Prasanna

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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Summary

This scene takes place in the garden of Portia’s house. The scene opens with a humorous dialogue of Launcelot for the amusement of the groundlings. Launcelot says that Jessica will be damned for her father’s sins. Jessica replies she will be saved because of the virtues of Lorenzo and also because she has converted into Christianity. Launcelot teases her by saying that the Christian community will accuse her of doing wrong to them and they would increase the price of pork.

At this time Lorenzo enters and says that he is getting jealous of Launcelot for talking so much to his wife by getting her ‘into corners’. He tells him to go inside and see that dinner is prepared.Lorenzo asks Jessica’s opinion about Portia. She praises Portia, stating that she has no one even equal to her on this earth. Lorenzo says that the same thing can be said about him. Jessica replies that they can talk about it over dinner. Lorenzo agrees that by talking about such romantic things they will be able to digest the dinner better.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Summary Word Meanings

1. laid upon – revenged upon
2. plain – honest
3. agitation – wrongly used for cogitation which means thought
4. damned – fated to go to Hell
5. enow – enough
6. rasher – slice of bacon
7. are out – quarreled
8. commonwealth – Christian community
9. wit-snapper – comedian
10. cover – using it to mean lay the table,
11. quarrelling with the occasion – disputing whether the word is suitable to the context
12. discretion – ability to distinguish words
13. army – a collection,
14. garnished – supplied with words
15. tricksy word – a word that allows a trick to be played (punning)
16. defy the matter – confuse with their meanings
17. past all expressing – beyond words
18. meet – necessary
19. upright – honorable
20. there must be something pawned – If one compares Portia with another human something should be added to the other balance to make the worth even
21. rude world – this earthly world
22. not her fellow – not her equal
23. set you forth – praise your qualities or put you in your place.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 5 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Launcelot :
Yes, truly; for, look you, the sins of the father are to be laid upon the children; therefore I promise you, I fear you. I was always plain with you, and so now
I speak my agitation of the matter : therefore be o’ good cheer; for, truly, I think you are damned. There is but one hope in it that can do you any good, and that is but a kind of bastard hope neither.
Jessica : And what hope is that, I pray thee ?
Launcelot : Marry, you may partly hope that your father got you not, that you are not the Jew’s daughter.
Jessica : That were a kind of bastard hope, indeed : so the sins of my mother should be visited upon me.
Launcelot : Truly then I fear you are damned both by father and mother : thus when I shun Scylla (your father) I fall into Charybdis (your mother): well, you are gone both ways.
Jessica: I shall be saved by my husband; he hath made me a Christian.

Question 1.
Who, according to the speaker, is the father here? What sins is he referring to? Who is the child?
Answer:
According to the speaker, Shylock is the father here. He sins by lending money to people with heavy interest and shows no mercy on anyone, as he is greedy for money. Jessica, the daughter of Shylock, is the child who is being talked about in the above lines.

Question 2.
Who is damned and why? What is the only hope, according to the speaker?
Answer:
Launcelot believes that Jessica is damned because she is the daughter of the cunning Shylock. Being the daughter of such a sinner, she will have to pay for her father’s sins. Though Launcelot feels that there is only one hope for Jessica and that is to hope that her father had not begot her, which is a false hope.

Question 3.
How does the person, who is ‘damned’, reacts? How can this person be saved?
Answer:
If Jessica hopes that if she was not the Jew’s daughter then she will have to be punished for the sins of her mother which means that she is doomed from both the sides i.e., from her father’s as well as from her mother’s side. Jessica says that her husband, Lorenzo, who is a Christian and has made her a Christian, will save her.

Question 4. There are four complaints against the speaker. What are they? What does Jessica say in reply?
Answer:
Seeing, both Jessica and Launcelot are talking to each other, Lorenzo points out to Launcelot that he will grow jealous of him if he’ll find him whispering to his wife in the corners. Secondly, Jessica reports to Lorenzo that Launcelot very bluntly stated that she is damned and that Lorenzo is not a good member of his community.

Lorenzo also holds Launcelot responsible for impregnating a Moorish woman. Finally, Launcelot is accused of playing with words to his advantage, twisting and turning their meanings as he desires. Jessica replies that her husband needs no suspicion as she and Launcelot have fallen out as he has flatly said that she has no place in heaven as she isn’t a Christian.

Question 5.
What humorous remarks does Launcelot say about Christian community soon after this extract?
Answer:
Launcelot says that Lorenzo is to be blamed for adding to the Christian community by adding one more Christian. They have enough of Christians and this addition will create one more pig eater, thereby increasing the price of the pigs; ultimately, the demand will be too much that there will not be a decent slice of bacon to be cooked on their fire.

2. Lorenzo :
O dear discretion, how his words are suited !
The fool hath planted in his memory
An army of good words, and I do know
A many fools, that stand in better place,
Garnish’d like him, that for a tricksy word Defy the matter.
How cheer’st thou, Jessica ?
And now, good sweet, say thy opinion;
How dost thou like the Lord Bassanio’s wife ?

Question 1.
Who is the speaker talking about? What observation does he make about him?
Answer:
The speaker is Lorenzo. He is talking about Launcelot Gobbo, the fool. Lorenzo laughs at Launcelot’s ability to use words at his discretion and fit them for his purpose. Lorenzo also says that he knows of many fools better than Launcelot (perhaps professionally) but he outruns them all.

Question 2.
What is Jessica’s opinion of Bassanio’s wife?
Answer:
Jessica feels that Portia, Bassanio’s wife, is beyond any comparison. He is blessed to have such a lady as his wife and he should now, lead an honorable life. Having her as his wife, he’ll lead a heavenly life on earth. She always draws an example by saying that if there was a heavenly match between two gods and two earthly women were on the wager, one being Portia, something else would have to be gambled for the other as there was no other woman in the world to match Portia.

Question 3.
What humorous exchange of words takes place between husband and wife at the end of the scene?
Answer:
Lorenzo says that Jessica has a husband with all the qualities of an ideal husband just as Portia has for an ideal wife, Jessica replies that she should be allowed to decide that. When Lorenzo suggests that they should talk about it over dinner, Jessica says that she’d prefer to talk about his qualities when she has the inclination to do so. Then Lorenzo says that it’ll be better if they have such pleasant conversation while eating, as no matter what she says, he’ll be able to digest it along with the other things on the table.

Question 4.
How does the scene end? What impression do you get about the relationship between the couple?
Answer:
The scene ends on a very sweet note with a romantic conversation between Jessica and Lorenzo. He claims that the way Portia is the best wife, similarly Lorenzo has no match as a husband. Jessica insists on being given the opportunity of expressing her opinion on that. Thus, continuing their love prate, they move to the dinner table. From this, we understand that the couple shares a strong bond of love and are passionate about each other. They can spend hours together in each other’s company.

Question 5.
In what way is the scene important to the play?
Answer:
The scene is a light-hearted interlude that acts as dramatic relief before the commencement of the emotionally charged court scene. The interaction between the newly married Lorenzo and Jessica provides romance and sweetness to the play. It gives the time gap for Portia’s journey to Venice. Jessica’s superlative praises enhances Portia’s character. Launcelot’s clowning and punning is to entertain the common crowd. The comedy would heighten the effect of the court scene.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Summary

The scene is taking place in Belmont. Bassanio and Gratiano have left for Venice. We see Portia in a new light. She makes a clever plan to save Antonio. She sends a letter to her cousin and a famous lawyer, Dr Bellario. She tells her servant Balthazar to get a reply from the doctor and a lawyer’s robe.

Portia and Nerissa leave for Venice under the pretext of spending time in a monastery. She plans to disguise as Bellario the lawyer and Nerissa will be dressed as a clerk. She bets that when they are dressed as men, she’ll be the prettier of the two.

Portia describes how bravely she’ll wear her dagger and brag of manly conquests so that she’ll be taken for a boy barely one year out of school. This whole plan will be disclosed to Nerissa during their ride in the coach bound for Venrtian ferry.The disguise theme, in which women disguised as men, add the comic element to the play. The theme of friendship gets a ‘godlike amity’.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Summary Word Meanings

1. habit – dress
2. accomplished – equipped with
3. wager – bet
4. braver grace – greater air of boldness, mincing steps lady like quick steps,
5. fray – fights
6. bragging – boastful
7. quaint – imaginative
8. puny – small
9. raw – boyish
10. bragging jacks – boastful fellows
11. device – plan
12. stays – waits
13. haste away – hurry up
14. measure – travel.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Portia :
I never did repent for doing good,
Nor shall not now : for in companions
That do converse and waste the time together.
Whose souls do bear an equal yoke of love,
There must be needs a like proportion
Of lineaments, of manners, and of spirit;
Which makes me think that this Antonio,
Being the bosom lover of my lord,
Must needs be like my lord. If it be so,
How little is the cost I have bestow’d
n purchasing the semblance of my soul.

Question 1.
To whom is Portia replying in this manner? What has that person just said to Portia?
Answer:
Portia is talking to Lorenzo in this manner. Lorenzo has just praised Portia’s decision to send Bassanio to Antonio. He says she has a good understanding of spiritual friendship. That is why she willingly bears the absence of her husband; but if she knew the person whom she has shown this kindness and honor, how good a man and a good friend of her husband, she’ll feel proud of her action. In fact, this action is more valuable than her other generous actions so far.

Question 2.
Explain the meaning of ‘companions that do converse and waste the time together’. What is meant by ‘equal yokes of love’ and ‘lineaments’?
Answer:
‘Companions that do converse and waste the time together’ means friends who spend time talking to each other. ‘Equal yokes of love’ means bound to each other like a pair of oxen and ‘lineaments’ mean characteristics.

Question 3.
What makes Portia come to the conclusion that Antonio and Bassanio are similar?
Answer:
Portia feels when two friends spend their time together and interact with each other, bearing equal respect and love for each other in their souls, there is bound to be some similarity in face, manners and disposition.

Question 4.
What does Portia tell Lorenzo about her plans in the next few days, till Bassanio returns?
Answer:
Portia tells Lorenzo that she has made a solemn vow to live in prayer and meditation, with no other attendant but Nerissa, till their husbands return. They are going to live in a monastery two miles away.

2. Portia :
I thank you for your wish, and am well pleas’d
To wish it back on you : fare you well, Jessica.
[Exeunt Jessica and Lorenzo]
Now, Balthazar,
As I have ever found thee honest-true,
So let me find thee still. Take this same letter,
And use thou all th’ endeavour of a man
In speed to Padua : see thou render this
Into my cousin’s hand, Doctor Bellario;
And look what notes and garments he doth give thee,
Bring them, I pray thee, with imagin’d speed
Unto the traject, to the common ferry
Which trades to Venice. Waste no time in words,
But get thee gone : I shall be there before thee.

Question 1.
Who is Portia talking to? What had they wished her?
Answer:
Portia is talking to Lorenzo and Jessica. Lorenzo wished Portia pleasant thoughts and happy hours. Jessica wished her the fulfillment of all the desires of her heart.

Question 2.
Who is Balthazar? What is Portia’s estimation of him?
Answer:
Balthazar is Portia’s trusted servant. Portia has always found him honest and trustworthy and she is sure that he’ll continue to be so and will do the present assignment with utmost sincerity and responsibility.

Question 3.
What job has Balthazar been entrusted with?
Answer:
Portia entrusts Balthazar with the job of taking a letter to her lawyer cousin Bellario to Padua. He has to do this fast and bring the papers and dresses given by the lawyer and reach the landing place of the ferry bound for Venice.

Question 4.
Give the meaning of ‘imagined speed’ and traject’. What reply does Balthazar give to these instructions?
Answer:
‘Imagined speed’ means quickly, with the speed that imagination takes and ‘traject’ is the landing place for the ferry. Balthazar replies that he will fulfill all the instructions as fast as possible.

Question 5.
What does Portia tell Nerissa just after this?
Answer:
Portia tells Nerissa. she has work in hand which Nerissa need not know for the present. The only thing she should know now is that they will see their husbands sooner than they think.

3. Portia :
They shall, Nerissa; but in such a habit
That they shall think we are accomplished
With that we lack. I’ll hold thee any wager,
When we are both acoutered like young men,
I’ll prove the prettierfellow of the two,
And wear my dagger with the braver grace,
And speak between the change of man and boy
With a reed voice, and. turn two mincing steps
Into a manly stride, and speak of frays
Like a fine bragging youth

Question 1.
To what question of Nerissa, does Portia give this reply? Who are the ’they’ mentioned? Where are ‘they’?
Answer:
When Portia tells Nerissa that they will see their husbands before they get time to think of them, Nerissa asks her whether they’ll be able to see them, before time. To this question, Portia says, they will. ‘They’ mentioned here are Bassanio and Gratiano. They have gone to Belmont.

Question 2.
Explain ‘but in such a habit that they shall think we are accomplished with what we lack’.
Answer:
Portia says that their husbands will see them in such a dress that they will think they are equipped with qualities of men which they actually lack.

Question 3.
For what does the speaker laid a bet with Nerissa? How does the speaker intend to behave to justify their disguise?
Answer:
Portia bets that being dressed as a man, she would be the smarter of the two (Portia and Nerissa). She claims that she would wear her dagger more gracefully and would speak like a man. She would convert her lady like steps into manly strides. For her to brag and lie like a youth would be easy and she would claim to have caused many women to faint at the sight of this youth. She would very easily learn a thousand tricks of these boasting fellows.

Question 4.
What lies will Portia say to make people think that he is only twelve months out of his school? What else does she have in her mind?
Answer:
Portia will tell lies like how noble ladies sought his love but being rejected fell sick and died. Then she would wish she had not done that and  regret her behaviour. She has thousand raw plans in her mind, which brew in the minds of boastful school boys.

Question 5.
What question does Nerissa ask thereafter? What reply does she get?
Answer:
Nerissa is confused so she asks Portia whether they are going to dress as men? Portia pretends to think that Nerissa means ‘take men for lovers’ so she ridicules Nerissa for asking such a question. She further says that someone with a dirty mind would feel that they are ready to fall into the arms of men. She then assures Nerissa that she will disclose her entire plan to Nerissa on their way to Venice.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Summary

The audience is taken back to Venice. We come to know about Antonio’s miserable state, He has been allowed to leave jail for a short time. Shylock tells the jailor to guard Antonio closely. Antonio’s mercy pleas have been completely ignored by Shylock. The Jew is very keen to avenge all the wrongs done to him.

He repeatedly says, ‘I’ll have my bond!’ He says that earlier Antonio had called him a dog without reason. Since he is considered a dog, Antonio will now have to face his fangs. Shylock complains that Antonio is shown favoritism, as he is allowed to come out of the jail.

He is not ready to listen to Christian pleaders. Antonio decides not to plead further. Solanio hopes for some mercy from the Duke. But the duke is also duty bound to follow the strict rules of Venice. Venice depends on the prosperity from the International trade which, in turn, depends on impartial treatment towards all. If the laws are violated and justice is denied, Venice will lose its credibility. It will surely affect its trade.

Antonio says that the worries and griefs of the past few days have made him lose weight that he doubts whether there will be enough flesh to be cut off the next day. He only prays that Bassanio come to see him discharge his debt; he wishes for nothing else.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Summary Word Meanings

1. fangs – teeth
2. naughty – good for nothing
3. abroad – outside the prison
4. dull – eyed – stupid
5. relent – show pity
6. intercessors – pleaders
7. impenetrable cur – hard hearted dog
8. kept with – lived among
9. bootless – futile
10. delivers – rescued
11. forfeiture to hold – to be enforced
12. commodity – rights
13. strangers – foreigners
14. impeach – questioned or accused
15. bated – affected
16. bloody – blood thirsty.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Shylock:
I’ll have my bond; speak not against my bond :
I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond.
Thou call’dst me dog before thou hadst a cause,
But, since I am a dog, beware my fangs :
The duke shall grant me justice. I do wonder,
Thou naughty gaoler, that thou art so fond
To come abroad with him at his request.

Antinio : I pray thee, hear me speak.
Shylock : I’ll have my bond; I will not hear thee speak :
I’ll have my bond, and therefore speak no more.
I’ll not be made a soft and dull-eyed fool,
To shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yield
To Christian intercessors. Follow not;
I’ll have no speaking; I will have my bond.

Question 1.
To whom are these words spoken? When? Who else is with the characters? Where are they?
Answer:
These words are being spoken to Antonio, when he requests Shylock to listen to him. Solanio and the jailor are with them. They are in a street in Venice.

Question 2.
In what state of mind is Shylock, now? What has he accused the jailer of, a little while earlier?
Answer:
Shylock is excited and very keen to take his revenge against Antonio. He keeps on repeating, ‘I’ll have the bond’. He has accused the jailor of showing partiality towards Antonio by allowing him to come out of the jail.

Question 3.
Explain ‘I’ll not be made a soft and dull-eyed fool, to shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yield to Christian intercessors’. Earlier he tells the listener to be beware of his fangs. Why?
Answer:
The line means that Shylock will not become a soft and stupid fool to shake his head and relent to forgive Christian pleaders. Earlier he says that Antonio had called him a dog and now he must suffer the dog’s bite.

Question 4.
Why and when does the listener say, ‘Let him alone’?
Answer:
When Solanio comments that the Jew is the most heartless dog, Antonio says that there is no use pleading in front of the blood-thirsty Shylock.

Question 5.
Why is Shylock after his life, according to the speaker?
Answer:
According to .Antonio, Shylock is after his life as he had rescued many people from the Jew’s clutches by helping with his money. So Shylock has been deprived of his forfeiture many a time: therefore, the Jew hates him and he is after his life to take revenge.

Question 6.
Why can’t the Duke save the speaker?
Answer:
The Duke can’t save the speaker, as he has to abide by the strict laws of Venice. If he goes against justice, Venice will lose its credibility among foreign traders and this will affect its trade and prosperity.

Question 7.
How does the scene end? Bring out the significance of the scene.
Answer:
The scene ends on a sad note with Antonio losing all hope for his life. His last wish is to meet Bassanio, his best friend. This is the preparation for the trial scene that follows. The audience is prepared for Antonio’s tragedy. This also gives a time gap for Bassanio to reach. The scene emphasizes the theme of friendship in which Antonio without any complaint submits to his fate.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Summary

The casket story comes to its climax in this long scene. Bassanio makes his choice. The scene begins with Portia begging Bassanio to delay in making the choice. She feels if he chooses wrongly, she’ll miss his company. There’s something that tells her that she won’t like to lose him. So, she wants him to stay in Belmont at least for a month before making the choice. She wishes she could tell him about the right casket.

As Bassanio is eager to make the choice, she allows him to do so. In order to make the atmosphere less tense, she asks for some music.She sings praises of Bassanio, comparing him to Hercules who rescued a maiden from the clutches of a sea monster. Bassanio surveys the caskets and reads the inscriptions. The words of the song make him feel fancy which sometimes bred in the heart and sometimes in the head.

He is warned, not to judge by outward appearance. Beauty, at times, deceives. So he rejects the gaudy gold and silver which is a pale common drudge. He chooses the humble lead. When he opens it, he finds the magnificent portrait of Portia. He also reads the scroll, which tells him to claim the lady with a loving kiss.

Portia in turn commits herself and whatever she has to her lord. She wishes she had more to offer. She gifts him a ring saying that he should not part with it on any account. He is supposed to wear it as long as he lives.Nerissa surprises her mistress with her wish to marry Gratiano at the same wedding ceremony. Portia agrees and Nerissa gives a ring to Gratiano, making him vow not to part with it in his lifetime.

