If Antonio is shown mercy by the Duke, against the wishes of Shylock what would
be its implication?
Answers: If Antonio is shown mercy by the Duke against the wishes of Shylock, it will
expose the justice system of the state that allows right and privileges of trade for
foreigners. Besides, foreigners will lose their confidence in the just and impartial
administration of law in Venice and this will adversely affect its trade and prosperity.
5. Show how tense the scene has become as Shylock fights for his legal right against
the rest.
Answers: This scene known as the Trial Scene is the central scene or the climax of the play.
The scene becomes tense when Shylock insists on his legal right though the Duke and
Bassanio try to reason with him to show mercy and compassion. The stage is set for a legal
battle between Shylock and the rest.
Extract - 4
1. What argument takes place just before this extract?

Answers: Just before this extract an argument takes place between Bassanio and Shylock.
Bassanio asks Shylock whether a man is obliged to seek the death of everything he dislikes.
In reply, Shylock wants to know when a man hates a thing intensely, why should he not kill
it willingly. Bassanio further argues that a first offence does not arouse so fierce a hatred.
Shylock argues again with another question. He asks Bassanio whether he would give a
serpent a second chance to sting him.
2. Give two examples from the extract to show that it is useless to plead with the Jew
to show mercy.
Answers: In the extract Antonio tells Bassanio that it is useless to plead with the Jew to
show mercy. He tells him if he is hoping to soften his heart, he might as well stand on the
sea-shore and ask the tide not to rise so high As usual. Secondly, he may as well ask the
wolf why he has made the mother sheep to mourn for the lamb he has devoured.
(a) bate his usual height

Answers: It means reduce its mutual height, meaning to ask the ocean tides not to rise.
(b) To wag their high tops

Answers: It means to sway their high top. It refers to the swaying of the high tops of the
pine trees on the fountains.
4. What reason does Shylock give for his hatred for Antonio?
Answers: Shylock does not give a definite reason for his hatred for Antonio. He goes on to
state that he has individual whims like other men. He says that these people have no well-
grounded reason to offer as to why they dislike various objects, like a gaping pig a harmless
domestic cat and a bagpipe. Shylock says that he bears just such a deep-rooted hatred and a
definite dislike for Antonio.
5. Bassanio offers Shylock six thousand ducats. What is Shylock's reaction to the
offer?
Answers: Shylock tells Bassanio that if he were to double it and double it again three times
over, he would still refuse to accept thirty six thousand ducats. He wants only the penalty to
be paid.
Extract - 5
1. 'let their beds/Be Made as soft as yours,’
Who are they referred to in the first line of the extract? Whose beds are referred to?
Answers: In the first line of the extract "They' refers to the slaves of the Christians. The beds
of thes slaves are referred here.
2. What is meant by: 'let their palates/Be Season'd with such viands?'
Answers: This means to give the slaves rich food to eat. This refers to Shylock's complaint
that Christians don't provide their slaves the rich food they themselves take and treat them
as they please since they are their property.
3. How is the pound of flesh dearly bought by Shylock?

Answers: Shylock says that the pound of flesh which he claims from Antonio has been
bought by him at a high price. As per the bond agreement at the forfeiture, Shylock is
entitled to only a pound of Antonio's flesh. He will lose his three thousand ducats he had
given.
4. Why does Shylock keenly say, 'I stand for judgment?
Answers: Shylock thinks that since the pound of flesh has been bought by him at a high
price, it is his and therefore, insists on having it. He demands justice from the Duke as per
the bond agreement.
5. What do the decrees of Venice guarantee? What would happen if Shylock were
refused justice?
Answers: Decrees of Venice guarantee equal rights and privileges to the citizens and
foreigners. If Shylock were refused justice, the justice system of Venice would be exposed
to disrepute and will adversely affect the trade and prosperity of Venice.
6. How can you conclude from the given extract that Shylock is good at giving
relevant arguments to prove his case.
Answers: The given extract proves that Shylock is good at giving relevant arguments to
prove his case. He gives replies word by word to the questions put forward by his enemies.
When asked to give a noble response on having mercy on Antonio, Shylock says that
Christians are no better. They treat their slaves as they treat their asses, dogs and mules. He
questions if Christians would allow their slaves to intermarry in their families and allow
them to have comfortable beds and tasty food like them. He further argues that just as
people have no good reason whey cannot put up with a gaping pig, a harmless domestic cat
or a bagpipe, he has no reason to give for taking a pound of Antonio's flesh.
Extract - 6
1. How did Bassanio encourage Antonio assuring him of every help?

Answers: Bassanio tells Antonio not to lose hope and have courage. He is ready to give his
own flesh to greedy Shylock and his whole body too, before he will allow him to lose one
drop of Antonio's blood on his behalf.
2. What is meant by "tainted wether of the flock"? In what way is he meetest for
death?
Answers: Antonio says that he is like a sick sheep in the herd only fit to be taken out from
the herd for slaughter. He says that he is the most fit or suitable person to die.
3. What is an epitaph? Why does Antonio talk about the epitaph at this time?
Answers: Epitaph is an inscription written on the tomb of a dead man. Antonio talks about
the epitaph now since he is sure that he has to die as the Jew was determined to have his
bond.
4. State the generous offer made by Bassario to save his friend just before the extract.
Answers: To save Antonio, Bassanio offers to pay Shylock six thousand ducats, double the
amount of money borrowed from Shylock.
5. Who comes to the scene immediately after Antonio's speech? Why does the person
come?
Answers: Nerissa, dressed as a lawyers' clerk came to the scene immediately Antonio's
speech. She came to deliver a letter to the Duke from Dr. Bellario of Padua.
6. Describe Antonio's mood in the context. How does his such attitude shape him to
be an important character in the comedy?
Answers: In this context Antonio's mood is quite passive and is resigned to his inevitable
fate. His nobility and love for Bassanio is also shown in this extract. This attitude makes
him a tragic hero and wins him the love and sympathy of the audience.
Extract - 7
1. Explain why Gratiano reacts violently in the extract.

Answers: When Shylock insists that he wants only his bond and is sharpening his knife to
cut the flesh from the man who has failed to pay the deb Gratiano reacts violently to his
remarks. He says that Shylock is not sharpening his knife on the sole of his shoe, but on his
soul and no metal, not even the axe of a hangman can have half the sharpness of his envy.
2. Who was Pythagoras? What was the theory about rebirth according to him?
Answers: Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher and mathematician (BC 540-510). He taught
the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. According to this theory, the souls of some
human beings pass, after death, into animals and those of animals into some men.
(a) oder in my faith

Answers: It means to lose faith in my own religion (Christianity). It means that he tends to
believe Pythagoras’s Theory of Transmigration
(b) the gallows did his fell soul fleet

Answers: It means that when he was hanged for man-laughter the soul of a wolf entered his
body at birth
4. How did the spirit of the wicked wolf enter into Shylock?
Answers: The spirit of the wicked wolf entered into Shylock's body when he was in his
mother's womb. The wolf was killed for man's slaughter.
5. How can it be concluded from Shylock's tendencies that he has the spirit of the
wolf?
Answers: It can be concluded that Shylock has the spirit of the wolf because all his
inclinations are wolf-like. He is greedy, bloodthirsty and rapacious. Certainly the spirit
dwelling in his breast must have formerly been that of a wolf when its former body was
slain, it took up its abode in Shylock's body.
6. State clearly how Shylock ridicules Gratiano after the extract.

Answers: Shylock laughs at Gratiano's outburst. He says that he is injuring his lungs. He
says it is a mere waste of breath unless, curses can make his band illegal. He sarcastically
tells Gratiano to try to get more wisdom or his understanding will soon be beyond the hope
of any improvement.
Extract - 8
1. What is the meaning of 'strain'd'? Why is the quality of mercy not strained?
Answers: The word 'strained' means forced. Portia tells that the very characteristic of
mercy is that there can be no compulsion in its exercise. It drops as freely as the gentle rain
from heaven on the earth below. It is beyond the power of man and the law to compel a
man to be merciful. Mercy is a free voluntary action.
2. In what way is mercy twice blessed and is mightiest in the mightiest?

Answers: Portia says that mercy carries with it a two-fold power and a double blessing. It
benefits both the giver and the receiver. It is not an attribute of weakness. She says its
effect is the greatest and noblest when exercised by the great and the powerful, though the
law gives them absolute power to entforce justice.
3. What is a sceptre? What does the sceptre signify?

Answers: Sceptre is a rod which a king holds in his hand, symbolising his royal power. The
king's sceptre is the outward symbol of his earthly power. It gives him awful majesty and
fills his subjects with dread and fear of him.
(a) it becomes/The throned monarch better than his crown.

Answers: Portia says that mercy sheds upon a royal king a brighter lusture than the crown
he wears.
(b) But mercy is above this sceptred sway.

Answers: Portia says that mercy is far above the earthly power of a king symbolised by his
sceptre.
5. Why does Portia say that if strict justice is followed none of us would have
salvation?
Answers: Portia says that if strict justice were to be meted out to all, no one could enter
heaven. We all pray to God for mercy, We pray to God to forgive us our trespasses that we
may forgive those who trespass against us. Hence, Portia requests Shylock not to press for
bare justice in the case but to forego his legal rights and to reason justice with mercy.
6. What does Shylock say in to Portia's mercy plea?

Answers: Shylock has closed his mind to Portia's arguments and says that he takes on
himself all responsibility for his acts. Further, he demands justice and the carrying out of
the agreement.
7. Why does Portia later say, 'We do pray for mercy'? What does this prayer teach us
about mercy?
Answers: Portia later says that we do pray for mercy. This is to impress Shylock towards
merry. She says that we pray to God to forgive us our trespasses so that we may forgive
those who trespass against us. This prayer la us that he who needs God's mercy to be
shown to him, should show mercy to the man, who needs it from him.
Extract - 9
1. What is meant by 'this bond is forfeit? How is the bond now forfeit?
Answers: This bond is forfeit' means that the agreement has been broken and the penalty
must be paid. Now the bond is forfeit since Antonio has failed to pay back the three
thousand ducats he had borrowed from Shylock.
2. Why does Shylock call Portia a worthy judge? Why was she compared to Daniel
earlier?
Answers: Shylock flatters Portia by calling her a worthy judge. He says that her learned
explanation and just decision shows that her knowledge of law is very sound. Earlier,
Shylock compared her to Daniel, a wise Jewish prophet. He was a wise judge like Solomon,
Daniel saved a beautiful woman Susannah from wicked elders by cross-examining them
separately. In this way, he made justice to triumph and saved Susannah. So, Shylock is
comparing Portia for her wisdom, with Daniel the prophet, for she refuses to break the law
on the ground that bad precedents will be created in future.
3. What was Shylock's reaction when Portia offered him thrive the due amount for
the first time?
Answers: When Portia offered him thrice the due amount for the first time, Shylock told her
that he has sworn an oath before God to have nothing but the bond. He cannot commit a sin
of breaking an oath and not even for the whole wealth of Venice will he break his oath.
4. State why Shylock was confident that no one could take away his right to
forfeiture.
Answers: Shylock was confident that no one could take away his right to forfeiture. Since,
they strict exposition of the law of Venice permits it. Portia, the lawyer has already stated
that the law cannot be altered to save Antonio as it would set forth bad precedents in the
administration of justice.
5. What impressions of Shylock’s character do you have from the above extract? Give
a reason to justify your opinion.
Answers: Shylock's deep-rooted hatred for Antonio and his determination to have his bond
per the agreement are shown in this extract. This is because he declares "There is no power
in the tongue of man to alter me: I stay here on my bond."
Extract - 10
1. To whom is Antonio speaking these words? What is meant by "Grieve not that I am
fallen to this for you"?
Answers: Antonio is speaking these words to Bassanio. 'Grieve not that I am fallen to this
for you’ in these words. Antonio asks Bassanio not to worry that this fate has befallen on
him for Bassanio's sake.
2. What is the normal custom of the Fortune? What is meant by lingering penance?
Answers: The normal custom of the Fortune is to allow a man in misfortune to live to see
with his hollow eyes and wrinkled face, the ruin which has come upon him and to endure
an old age of hardships and sufferings. 'Lingering penance' refers to prolonged suffering of
witnessing one's own ruin and experiencing misery.
3. Why does Antonio think that 'Fortune is kind to him?

Answers: Antonio thinks that 'Fortune' is kind to him by mercifully letting him escape a
prolonged suffering of his misfortune by an early death.
4. What request does Antonio make to Bassanio to tell Portia about him?
Answers: Antonio requests Bassanio to convey his greetings to his noble wife and to tell her
the manner of Antonio's death. He also tells Bassanio to tell her of his true and faithful
friendship for him and to speak well of him after his death.
5. What is it that Bassanio must not regret and what is it that Antonio does not
repent?
Answers: Bassanio must not regret that Antonio has to face misfortune because of him.
Antonio will not regret that he is making the sacrifice for Bassanio's sake. He is willing to
pay the penalty freely and with all his heart.
6. What offer does Bassanio make, after this extract, to save Antonio? What does this
offer reflect on Bassanio's love for Antonio?
Answers: Bassanio tells Antonio that he has a wife, whom he loves as dearly as his own life.
But he rates Antonio's life above his own, above his beloved wife and above everything else
on earth. He is ready to give up all if by so doing he can persuade Shylock to spare
Antonio's life. Bassanio is ready to sacrifice everything he has to save Antonio from the evil
designs of Shylock. This offer reflects Bassanio's deep love and friendship for Antonio
Extract - 11
1. What is the law as interpreted by Portia just before this extract?

Answers: Just before this extract, Portia interprets the law to Shylock. She tells him that in
the bond there is no mention of even the smallest drop of blood. The words clearly say 'a
pound of flesh. She tells Shylock to take the forfeit in this agreement which is just a pound
of flesh. However, in the process of cutting if he sheds a drop of blood of a citizen, all his
wealth and possessions will be forfeited to the government, according to the law.
2. "Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest.' What kind of justice is Shylock
going to have?
Answers: Portia tells Shylock that he will get justice as he pleads so insistently for it. But it
may be that the justice will be stricter than he will wish for.
3. Why does Gratiano rejoice by repeating the words, 'O learned judge'?
Answers: Gratiano is happy as the tide has changed. He is taunting Shylock and throws back
at Shylock his words in praise of Portia's wisdom. He calls Portia a most honourable judge.
Gratiano tells Shylock to notice that Portia is the wisest judge.
4. When the money is offered by Bassanio, what does Portia say by declining the
offer?
Answers: Portia stops Bassanio from giving the money to Shylock. She states that Shylock
shall have the justice he has asked for to the fullest extent. She asks Bassanio not to be in
such a hurry. Shylock can have nothing now, but the bond.
5. After the extract, what drawback in the bond is highlighted by Portia?

Answers: After this extract, Portia highlights another loophole in the bond. She tells Shylock
to be careful to cut neither more or less than an exact pound of flesh. If he fails in cutting
that amount precisely and if he cuts more or less than an exact pound, if it weighs lighter or
heavier by even a twentieth part of a small grain, or if the beam of scales inclines to one
side only by the breadth of a hair, he will suffer the penalty of death and all his possessions
will be confiscated by the state.
Extract - 12
1. State in your own words the 'pardon' referred to in the extract. State the
conditions under which the pardon is granted. Why does the Duke threaten to recant
the pardon?
Answers: "Pardon' referred to here is the Duke's granting Shylock his life. The pardon is
granted under the condition that half of his riches will belong to Antonio, the merchant he
plotted against. The other half would go to the state, but if he repents and humbly begs for
mercy, the state may just impose a fine instead of taking the full amount. The Duke decrees
that Shylock must abide by the conditions put forward by Antonio, otherwise he will
withdraw the forgiveness he has extended to him.
2. What two conditions did Antonio impose on Shylock for being allowed to retain
half of his wealth?
Answers: The two conditions Antonio imposed on Shylock are: first le draws up a will
leaving half of his wealth, to Lorenzo and Jessica after his death. Second, that he becomes a
Christian.
3. Give the character of the Duke in this scene.

Answers: The Duke appears in this scene as a just and kind administrator of justice.
Initially, he persuades Shylock to have pity on Antonio for his Heavy business losses. When
Shylock insists on the penalty for the forfeiture at the bond, the Duke follows the course of
justice. When Portia points out the penalty for conspiring against a citizen of Venice, he
pardons Shylock and grants him his life.
4. What would Gratiano do if he were the judge? What comic effect does Gratiano's
offer make in the context?
Answers: If Gratiano were the judge, he would have constituted a jury of twelve people,
who would sentence Shylock to death and will have him hanged on the gallows. Gratiano
here created comic effects with his sharp-witted statements. He says that when Shylock is
baptised, he will have two godfathers. Further, he says that instead of the baptismal fund he
would have reached him to the gallows.
5. How can you conclude that Shylock is in a frustrated mood at this time? What are
your feelings for Shylock at the end of this scene?
Answers: Shylock is a frustrated man at this stage. All his hopes of taking revenge on
Antonio have failed. He begs to be allowed to go home since he is not well. We feel pity for
Shylock as he makes a sad exit with the crowd ridiculing him at the door of the court. At the
same time, we feel happy that his evil designs did not succeed.
Extract - 13
1. What does Portia say about the payment for her services? How does Bassanio
insist that Portia should take something as a token of gratitude?
Answers: Portia says that one who is well pleased with one's work is sufficiently rewarded.
She is well-pleased that she has saved them from the clutches of Shylock and considers this
as a sufficient reward. Bassanio insists that Portia should take something as a gift or a
token of their gratitude. He tells her to grant him two favours, first not to refuse his request
and second to forgive his persistence.
2. What does Portia ask Bassanio to give her as token?

