Act 4

1. Whose arguments are here more convincing: Bassanio’s or Shylock’s?

2. Were they able to convince the Jew? What was the Jew’s main answer?

3. What does Antonio now say? Does he approve of any more pleading with the
Jew?

4. Why is Antonio willing to die?

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5. Why according to Portia, should we do deeds of mercy?

6. What is Portia’s opinion on the question of Venetian law?

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7. How does Shylock respond to Portia’s interpretation of law?

8. Why does Shylock refuse an offer of money?

9. What causes a turn in the course of events as depicted here?

10.Give two reasons-one financial, the other emotional- which made Shylock
annoyed with his daughter.

11.What has been laid down in the laws of Venice?

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12.Was Shylock earlier asked by Portia to show mercy to Antonio? What was his
response then? What is his situation now?

13. “There is more depends on this than on the value.” What is meant by this
statement? Why has Bassanio to say this?

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14.What does Bassanio promise to give Portia? What for? What is he unwilling
to give her?

15.Why does Bassanio reveal the secret of the ring?

ACT 5
1. How does Lorenzo characterize a man who does not like music?

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2. Who had given the ring to Gratiano? What promise was made by him at
that time about the ring?

3. To whom did Gratiano give the ring? Why? What is the practical joke about
the ring episode?

4. How far is Bassanio truthful in saying that he did not give the ring to any
woman?

5. Which letter is being shown by Portia? What is the need of showing this
letter?

6. What are the new facts revealed by Portia? Where has she come from?

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7. What good news does Portia have for Antonio?

8. Does she have any good news for Lorenzo and Jessica? Is Portia anyway
responsible for bringing this good news for them?