At this happy time, news comes about the bad fortune falling upon Antonio. Reading the message, Bassanio grows pale. Portia wants to share his problem. Bassanio informs her about the events that lead to the borrowing of money from Shylock and the conditions governing the bond.

Jessica confirms her father’s intention to take a pound of flesh from Antonio. Portia urges Bassanio to marry her and leave for Venice with Gratiano.Bassanio reads Antonio’s letter to Portia in which he has expressed his wish to see Bassanio before his death. This will clear all debts Bassanio owes to his friend. Bassanio decides to leave for Venice.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Summary Word Meanings

1. tarry – wait
2. hazard – take this risk
3. venture for me – try to win me
4. beshrew – shame on
5. o’erlook’d – bewitched
6. peise – measure out
7. rack – an instrument of torture
8. amity – friendship
9. deliverance – release
10. swan like end – it was believed that swan sings only once just before it dies
11. flourish – ceremonial fanfare on trumpets
12. dulcet – sweet
13. Alcides – Hercules, the Greek hero,
14. bleared visages – tear-stained faces
15. issue – outcome
16. exploit – rescue operation
17. fray – fight
18. fancy- passing affection
19. begot – created,
20. engendered – born
21. gazing – loving glances
22. knell – funeral bell
23. least themselves – illusory
24. tainted and corrupt – bad and dishonest
25. seasoned – covered up
26. gracious – eloquent
27. damned error – a great sin
28. grossness – base qualities
29. ornament – outward show
30. livers white as milk – cowardice
31. crisp’d – curly
32. gambols – games
33. excrement – outgrowth
34. sepulcher – tomb
35. veiling – covering
36. Indian – dark skinned
37. Midas – the king who got the boon to turn whatever he touched into gold
38. hard food – food that turned to gold and thereby inedible
39. drudge – save
40. meager – humble
41. fleet – vanish
42. allay – diminish
43. measure – moderation
44. scant – restrain
45. counterfeit – image
46. sunder – separate
47. gnats – insects
48. it should have power to steal both his – the painter was blinded after making one lustrous eye
49. giddy – dazed with excitement
50. people’s eyes – estimation
51. ratified – fully confirmed
52. livings – possessions
53. presage – sign
54. vantage – opportunity
55. bereft – deprived
56. buzzing – murmuring with appreciation
57. prosper – be fulfilled
58. solemnize – celebrate
59. bargain of your faith – contract of your love
60. infidel – non-believer
61. power – right
62. commends him to you – sends his greetings
63. estate – condition
64. shrewd – unpleasant
65. constitution – complexion
66. blotted paper – spoiled paper
67. freely – honestly
68. was a braggart – was exaggerating
69. to feed my means – to get the money I needed
70. merchant marring – that ruin merchants
71. confound – destroy
72. plies – keeps on urging his demand
73. impeach – question
74. freedom of the state – integrity of the law of Venice
75. port – position
76. unwearied – not tired of
77. courtesies – acts of kindness
78. ancient Roman humour – age old values of loyalty to friends and the country,
79. appears – displayed
80. draws breath – lives
81. deface – cancel
82. unquiet soul – distracted and disturbed
83. miscarried – been lost
84. estate – means
85. dispatch – finish
86. no bed shall be guilty – I will not take rest,
87. interposer – one that comes in the way
88. twain – two.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Portia :
I pray you, tarry, pause a day or two
Before you hazard; for, in choosing wrong,
I lose your company : therefore, forbear awhile.
There’s something tells me (but it is not love)
I would not lose you; and you know yourself,
Hate counsels not in such a quality.
But lest you should not understand me well
And yet a maiden hath no tongue but thought
I would detain you here some month or two
Before you venture for me. I could teach you
How to choose right, but then I am forsworm

Question 1.
To whom are these words addressed? What request does the speaker made to the person addressed?
Answer:
These words are addressed to Bassanio. Portia requests him to wait for a couple of days before making the choice of the caskets.

Question 2.
What’s the meaning of ‘forbear’? Why is the person asked to forbear?
Answer:
‘Forbear’ means, to show patience or wait for a while before making the choice. Portia is scared that if Bassanio makes a wrong choice, he’ll have to leave immediately as per the conditions and she’ll be deprived of his company. There’s something that tells her that she should not lose him.

Question 3.
Explain ‘a maiden hath no tongue but thought’.
Answer:
A maiden’s modesty prevents her from expressing her love directly. A young girl has no choice. She only thinks of her feelings but cannot express them.

Question 4.
What does the given passage tell you about Portia’s attitude towards her father?
Answer:
The above given passage portrays Portia as a devoted and loving daughter. Even though her father is not alive, yet she is deeply attached and very much loyal to his memory. She is determined in marrying only as per her father’s will even at the risk of losing the man she loves.

Question 5.
Why does Portia wish that she had not forsworn?
Answer:
Portia wishes that she had not taken the oath to reveal the right casket because after meeting Bassanio she wishes to guide him in the right choice of the caskets as she loves him and wants to be his wife.

2. Bassanio :
Let me choose;
For as I am, I live upon the rack.

Portia : Upon the rack, Bassanio ! then confess
What treason there is mingled with your love.

Bassanio : None but that ugly treason of mistrust,
Which makes me fear th’ enjoying of my

love : There may as well be amity and life
’Tween snow and fire, as treason and my love.

Portia : Ay, but Ifear you speak upon the rack,
Where men enforced do speak anything.

Bassanio : Promise me life, and I’ll confess the truth.
Portia : Well, then, confess, and live.

Question 1.
Why does Bassanio want to make the choice as soon as possible?
Answer:
Bassanio can no longer bear the suspense and the uncertainty. He wants to make the choice and know if Portia can be his.

Question 2.
What’s the meaning of ‘rack’? Explain in detail its significance.
Answer:
‘Rack’ here means torture of not knowing the outcome of choosing the caskets. The rack was an instrument in the old times used to torture the suspects and make them confess their sin. The person used to be tied to a frame which was stretched and the pain of stressing the limbs was unbearable. Here Portia and Bassanio are also tortured as their feelings are stretched to the limit.

Question 3.
What’s the ‘treason’ mentioned here? Explain the comparison in the extract. How is this reference relevant here?
Answer:
Treason is disloyalty. Portia playfully asks what disloyalty has Bassanio committed to be on the rack. Bassanio says the torment is due to the doubt whether he will be able to choose correctly. This is taking away his peace of mind; so he wants to make the choice fast.

Question 4.
What has been spoken by Portia earlier that reveals her feelings for Bassanio?
Answer:
Portia had revealed her feelings by asking Bassanio to stay back and wait a while before making the choice. She says his eyes have cast a spell on her and divided her. One half is his and the other half is also his as she gives herself to Bassanio.

