Act (3) Scene (II)

1. In what way does Portia show that she is more fond of Bassanio than the other
two suitors who had attempted the choice of caskets?
Portia’s treatment of Bassanio as a suitor is different from her treatment of other
suitors. She was unemotional and business like while talking to the Prince of Morocco
and the Prince of Arragon. She was glad to find that they made the wrong choice.
Their failure was her satisfaction. But not so in case of Bassanio .First, she wants
Bassanio to wait for some time before exercising his choice. In case he chose wrongly,
she would lose his company. This is a clear confession of Portia’s personal interest in
Bassanio. One of the conditions of the lottery of caskets is that a suitor who is so
passionately inclined towards Bassanio, is afraid that in the event of Bassanio’s wrong
choice. He would have leave Belmont immediately. This would deprive her of his sweet
company.

2. How, and what risk Antonio helped Bassanio and at what risk?
Antonio has helped Bassanio to raise a loan of three thousand ducats from Shylock.
The money-lender has imposed a dreadful condition that if the money is not repaid
within three months, he would have the right to cut off a pound of flesh from any part
of Antonio’s body. Thus, Antonio has secured the loan at the risk of his own life.

3. What role the music will play if in case Bassanio succeeds?

If Bassanio succeeds in his choice of the casket, music will be like the sound of
trumpet at the coronation of a king. Or it will be like the sweet sound of the dawn that
steals into the ears of the sleeping bridegroom.

4. In what way Bassanio looks like young Hercules?

Bassanio looks like young Hercules who saved the life of Virgin Hesione from being
sacrificed to the sea-monster. Portia’s fate is similar to her. Nerissa and others
standing nearby represent the women of Troy.

5. What is Bassanio’s opinion about beautiful looking women?

Bassanio thinks that women use beauty aids or cosmetics to look beautiful. Their
beauty is artificial. Those women who make a very good use of cosmetics look
superficial although outwardly they may look beautiful
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6. In what way Portia sums up her qualities?
Portia admits that she is as a whole nothing better than an ignorant girl having no
training or experience of life. Still is happy because she is not too old to learn.

7. Explain how the lottery of caskets won by someone but the speaker got the
benefit into the bargain.
Gratiano had been quick in wooing the maid while his master was busy in going
through the fonnalities of choosing the casket. He had to try hard with his oaths of
love to win Nerissa’s heart. At last, he was able to secure the promise that Nerissa
would marry Gratiano if Bassanio won the hand of Portia. Thus, when Bassanio
won, victory came to Gratiano as well. Gratiano got the benefit into the bargain.