Answers: Portia asks Bassanio the ring he is wearing as a token of gratitude
3. Why does Bassanio say that it is a shame to give Portia what she has asked?
Answers: Bassanio is unwilling to part with the ring. He says that it is a shame to give the
ring as it is far from being valuable. He cannot really think of allowing her to accept such a
paltry gift.
4. What is the reality that makes Bassanio hesitant to comply to Portia's request?
What does he offer to do instead?
Answers: Bassanio was hesitant to comply to Portia's request of giving her the ring he was
wearing because it was a present from his wife. Further, his wife had made him swear
never to part with the ring. He offers to give Portia the most valuable ring available in
Venice.
5. How does Portia react to his hesitation even after Bassanio tells her of his promise
made to his wise?
Answers: Portia remarks that many men who do not wish to give a present, give such a
reason. She adds that it his wife is a sensible person and understands what Portia has done
to earn the ring, she will soon relent and will not be angry for long with him.
6. What makes Bassanio change his mind and part with the ring?
Answers: Antonio tells Bassanio that he should let Portia have the ring. He tells him that the
promise he made to his wife should be outweighed on this occasion by Portia's merits and
the love he bears for Antonio. Hence, he changes his mind and parts with the ring.
7. What effect does the ring episode have on the audience?

Answers: The relief needed after the strain of suspense in the trial for Antonio's life is
provided with the merry episode of the rings. It relaxes their minds and makes them
tension-free. The audience totally enjoy the scene when Portia wheedles the ring out of her
husband as a reward for her legal services.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 4
Scene – 2
Extract – 1
1. Which deed is referred to in the extract? What are the contents of the deed? Why
will Lorenzo be happy to have the deed?
Answers: The deed referred to in the extract is the legal document prepared by Portia. The
contents of the deed are that Shylock's property will go to Lorenzo and Jessica after
Shylock's death. Lorenzo will be happy with this deed as it is beneficial to him and Jessica.
(a) Inquire the Jew's house out.

Answers: Find out the house of Shylock. Portia asks Nerissa to ask someone to direct her to
Shylock's house.
(b) you are well o'erta'en.

Answers: I am glad to have overtaken you.
3. Where is Portia going that night? Why should she reach home before her husband?
Under what pretext was she away from home?
Answers: Portia is going to Belmont that night. She should reach home before her husband
so that he may not doubt her absence from Belmont. She was away from home under the
pretext of going to a convent to do religious exercises and holy meditation all the arrival of
their husbands.
4. What comedy follows later because of Bassanio having given the ring to Portia?
Answers: In Act V Scene 1, the comedy occurs due to Bassanio having given the ring to the
lawyer. Portia accuses Bassanio for this saying if he knew the special qualities of the ring
the virtue of the one who gave the ring and his honour in keeping vows, he should not have
parted with it. He defends himself saying that he parted with it reluctantly and gave it to
the lawyer, who saved Antonio's life.
5. How does the ring episode become a part of the love episode?
Answers: The ring episode is an integral part of the love episode. It adds humour to the play
and further promotes the love and commitment of the couples. Antonio agrees to be the
guarantor for Bassanio that he will never again deliberately break the promise made to
Portia and will never part with the ring again.
Extract - 2
1. To what does Portia refer when she says. "That cannot be'? Why do you think she
says so?
Answers: By saying "That cannot be', Portia is referring to Bassanio's request to her to have
dinner with him. Portia tells Gratiano that it is not possible for her to accept Bassanio's
request to come for dinner. She says so because she is in the disguise of a lawyer and did
not want Bassanio to know her identity at this stage. Secondly, she wants to return to
Belmont before the arrival of her husband.
2. Who is the youth' referred to in the extract? Why should the youth be shown
Shylock's house?
Answers: The 'youth' referred to here is Nerissa. The youth should be shown Shylock's
house so that she could give the draft deed to Shylock for his signature.
3. What trick is Nerissa planning? How would Portia and Nerissa challenge their
husbands about their rings? How will this incident later on have a comic effect in the
play?
Answers: Nerissa is planning to get the ring from Gratiano. Portia says that their husbands
will keep swearing that they have given the rings to men as a gift but Portia and Nerissa
will contradict them and swear just as vehemently that they are deceiving them. This
incident provides a comic effect in the play in Act V Scene 2. Both Nerissa and Portia accuse
their husbands for parting with their rings. But Bassanio and Gratiano swear that they have
given the rings to boys and that too to express their gratitude to them for their service in
saving Antonio from Shylock. They swear never to part with the rings again. The ring-
episode provides comic relief after the serious trial scene.
4. How does Act IV of the play end? How does it prepare the audience for the final
Act?
Answers: Act IV of the play ends with Nerissa and Gratiano going to search for Shylock's
house to make him sign the deed and with Nerissa's plans to get the ring from Gratiano,
Loss of the rings is complete and the consequences are seen in Act V. Act IV prepares the
audience for the final resolution of conflict in Act V.
5. Comment on the leadership shown by Portia in Act IV.

