A Pound of Flesh-

1. Describe the character of Portia-

She was a rich and beautiful heiress who lived in Belmont, near Venice. She was young and
unmarried. Among all, was a prince who spoke about nothing but horses, a count who did
not know how to smile, a bad-tempered Scotsman and a German who was always drunk.
Though they all liked her, she did not like them back. Portia was interested in a gay young
Venetian named Bassanio. Wanting to be with Bassanio was all she wanted and though he
wasn’t as rich and was in debt, it did not matter to her. She was generous and wasted no
time in helping him. She went in disguise to help Bassanio and Antonio arrest Shylock who
was the money lender and wanted a pound of Antonio’s flesh if it was not paid. Towards
Bassanio she showed many traits of love and generosity.

2. Discuss the theme Revenge/ Hate as it relates to the content of the story-
In the story, Shylock wanted a pound of Antonio’s flesh if the money was not paid which he
lent him. He also wanted to choose the spot in which the flesh would be sliced out from.
Having chosen near Antonio’s heart, this meant he would die. That was not part of the bond
they signed.

3. Discuss the literary technique of disguise as it relates to the story-

In the story, Portia and Nerissa went in disguise to the court where Bassanio, Gratiano,
Antonio and Shylock were all at for the bond. Meanwhile Portia and Nerissa were left back in
Belmont but that did not stop them from plotting ideas to help Antonio. Portia called her
cousin, who happened to be a lawyer, Dr. Bellario. She then went in disguise as her cousin,
the lawyer and Nerissa as her clerk to speak in Antonio’s defence.