The Merchant of Venice ch. 1-6

What reason does Antonio give for being sad in the opening scene of the play? he gives no reason
The caskets that Portia’s suitors must pick from are made of what? gold, silver, and lead
Why does the prince of Morocco fear that Portia will dislike him? his dark skin complection
What act does Jessica believe will solve the misery of life with Shylock? marrying Lorenzo
According to Lorenzo’s plan, how will Jessica escape from her father’s house? she disguises herself as Lorenzo’s torch bearer
Who loses the opportunity to marry Portia by choosing the silver casket? Prince of Arragon
According to Tubal’s report, for what did Jessica trade Shylock’s most precious ring? a monkey
What course of action does Portia suggest when she learns that Shylock wishes to collect his pound of flesh? that the bond be paid many times over
In the court, how does Antonio react to Shylock’s insistence on collecting his pound of flesh? he will meet Shylock’s hatred with patience
What does Shylock do while they are waiting for the learned doctor of the law to arrive; who will decide the fate of Antonio? He takes out a knife and begins to sharpen it on the soles of his leather shoes
Who enters the court disguised as a young law clerk named Balthasar? Portia
What attribute of God does Balthasar urge Shylock to imitate? mercy
What loophole in Shylock’s bond allows Balthasar to stop him from taking a pound of Antonio’s flesh? Shylock is entitled to flesh, not blood
How is Shylock punished for seeking to take Antonio’s life? he must convert to Christianity and give his possessions to Lorenzo and Jessica in his will
What words does Shylock utter after accepting the court’s sentence? “I am not well”
What does Bassanio offer the young clerk Balthasar, who saved Antonio? 3,000 ducats (She actually takes Bassanio’s ring)
What news does Antonio receive at the play’s end? some of his ships have arrived safely in port
The major conflict of the play is: Antonio defaults on a loan he borrowed from Shylock, wherein he promises to sacrifice a pound of flesh
Which of the following is considered the event of rising action? Antonio’s ships (the only means by which he can pay off his debt to Shylock) are reported lost at sea
Which of the following would be considered the setting of the play? Venice and Belmont
The climax of the play occurs when… Portia, disguised as a man of law, intervenes on Antonio’s behalf
Which of the following is considered the event of falling action? Shylock is ordered to convert to Christianity and entitle his possessions to Lorenzo and Jessica in his will
What are the three “love” relationships in the play? Lorenzo and Jessica, Bassanio and Portia, Nerissa and Gratiano
The major symbolism of the play is shown in the: 3 caskets
In what act does Shakespeare foreshadow Antonio’s grim future by suggesting both his indebtedness to a creditor and the loss of his ships? Act 1
Essay: Explain the meaning of the inscriptions on the three caskets and how this plan shows the wisdom of Portia’s father to guide her to the best husband, and include a Bible verse that supports each casket choise Gold:”Who chooses me shall gain what many men desire”Galatians 5:16 -So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.Silver:”Who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves”Ephesians 2:8-9 -For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.Lead:” Who chooses me must give and gamble all he has”Ephesians 5:25 -Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her