Answers: Portia's intellectual ability and leadership are shown in Act IV. She considers
herself perfectly justified in what she is doing. Throughout the act, she is calm and
composed. She has learnt Dr. Bellario's instructions so well that she seems to know how to
act the role of a lawyer. She coolly proceeds from one point to another. She has provided
herself with all the necessary documents and law books for the case to be made against
Shylock if he does not relent. She makes Shylock to commit himself in the court that he will
accept nothing but the penalty in the bond and ensures that Shylock is judged as per the
law as he wanted and ally managed to save Antonio from his evil designs.
Merchant of Venice
Act - 5
Scene – 1
Extract – 1
1. Which topic is being discussed in the extract?

Answers: The theme of love is being discussed in the extract.
2. Who is Thisbe? What is meant by 'fearfully o'ertrip the dew'?

Answers: Thisbe was a beautiful maiden of Babylonia who was in love with Pyramus, who
also belonged to the same place. The words 'fearfully o'ertrip the dew’ means that Thisbe,
with a heart throbbing with fear. came daintily, stepping over the dewy grass.
3. Give briefly the story of Thisbe.

Answers: Thisbe and Pyramus lived in adjoining houses but their parents would not let
them marry. They managed to talk to each other though a hole in the garden wall. One
moonlit night they arranged to meet secretly at a tomb in a forest outside the city. Thisbe
arrived first, but hearing the roar of a lion she ran away in terror, leaving behind her
mantle. The lion seized the mantle, tore it and stained it with blood of an ox it had killed.
Pyramus came later. Seeing the stained mantle he concluded that Thisbe had been
devoured by the lion and stabbed himself. Later when Thisbe returned to the tomb she saw
the dead body of Pyramus and killed herself. They are symbols of faithful love.
4. Who is Dido? Why is she standing with a willow in her hand?

Answers: Dido was the queen of Carthage and the foundress of the city. After the Trojan
War, the ship of Aeneas, a Trojan prince came to Carthage and was entertained by Dido. She
fell in love with him. But the gods wanted Aeneas to go to Italy. Aeneas cruelly deserted her
and set sail secretly at night. Dido heart broken, lit a funeral fire and died in its flames. Her
anxious wait for Aeneas is symbolised by her standing with a willow in hand
5. What do the 'willow’ and the 'wild sea-banks' signify?

Answers: Willow and the wild sea banks are emblems of forsaken love. Queen Dido stood
on the wild sea-shore, carrying in her hand a willow-wand, the emblem of forsaken love,
waving to her lover Aeneas in the ship vainly appealing to him to return to her.
6. Why are the stories of Thisbe and Dido given in the context? In your answer, bring
out the comparison aimed at, between the characters in the play and the stories of
Thisbe as well as of Dido.
Answers: The stories of Thisbe and Dido are given in the context to heighten the theme of
love. While Thisbe's story tells of faithful lovers, Dido's story speaks of foresaken love,
Jessica refers to Thisbe's story and refers to her faithful love for Lorenzo. Dido's story is
narrated by Lorenzo to taunt her at the fate of Dido. Constancy of the love of Lorenzo and
Jessica is highlighted in the scene.
Extract - 2
1. What did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew in such a night?
Answers: Jessica stole from the wealthy Jew money and jewels.
2. What precautions were taken by Jessica and Lorenzo to ensure that she could
escape from her father's house undetected?
Answers: Jessica and Lorenzo took all precautions to ensure that she could escape from
her father's house undetected. Lorenzo came to take her as a part of a masquerade dressed
in costumes and wearing a mask. Jessica dressed herself as a boy and they eloped in a
moon-lit night when Shylock was away at Bassanio's house for dinner.
3. How did Jessica's father react to her escape? What were Jessica's feelings just
before her elopement?
Answers: Jessica's father reacted violently at Jessica's escape. He was angry at his daughter
for eloping with a Christian and taking away with her, his money and jewels. He wished to
see her dead and lying in a coffin with his ducats and jewels in it. He sought the help of the
Duke and his friend Tubal to track down and find Jessica and Lorenzo. Just before her
elopement Jessica feels ashamed of herself for her masculine disguise and for stealing her
father's money and jewellery.
4. What was the role played by Lorenzo in Jessica's escape from?