Question 5.
What’s the significance of this scene?
Answer:
This is the famous casket scene that makes the drama very popular. The theme of appearance and reality culminates in this scene. All that glitters is not gold; even humble and not so good looking things have value. The others who chose gold and silver were blinded by pride and desire for worldly things. It is Bassanio, guided by true love makes the right choice and wins the hand of Portia.

3. Portia :
Away then ! I am lock’d in one of them :
If you do love me, you will find me out.
Nerissa and the rest, stand all aloof.
Let music sound while he doth make his choice;
Then, if he lose, he makes a swan-like end,
Fading in music : that the comparison
May stand more proper, my eye shall be the stream
And watery death-bed for him.

Question 1.
What does Portia mean by, ‘Away then’? Is she happy in saying this? Give reason.
Answer:
Portia is asking Bassanio to go ahead with the choice of the casket. She is not very happy as she is anxious about the outcome. She wants to enjoy his ‘ company at least for a month or so, but if he makes a wrong choice, he’ll have to leave her.

Question 2.
Explain ‘I’m locked in one of them’. What is Nerissa and others asked to do?
Answer:
Portia shows the caskets and says that her portrait is locked in one of them. The one with her portrait is the right choice. Nerissa and others are asked to stand a little distance away, so that Bassanio can make the choice.

Question 3.
Why should the music sound?
Answer:
The music should sound so that the right atmosphere is created for the choice. It is also to soothe the tension. The music may be to warn Bassanio against giving importance to appearance over less showy things.

Question 4.
What contemporary belief about swans is expressed here?
Answer:
The contemporary belief expressed is that swans sing only once, just before they die. In fact, swan just disappears into a distance, singing its last song.

Question 5.
What does Portia want to do to make the comparison more proper?
Answer:
Portia compares Bassanio to a swan. To make the comparison more proper, she says that her tears will become the stream in which the swan will drown itself. If he fails to make the right choice, he’ll have to leave and that will drown Portia in grief. The stream will be Bassanio’s grave, as he’ll be seen no more.

Question 6.
What music will be played if Bassanio wins?
Answer:
If Bassanio makes the right choice, the music will be like the sound of the trumpet, when loyal subjects bow before the newly crowned king. It will be like the melodious sound that reaches the ear of a dreaming bridegroom at dawn, to call him for his marriage.

4. Portia :
Now he goes,
With no less presence, but with much more love,
Than young Alcides, when he did redeem
The virgin tribute paid by howling Troy
To the sea-monster.

Question 1 .
Who is the ‘he’ mentioned in the first line? Who is Alcides?
Answer:
The ‘he’ mentioned here is Bassanio who is venturing to make his choice of the caskets. Alcides was Hercules, the Greek hero who saved the daughter of the Trojan king from a sea monster. He was famous for his courage.

Question 2.
Why is the ‘he’ compared to Alcides?
Answer:
Bassanio is being compared to Hercules or Alcides as he is also venturing for a prize in the form of Portia. His mission is also adventurous and risky as the attempt of Alcides who had to rescue the princess who was being given as a sacrifice to a sea monster.

Question 3.
What adventurous deed did Alcides do? How is his act is compared to the act ‘he’ is going to make?
Answer:
Alcides rescued Hesoine, the virgin princess of Troy, from being sacrificed as a virgin tribute to a sea monster. Alcides did it not for love, but for the horses offered as a reward. Portia imagines herself as Heroine and Bassanio rescuing her with more love than Alcides had for the girl.

Question 4.
Give the meaning of ‘virgin tribute’ and ‘howling Troy’.
Answer:
Virgin tribute is the sacrifice of unmarried daughter of the Trojan king to appease the sea monster. The women of Troy were grief stricken to see this pitiable sight and cried loudly in miseiy.

Question 5.
In what state of mind is Portia now?
Answer:
Portia is full of anxiety about the outcome of the choice. Bassanio’s success will give her life and happiness. She will watch the choice with more anxiety than Bassanio shows although he is the one going to make the choice.

5. Bassanio :
So may the outward shows be least themselves :
The world is still deceiv’d with ornament.
In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt
But, being season’d with a gracious voice,
Obscures the show of evil ? In religion,
What damned error, but some sober brow
Will bless it and approve it with a text.
Hiding the grossness with fair ornament ?
There is no vice so simple but assumes
Some mark of virtue on his outward parts.

Question 1.
Bring out the context of the passage.
Answer:
Bassanio is about to make the choice in this last of the casket scenes. He was shown the caskets by Portia and was asked to wait before making his choice, but Bassanio can’t stand the tension and decides to go for it. Portia orders for music to ease the tension. It warns Bassanio against choosing according to appearance.

Question 2.
What major theme of the play is dealt with in this extract?
Answer:
The theme of appearance against reality is the theme dealt within the extract. The world is always misled with outward show.

Question 3.
What two examples are given by Bassanio to prove his point?
Answer:
Bassanio gives examples from the Law and religion. In the law court, a case most dishonest may be pleaded with utmost eloquence to conceal the face of the evil. In religion some pious looking person may do a sin but justify it with verses from the scriptures. A vice is concealed by the appearance of virtue.

Question 4.
Explain the last two lines of the extract.
Answer:
The last two lines means that an evil may not have the least element of goodness in it and not the least touch of grace about it; but it is possible for that evil to wear some mark of virtue on its outward appearance.

Question 5.
What does Bassanio say about cowards soon after this?
Answer:
Bassanio says that cowards with hearts are as deceptive as a sand staircase. They may wear a beard like that of Hercules or the frowning Mars but on close observation; they turn out to be lily livered cowards. They show off as though they are most courageous and hard to deal with.

6. Bassanio :
Therefore, thou gaudy gold,
Hard food for Midas, I will none of thee;
Nor none of thee, thou pale and common drudge
‘Tween man and man : but thou, thou meagre lead,
Which rather threaten’st than dost promise aught,
Thy paleness moves me more than eloquence,
And here choose I: joy be the consequence !

Question 1.
What does the speaker say about beauty before this extract? What idea is brought out here?
Answer:
Bassanio says that artificial beauty can be purchased by weight in a chemist’s shop and those who wear most of this artificial make up are light, in character. The idea that one should not go by appearance is brought out. Gaudy things are for show; they lack value.

Question 2.
Why does the speaker talk about crispy golden locks earlier? What do they turn out to be at times?
Answer:
The speaker talks about crispy golden locks again to reinforce the idea that appearance is deceptive. Beautiful, crispy locks may be a wig, made by hair borrowed from another head that may be lying now in a tomb. Outward shows are treacherous shores of a dangerous sea at times.

