Questions part 5 Merchant of venice

Act Three, Scene Two

1)Why does Portia want Bassanio to delay his choice?

Because of Bassanio lying about his wealth.

2)What makes Bassanio choose lead over the silver and gold caskets? find the quotes in the text to support your thinking.

Because gold is a common and shiny item, To easy for a fool to pick such a thing

3)What does Portia’s speech A3S2 L166-174 reveal about the expected roles of a

woman in marriage?

She is his (Portia, Bassanio)

4)What did Gratiano’s and Nerissa’s wish to marry depend on?
Portia and Bassanio, Because

5)How does Portia know that the letter contains bad news?

Because of Bassanio's facial state's, being down or pale

6)What help does Portia offer straightaway?

Money, To help Antonio save his life from death

7)Why do we not expect this help to be successful?

8)Do you think Portia would still be in love with Bassanio if she knew he had lied about his wealth?
I don't know, Maybe, maybe not,

Act Three, Scene Three:

1)Antonio is now convinced that he knows the reason for Shylock’s insistence on claiming his bond. What is it, use a quote from the text to support your answer.

3)Why can the Duke not ‘deny the course of law’ according to Antonio?

4)What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate? What two important realisations is this based on? Use lines 8, 21-24, 26-31 to help you.

5)Do you think Antonio’s feelings towards Bassanio have changed since the beginning, why?

6)Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas: