| How does the scene between Portia and the Prince of Morocco further Portia’s characterization? | Portia does not care about the Prince of Morocco’s appearance. Portia mentions that she does not have much option when choosing a husband, anyhow. |
| Why do you suppose Shakespeare split the “episode” of the Prince of Morocco’s choice into two scenes? | Anticipation |
| What is the function of Launcelot Gobbo in Scene ii? | Comic relief: Explains why he wants to leave Shylock. |
| What new element is added to the play in Scene iii? What is Launcelot’s function in this subplot? | We (the audience) are informed Skylock’s daughter, Jessica, plans to escape with Lorenzo (Lorenzo: Antonio and Bassanio’s friend). Lancelot’s function is to let us know Jessica wants to leave. |
| How does Jessica’s letter to Lorenzo in Scene iv further the plot? | Lorenzo confirms he will help Jessica escape. |
| What happens after Shylock leaves his keys with his daughter, Jessica? | She escapes and steals all of her father’s jewels and a portion of his money. She runs away with Lorenzo. |
| What does Shylock’s attitude about music reveal about him? | He cannot find joy/ happiness in anything (except for money) |
| Why is Shylock happy to see Launcelot leave his household to go to work for Bassanio? | He eats too much, he’s slow, and he sleeps all day. He says Bassanio can waste the money he doesn’t have on a lazy servant. |
| As scene vi closes, why does Antonio announce that there will be no masque that night? | The wind is blowing and Bassanio wants to set sail to Belmont. |
| What is the dramatic function of scene vii? | At the beginning, the audience is not aware of what is going to happen when the prince chooses a casket. |
| Why does the Prince of Morocco choose the gold casket over the others? What is the lesson the prince discovers inside of the gold box? | He chooses this casket because it is the most beautiful. This casket reminds him of Portia in the manner he knows her: for her beauty. He learns: all that glitters is not gold. Beauty should not be the greatest concern when choosing a wife/ husband. |
| What is the dramatic purpose of the conversation between Salerio and Solanio viii? | To fill the audience in on what is happening with Bassanio and Antonio. Fosters suspense. |
| How is the Prince of Aragon portrayed? | The prince is foolish, self-centered, picky, and analytical. He chooses silver box because it is “what you deserve.” This prince believes he deserves Portia because he was born into wealth. |
| What does the servant’s announcement of the next suitor at the end of this act lead the audience to expect? | The next suitor will be Bassanio. |
Merchant of Venice: Act II
July 22, 2019