Question 3.
Who is ‘Midas’? What was hard food for him? Why?
Answer:
Midas was the mythical king of Phrygia from Greek mythology. He had asked for the boon that everything he touched should turn to gold. When he touched his food, it turned to gold and he could not eat it. Gold was hard food for him. Therefore, he remained hungry. Then he realized his foolishness

Question 4.
Why does Bassanio not choose the golden casket?
Answer:
Bassanio doesn’t choose the golden casket as he feels that, all that glitters is not gold. It may invite you to its outward show but deceives you rvhen it comes to reality. Thus, he rejects the gold casket with its inviting inscription.

Question 5.
What does Bassanio call the silver casket? Why? Why does Bassanio choose the lead casket?
Answer:
Bassanio calls the silver casket ‘thou pale common drudge’. He considers it as an ordinary slave passing from hand to hand as coins. He chooses the lead casket as the ugly material seems to warn rather than promise anything. The plain message on it moves him than the eloquent words engraved on the other caskets.

Question 6.
What does he find inside the lead casket? What does he say about the thing found inside it?
Answer:
Bassanio finds Portia’s portrait inside the lead casket. He says only a demy god could have created such a lovely picture which is almost like the person herself. The eyes seem to move, lips be slightly parted as though they fire in motion. Her hair is as though the artist has worked like a spider spinning a golden web to entrap the hearts of men. But all his praises seem to do injustice to her portrait just as the portrait does underestimate the original beauty, that is, Portia herself.

7. Portia :
Myself and what is mine, to you and yours
Is now converted : but now I was the lord
Of this fair mansion, master oj my servants,
Queen o’er myself; and even now, but now.
This house, these servants, and this same myself
Are yours, my lord’s. I give them with this ring;
Which when you partfrom, lose, or give away,
Let it presage the ruin of your love,
And be my vantage to exclaim on you.

Question 1.
Where are Portia and Bassanio? Two other people are also present. Name them.
Answer:
Portia and Bassanio are in Belmont, in a room in Portia’s house. Gratiano and Nerissa are also present there.

Question 2.
Which possession does Portia want to transfer to Bassanio? What does this show of her character?
Answer:
Portia offers herself, her house, her servants and a ring to Bassanio. She, like a true wife, generously offers everything to Bassanio. This shows her deep love for her husband and desire to please him.

Question 3.
In what ways does Portia want to excel herself?
Answer:
Portia wants to excel herself in many ways. She wants to be a thousand times more beautiful, ten thousand times richer and many times better in virtues, property and friends. She calls herself inexperienced, untrained and uneducated girl but she is happy that she is young enough and capable enough to improve.

Question 4.
On what condition does she give the ring to Bassanio?
Answer:
Portia gives an expensive ring to Bassanio, saying that he should not part with it at any time, at any cost. If and when he parts with it, it’ll be a sign of his diminishing love for her and that will give her an opportunity to accuse him for that.

Question 5.
Explain the last two lines of the extract. How do these become significant later in the play?
Answer:
The last two lines mean that if Bassanio gives the ring away that will be a sign that his love is dead and Portia will take it as an opportunity to accuse him of that. These words become significant later in the play, as Bassanio feels obliged to give the ring to the lawyer who asks for it as the fee for rescuing Antonio. Portia berates him for giving away the ring without revealing herself as the lawyer. This is a source of humor in the ring episode.

Question 6.
What does Bassanio say in reply to this speech of Portia?
Answer:
Bassanio says that he is deprived of words. Only blood running in his veins can show his emotions. There is so much confusion in his thoughts like the one that follows after the speech of a prince, amid the applause of the delighted audience. His confused joy cannot be expressed. He promises that when the ring leaves his finger it’d be a sign that Bassanio is dead. In other words, he’ll not part with that ring till he dies.

8. Salerio :
Not one, my lord.
Besides, it should appear, that if he had
The present money to discharge the Jew,
He would not take it. Never did I know
A creature, that did bear the shape of man,
So keen and greedy to confound a man.

Question 1.
To whom is Salerio speaking? Where is he? Who else are with him?
Answer:
Salerio is speaking to Bassanio. He is in Belmont, in Portia’s house where the caskets are kept. Lorenzo, Jessica and Portia are with him.

Question 2.
What is Salerio referring as ‘No one’? What has he brought for Bassanio? What’s the content of that?
Answer:
When Bassanio asks Salerio to confirm that no ship of Antonio has escaped from getting lost, he says not a single one. He has brought a letter from Antonio addressed to Bassanio. The content of the letter is that Antonio’s ships have miscarried, his creditors are mercilessly troubling him, his resources are very low, and the Jew is waiting for the forfeiture. If he pays for the penalty, he will not be alive and he wants to meet Bassanio before he dies. If Bassanio fulfills his wish, all debts owed to Antonio will be cleared.

Question 3.
According to the speaker, what would not the Jew do? How is he describing the Jew in this extract?
Answer:
According to Salerio, even if Antonio pays the money to the Jew, it’ll be too late, as the time for the forfeiture is over and as per the condition, he will insist on taking one pound of flesh. He describes the Jew as a creature that has taken the shape of a man, who is so keen and greedy to bring ruin to another man.

Question 4.
What does the speaker say about the efforts of the Jew in extracting the forfeiture?
Answer:
The Jew urges the duke at morning and at night to take speedy actions. He threatens legal actions against the country’s legal system, if he is denied justice. Twenty merchants, the duke himself and the noblemen of the highest rank have tried to persuade him but no one is able to prevent him from his revengeful claim.

Question 5.
What does Jessica say about her father just after this extract?
Answer:
Jessica says that she had heard her father conversing with Tubal and other Jews that he would rather have a pound of Antonio’s flesh than twenty times the value of the debt. She says that she knows well that unless the law and the higher powers intervene, it is going to be tough for Antonio.

9. Portia :
What, no more ?
Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond;
Double six thousand, and then treble that,
Before a friend of this description
Shall lose a hair through Bassanio’s fault.
First go with me to church and call me wife,
And then away to Venice to your friend;
For never shall you lie by Portia’s side
With an unquiet soul.

Question 1.
To what information does Portia say, ‘What no more? In what way had Bassanio praised Antonio just before this?
Answer:
When Portia comes to know that the debt owed by Antonio is only three thousand ducats, Portia says ‘What no more?’ Bassanio had praised Antonio as his dearest friend and kindest man with the best of intention who never gets tired of showing kindness to others. He displays the old spirits of Roman honor more than any other person in Italy.