Answers: Lorenzo is quick to see the masquerade he and his friends have planned as an
opportunity for eloping with Jessica. He decides that Jessica disguised as a page will be his
torch-bearer in the masque. When Jessica feels embarrassed in a page-boy's dress, he
satisfies her by saying that she looks charming even in the disguise of a boy and finally
takes her with him.
5. What do Venice and Belmont stand for? What does the elopement of Lorenzo and
Jessica from Venice to Belmont signify?
Answers: Venice stands for a busy life, full of problems, businesses and hardships while
Belmont stands for peace, love and tranquility. Elopement of Lorenzo and Jessica from
Venice to Belmont means they have freed themselves from the destructive facts of life at
Venice and have come to Belmont where there is peace and tranquility and that nurtures
their love.
Extract - 3
1. Where does this scene take place? Who is Stephano? What message does he bring?
Answers: This scene takes place in the garden in front of Portia's house in Belmont.
Stephano is a servant of Portia. He brings the message that Lady Portia will arrive at
Belmont before day-break.
2. According to Stephano, what has his mistress been doing during her absence from
home?
Answers: According to Stephano, during her absence from home his mistress was visiting
the roadside shrines with holy crosses. She knelt and offered prayers at these holy places
for blessings in her wedded life.
3. In reality, what has she been doing during her absence? Who accompanied the
mistress?
Answers: In reality, during her absence from home she went to Venice disguised Pas a
Doctor of Law, and successfully argued for Antonio in his bond-forfeiture case and saved
him from the evil designs of Shylock. Nerissa accompanied her mistress as the lawyer's
clerk.
4. What role did Portia's maid play in the company of her mistress?
Answers: In the company of her mistress, her maid played the role of a lawyer's clerk.
Once the deed document was made, Portia's maid went to Shylock's house for his signature
on the document.
5. Explain how the Jessica-Lorenzo romance is linked to the love story of Portia and
Bassanio,
Answers: Jessica-Lorenzo romance is linked to the love story of Portia and Bassanio.
Lorenzo is Bassanio's friend and well wisher, Jessica is Shylock's daughter who finds life at
her home hell. Bassanio's dinner party provides Jessica and Lorenzo an opportunity to
elope. They elope to Belmont and stay at Portia's mansion during her absence.
Extract - 4
1. Who speaks these words? Where is he now? To whom is he speaking?

Answers: Lorenzo speaks these words. He is in the garden in front of Portia's house in
Belmont. He is speaking to Jessica.
2. What has the speaker said about music before this extract?
Answers: Before this extract the speaker has asked Stephano to arrange for some music in
the open air.
3. According to the speaker, what effect does music have on animals? What is the
effect of lack of music on men?
Answers: According to the speaker if animals hear music, they quickly come to a standstill
and remain quietly listening and gazing with calm eyes. Lorenzo says that a man who lacks
music is capable of treachery, intrigue and dishonesty. His spirit has no brighter feelings,
his emotions are sordid and dark as hell. Such men cannot be trusted.
(a) patines of bright gold

Answers: glittering plates of bright gold.
(b) floor of heaven

Answers: Lorenzo describes the sky as the floor of heaven.
5. What is the effect of music on the person to whom these words are addressed?
Answers: The effect of music on the person addressed here, i.e., Jessica, is one of sadness,
Lorenzo explains that due to her attentiveness, she gets lost in music.
6. According to the Elizabethan view of music, what are the orbs said to be doing?
Why can't human beings hear the music of the heavens in this life?
Answers: Elizabethans believed that every star or planet produced, in its motion, a
peculiar musical note and the combination of all notes composed the Harmony of the
universe. The angels are said to be listening to the music of stars. Our souls are immortal
and they produce divine music. But as long as the clothing of mortality - the human body -
encloses the soul, we cannot hear the music of the heavens.
Extract - 5
1. Who was Orpheus? What effect did the music played by Orpheus have on objects in
nature?
Answers: Orpheus was the son of the Muse Calliope. He was a famous poet of Thrace. He
was presented with a lyre by Apollo and instructed by mutes in its use. He enchanted with
its music not only the wild beasts, but also the trees and rocks upon Olympus. It is said that
he made trees, stones and streams move from place to place by the power of his music.
Since naught so stockish, hard, and full of rage,

