Question 4.

Why Bassanio choose the lead casket?

Answer:
Bassanio chooses the lead casket with its unassuming appearance which does not make
attractive promises. Lead threatens rather than promises anything. So it has the
intrinsic unassuming worth. Its paleness proves more attractive, finally, than the
bright appearance of other two metals.
It may be said that the inscription on the leaden casket appeals to Bassanio’s
gambling and adventurous spirit. He is prepared to risk all for love. For this he
could put his friend’s life into danger.

Question 2.
Where is this conversation taking place?(ACT 3 SCENE 3)
Answer:
This conversation takes place outside the jail to which Antonio had been sent as a
consequence of Shylock’s filing a suit against Antonio over his failure failure to
repay Shylock the loan which he had taken from Shylock. The jailer has brought
Antonio outside the jail at Antonio’s request because Antonio wanted to speak to
Shylock in an effort to appease him and to request him to withdraw his case.

Question 2.
How will Portia try to look more manly?
Answer:
Portia will wear her dagger in a more suitable and dashing manner. She will speak
in a sharp voice suiting a lad who is growing from boyhood into manhood. She will
take one long step like a man instead of two short steps like a woman.

Question 1.
Who are referred to as ‘bragging jacks’? In what favourable condition will the
speaker be to practise tricks” on these bragging Jacks?
Answer:
Portia refers to those boastful young men who often talk of their imaginary
adventures in love and war. They are referred to as ‘bragging Jacks’.
Portia will be disguised as a young man. So will be her maid Nerissa. But Portia is
confident that she will look smarter. She will be able to play the role of those
bragging Jacks with perfection.

Question 5.
Explain what is indicated in the comparison of two gods who “play some heavenly
match”.
Answer:
Jessica poetically explains that she wants to impress upon Lorenzo. She says that
if two gods should enter into a competition and two earthly women be on stake, it
will create a difficult situation if Portia was to be one of them. It will be
impossible to find another women to match Portia. Something else will have to be
added to the other woman to make her equal to Portia. Jessica is all praise for
Portia, whom she considers incomparable.