Question 2.
What does Portia advice Bassanio regarding the bond? What does it show of her character?
Answer:
Portia advises Bassanio to pay Shylock six thousand ducats and cancel the bond. If it is not enough, he should double the six thousand and multiply that by three. This shows that she is generous at heart. As a true wife, she considers her husband’s honor and problems as hers and she values his friendship.

Question 3.
What does she tell Bassanio to do before he leaves? Why does she want Bassanio to leave immediately?
Answer:
Portia tells Bassanio to go to church, marry her, and then go to the rescue of his friend. She wants Bassanio to leave immediately as she knows that Bassanio’s mind will be troubled as long as his friend is in dire trouble. She doesn’t like her husband to be in a distraught condition when he is with her. Moreover, it is his duty to be with his friend who has helped him in spite of the risk to his life.

Question 4.
How will Portia and Nerissa spend the days of separation? What does Bassanio promise his wife at the end of the scene?
Answer:
Portia and Nerissa will live as unmarried women or widows. Bassanio promises his wife that he will hurry up and come back to Belmont as soon as possible. No bed will be guilty of his stay; no rest will keep him separated from his wife.

Question 5.
What is Portia actually going to do? Does she succeed in her mission?
Answer:
Portia along with Nerissa is planning to go to Venice dressed in male attire to argue the case for Antonio. Yes, she succeeds in saving Antonio with her argument that not a drop of blood should be shed while taking the flesh.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Summary

Salerio and Solanio inform the audience about the recent developments. We learn that Antonio has suffered heavy losses and it is doubtful that he would be able to pay his creditors. One of his ships has been wrecked on the south coast of England. The friends are worried about the loss. As they talk about the matter, Shylock approaches and accuses them of helping Jessica escape.

Shylock expresses his anger by talking about Antonio; ‘Let him look to his bond’. He is determined to take Antonio’s flesh. His anger stems from the fact Antonio has disgraced him, taken business away from him. Laughed at his losses, mocked at his gains, scorned his nation, cooled his friends and heated up his enemies, just because he is a Jew. ‘In his anguish he asks, ‘Hath not a Jew eyes, hands, organs, dimensions sense and passions like Christians.

If they poison Jews, don’t they die? Since a Christian takes revenge against a Jew, he will take revenge against Christians. Just then, a servant enters and informs Antonio would like to see Salerio and Solanio in his house.Tubal, a friend of Shylock makes his appearance. He has heard about Jessica being in Genoa, but couldn’t meet her in person. Shylock begins to rate his fortune. He calls his daughter a traitor to her father and religion.

She has escaped with a fortune another fortune is spent in trying to trace her. Tubal tries to comfort him by saying that other men also suffer from bad fortune. He has heard that another ship of Antonio has been lost. Shylock feels happy. He asks his friend to engage a lawyer, a fortnight before the bond is ripe for extraction.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Summary Word Meanings

1. yet it lives there – there is still a rumour
2. unchecked – undenied
3. narrow seas – English Channel
4. flat – sandbank
5. carcasses – ruined parts or wrecks
6. tall – majestic
7. knapped – chewed
8. slips of prolixity – lapses into boring speeches
9. flight – escape
10. fledged – ready to fly
11. complexion – nature
12. dam – mother
13. red wine- cheap wine
14. Rhenish wine – expensive white wine
15. match – bargain
16. prodigal – waster
17. smug – self-satisfied
18. mart – Rialto, stock exchange
19. wont – accustomed
20. usurer – one who lends money for high interest
21. forfeit – fails to pay in time
22. feed – satisfy
23. disgraced – humiliated
24. scorned – despised
25. heated – incited
26. dimensions – limbs
27. sufferance – punishment
28. hearsed – laid in her coffin
29. lights on my shoulders – falls on his self
30. Tripoli’s – a port at Lebanon
31. four score – eighty
32. divers – several
33. plague – trouble
34. Leah – Shylock’s wife
35. fee me – engage a lawyer for me
36. bespeak – speak before
37. synagogue – place of worship of Jews.

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Salerio :
Why, yet it lives there unchecked that Antonio hath a ship of rich
lading wrecked on the narrow seas the Goodwins, I think they
call the place, a very dangerous flat, and fatal, where the
carcasses of many a tall ship lie buried, as they say, if my gossip Report
be an honest woman of her word.

Question 1.
What is referred to as ‘it’ in the first line? What’s the meaning of unchecked? Where has the speaker heard ‘it’?
Answer:
‘It’ is referred to the rumour that is going on in Venice about the wreckage of Antonio’s ship in the English Channel. ‘Unchecked’ means ‘without being denied’. The speaker has heard about it in Rialto, the stock market of Venice.

Question 2.
What do you know about Goodwins?
Answer:
Goodwins refers to the Goodwin Sands, near the mouth of the Thames, the scene of many shipwrecks. The area is shadlow and dangerous and the remains of many a ship lie buried there.

Question 3.
Explain ‘carcasses of many a tall ship’.
Answer:
Carcasses are the remains or wreckage of ships. Many fine or majestic ships have been ruined at the Goodwin Sands and their wreckage lie buried there.

Question 4.
‘If my gossip Report’ explain the figure of speech used here? What is gossip Report?
Answer:
The figure of speech used here is Personification. Report or news has been personified in the form of ‘Old mother Rumour’, who spreads stories without proof

Question 5.
What does Solanio wish soon after this? Who meets them just after this extract?
Answer:
Solanio wishes that Old Mother Rumour were a lying wench that ever chewed ginger to make her neighbours believe that she mourned sincerely for the death of her third husband. He wishes that the rumour regarding the loss of Antonio’s ship were untrue. Shylock meets them just after this extract.

2. Shylock :
You knew, none so well, none so well as you, of my daughter’s flight
Salerio :  That’s certain : I, for my part, knew the tailor that made the wings she flew withal.

Question 1.
Who are the ‘you’? What were they talking about?
Answer:
‘You’ are Salerio and Solanio, friends of Antonio, who were talking about the rumour at Rialto about the wreckage of Antonio’s ship in the English Channel.

Question 2.
What is Shylock accusing them of? Explain ‘the tailor that made the wings’.
Answer:
Shylock is accusing them that they knew about the elopement of Jessica and did nothing about it. Salerio agrees by saying that he knew the tailor who made the boy’s clothes, which she wore to disguise herself, and flew away from home.

Question 3.
Explain the figure of speech used in the extract.
Answer:
The figure of speech used is a metaphor. Jessica is compared to a bird that flew away from Shylock.

Question 4.
According to Solanio what should have been Shylock aware of?
Answer:
According to Solanio, Shylock should be aware that his daughter was no longer a fledgling; she is grown up and is able to fly away according to her will.