But music for the time doth change his nature.
Answers: The above lines mean that there is nothing in the world so insensible, so fierce
and unyielding that it does not ever for a passing moment yield to the power of music. It
means music can change the nature of things at least for some time.
3. What has Lorenzo Said earlier about the effect of trumpet sound on wild colts?
Answers: Earlier Lorenzo had said that at the sound of trumpet, wild unbroken horses,
rushing madly over the plains with energy come to a standstill. They remain quiet, listen
and gaze calmly.
4. What does Lorenzo say about the man who has no sense of music?
Answers: Lorenzo says that the man, who has no sense of music is capable of treachery,
intrigue and dishonesty. His spirit has no spark of brighter feelings and he is lifeless like the
world sleeping at night. His emotions are sordid and as dark as hell. Such a man can never
be trusted.
5. What is referred to as Erebus? Why is it used in the extract?

Answers: Erebus was the son of Chaos. His name signifies darkness. In classical mythology
it was considered also as the home of the dead, an area of darkness near hell. Departed
souls had to walk through this area during their passage to Hades. Lorenzo says that a man
who does not love music, has thoughts as dark as right and emotions as dark as hell.
Extract - 6
1. What is meant by 'a hoop of gold' and 'a paltry ring'?

Answers: A hoop of gold' means a circle of gold. A paltry ring means a ring of small value.

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Merchant of Venice

(ii) Give meaning of:

(v)Why do you think Antonio is presented as melancholic character?What could be

(ii) (a) how it originated

(iii) Give the meaning of:

(iii) What is meant by 'two-headed Janus'? Why is he referred to in the extract?

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(ii) Explain the following:

(i) Why is Antonio unable to help Bassanio at once?

(iii) What does Antonio instruct Bassanio to do to get a loan?

(ii) Describe the lottery referred to in this extract.

(iii) Give the reactions of Portia as well as of Nerissa to the lottery.

(ii) Who is County Palatine ?Why has he come to Belmont?

(iv) Who is weeping philosopher? In which context is he referred to in the extract?

(v) County Palatine is describe as a gloomy and self-conceited person. He is always

(ii) Give the meaning of: "he is every man in no man:"

(iv) What would happen:

(ii) He has every man's characteristics but no personality of his own.

(iii)(a) He is handsome and fine-looking.

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(iv) Why is the young German referred to as 'a sponge'?

(ii) (a) When he is drunk, he is no better than a beast.

(v) The six suitors in given scene are:

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(iv) Enumerate the possible threats to Antonio's business ventures as stated by

(ii) Can you help me and will you do me this favour?

(ii).Write the meaning of the following in your own words:

(iii) What old grudge does Shylock have against Antonio?

(i) What is meant by 'shall we be beholding to you'? What is Rialto?

(iii) Why did Shylock bear Antonio's insults patiently?

(i) What were the 'shames' which stained Shylock?

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(ii) What qualities does a creature born in north have? Why?

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(ii)(a) My master is a typical jew, i.e., he is a miserly man.

(i) Give the context in which Bassanio speaks these words.

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(ii) To tone down your lively spirits by exercising a little moderation.

(i) Give reasons for Launcelot’s leaving Jessica’s house.

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(iii) Give the meaning of :

(iv) Give an example of racial discrimination hinted at in the extract.

(iv) Reference to Shylock as a ‘faithless Jew’ is an example of racial discrimination hinted at

(iii) Give the meaning of:

Bassanio is referred to as the prodigal Christian because he is a wasteful, who

(iii)(a) I am not invited our of love.

(iii) Give the meaning of:

(iii)(a) Do not climb up to see from the windows.

(ii) Whom does Shylock wish to be ruined? Why?

(iv) Give the meaning of:

(v) At the end what happens to the masque? Why?

(iv)(a) He overstays the time fixed by him to meet.

(i) Where is Lorenzo and who are his sweet friends?

(iv) How is Jessica’s feminine nature is highlighted in the extract?

(iv) Give the meaning of:

(iv)(a) And compare your personal worth impartially.

(iv) Give the meaning of:

(ii) What is the 'sinful thought'? Why is it so?

(iv) Give the meaning of:

(iv) What advice does Salanio give to Salarino regarding Antonio?

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(ii) (a) Bassanio, do not spoil your plan for my sake.