Question 5.
Just a little later Salerio makes a comparison between Shylock and his daughter. What is it?
Answer:
Salerio says that Shylock is jet black whereas his daughter is like ivory. He is like cheap wine when compared to Jessica who is like the expensive Rhenish wine.

3. Shylock :
There I have another bad match : a bankrupt, a prodigal, who dare
scarce show his head on the Rialto; a beggar, that was used to
come so smug upon the mart. Let him look to his bond ! he was
want to call me usurer. Let him look to his bond he was wont to
lend money fora Christian courtesy. Let him look to his bond !
Salerio :
Why, I am sure, if he forfeit thou wilt not take his flesh : what’s that good for ?

Question 1.
What is Shylock calling another ‘bad match’? Why is it a bad match?
Answer:
The news that Antonio has lost a ship is the bad match. Shylock has already lost his daughter and incurred much expense and now he has made another bad bargain as Antonio has lost his ship and won’t be able to pay back the debt.

Question 2.
Who is the ‘bankrupt prodigal’? What difference has come into his life?
Answer:
Antonio is the bankrupt prodigal. According to Shylock, Antonio like other Christians is wastrels who do not know how to save money. Earlier Antonio used to visit the stock market with a self-satisfied expression but now he is like a beggar who won’t like to show his face in shame.

Question 3.
Explain, ‘Let him look to his bond! He was wont to lend money for a Christian courtesy’.
Answer:
Shylock says that Antonio should take care to redeem his bond and pay back the borrowed money in time; otherwise, he will have to pay with his life. He used to lend money to people without charging any interest from them because of his Christian sympathy for them but now it’s time for him to pay attention to the bond.

Question 4.
What is Salerio asking at the moment and what’s the reply of Shyiock?
Answer:
Salerio asks Shylock whether he is serious about taking the flesh of Antonio as per the stipulation in the bond; it’ll be of no use to Shylock. The Jew replies that he’ll bait fish with the flesh. It’ll gratify his revenge. This way he’ll be able to avenge all the insults against him, his nation and loss in business.

4. Shylock :
If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility ? Revenge ! If a
Christian wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by Christian
example ? Why, revenge ! The villainy you teach me I will execute,
and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.

Question 1.
In what way does Shylock justify his desire for revenge a little before this extract?
Answer:
Shylock says that he wants to take revenge against Antonio as Antonio disgraced him publicly. Antonio has scorned him calling him a usurer, caused losses equal to half a million ducats by interfering in his deals and above all insulted his race. He had cooled his friends and incited his enemies.

Question 2.
Give the meaning of the extract.
Answer:
Shylock says, a Christian does not forgive a Jew if he wrongs him. He doesn’t show any patience but takes revenge. So, how should a Jew take insult from a Christian? He will do the same thing to a Christian.

Question 3.
Mention the ways in which Antonio had insulted Shylock.
Answer:
Antonio had called Shylock a cut-throat dog in the Rialto and spat on his gabardine. He had laughed at his money and the interest. He had insulted his race.

Question 4.
What does Shylock mean by ‘I’ll better the instruction’?
Answer:
Shylock means that he will certainly follow the example set by Christians of cruelty and wickedness. In fact, he’ll improve upon the example of the villainy taught by Christians.

Question 5.
What injustice does Shakespeare wants to highlight in the passage?
Answer:
Shakespeare wants to highlight the prejudice of Christians against Jews. This is a classic case of anti-Semitism that has existed for ages. Jews were considered as non-believers and inferior to the Christian race. Antonio represents the Christian attitude and is intolerant towards Shylock’s ways.

5. Solanio : Here comes another of the tribe : a third cannot be matched, unless the devil himself turn Jew.
Shylock : How now, Tubal ! what news from Genoa ? Hast thou found my daughter ?

Question 1.
Who is referred to as another of the tribe? What does it mean?
Answer:
Tubal, a friend of Shylock is referred to in this manner. It states that Tubal is also a Jew, another one belonging to Shylock’s race.

Question 2.
Explain the meaning of ‘a third cannot be matched’.
Answer:
Solanio considers Shylock as well as Tubal as an incarnation of the Devil. The two are the worst Jews and a third cannot be found unless the Devil himself turns into a Jew.

Question 3.
What news has the person brought? Where had he been?
Answer:
The person has brought the news that he often went to several places where he heard of Jessica to be but could not meet her. He had been to Genoa.

Question 4.
How does Shylock lament his losses as a response to the news?
Answer:
Shylock laments about the diamond his daughter has taken away from him and other precious jewels. He wishes his daughter was dead with the jewels adorning her ears and the ducats in her coffin. So much money is being spent in searching for her. It’s been loss upon loss.

Question 5.
What does Shylock say in self-pity at this time?
Answer:
Shylock says that he keeps suffering from losses. His daughter has gone away and so much has been spent to find her and her lover. He doesn’t get any satisfaction even in taking revenge. No sighs are heard except his and no tears shed by anyone else except him. He considered himself as the only victim of bad luck.

Question 6.
What comforting news does he hear from the newcomer? How does Shylock react to this?
Answer:
Tubal, the newcomer gives Shylock the comforting news that other people also have their share of problems. Antonio has lost a ship coming from Tripolis. Shylock is elated to hear this. He thanks god for bringing misfortune to Antonio.

6. Shylock :
Out upon her ! Thou torturest me, Tubal : it was my turqoise; I
had It: of Leah when I was a bachelor : I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys.
Tubal : But Antonio is certainly undone.

Question 1.
Who is the ‘her’? Why does Shylock say ‘Out upon her’?
Answer:
Shylock is talking about his daughter Jessica by referring to ‘her’. Tubal has just given him the heart-breaking news that Jessica has given a ring in exchange of a monkey. It was the turquoise, which she had taken when she eloped.

Question 2.
Who is Leah? Why is Shylock so possessive about the turquoise?
Answer:
Leah is Shylock’s dead wife. The stone is important, as his wife had given it to Shylock before their marriage.

Question 3.
What’s the meaning of ‘Antonio is undone’? Why does Tubal say this at this point of time?
Answer:
It means Antonio is a ruined man now. He has lost a couple of ships richly laid with cargo. Tubal wants to divert the mind of Shylock from his daughter and cheer him up by doting on Antonio’s loss.

Question 4.
What does Shylock tell Tubal to do at the end of the scene? Why?
Answer:
Shylock tells Tubal to hire a legal officer for him. He has to be booked for a fortnight, in advance so that Shylock can be ready to cut off Antonio’s heart. Once he is gone, Shylock can make as much profit as he can.