Prasanna

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Summary

The second of the Casket scene reveals Prince Arragon making the choice. The rituals of the selection start. Portia tells about the rules of the game. The Prince quickly rejects the lead casket. It is not worthy or beautiful enough to risk everything. He rejects the gold one also, as choosing what many desire will put him at the same level as the common ones, He, finally chooses the silver casket as the inscription appeals to him.

He does not like to get anything without deserving, and the inscription on the casket says, ’Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.’ He is sure that he’s full of merit, and therefore deserves the prize of Portia’s hand. When he opens the casket, much to his horror, he finds a portrait of a blinking idiot. He reads the message, which says. ‘There be fools alive, iwis’ silver’d over, and so was this. ‘He then departs with his followers. Portia is happy. She tells Nerissa that even fools choose deliberately, thinking that they are wise in their decision; but their deliberate decision finally defeats them.

After the departure of Arragon, a messenger comes to inform them that a handsome Venetian young man has arrived with rich gifts to her. Portia, weary of all unsuccessful suitors, thinks of Bassanio. She is eager to see the newcomer because he appears to be decent. Nerissa wishes the young man turns out to be Bassanio. The servants comment, ‘A day in April never came so sweet to show how costly summer was at hand’, anticipates the fulfillment of Nerissa’s wish.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Summary Word Meanings

1. straight – at once
2. election – choice
3. contain’d – enclosed
4. nuptial rites – marriage ceremony
5. solemniz’d – performed, enjoin’d bound,
6. unfold – disclose
7. injunctions – conditions
8. hazard – gamble
9. fool multitude – foolish commoners
10. fond – foolish
11. pries not th’ interior – does not look more cautiously into the deeper meaning
12. martlet – house martin that foolishly build nest in open air.
13. casualty – danger
14. cozen – untrustworthy
15. wearer – who have the merits
16. stand bare – with head uncovered
17. peasantry – commoners
18. gleaned – separated
19. seeds – sons
20. chaff – unwanted
21. new varnish’d – newrly painted
22. deserts – deserving
23. choose amiss – choose wTong
24. shadows kiss – embrace illusions
25. linger – remain
26. wroth – misfortune
27. sing’d – burnt
28. deliberate – think but make wrong decisions
29. wiving- getting a wife
30. alighted – dismounted
31. signify – announce
32. regrets – greetings
33. schedule – scroll
34. offices – functions
35. commends – compliments
36. breath – words
37. likely – pleasing in appearance
38. high day-wit – holiday humour
39. anon – presently
40. Cupid – god of Love
41. mannerly – courteous.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Portia:
Behold, there stand the caskets, noble prince :
If you choose that wherein I am contain’d
Straight shall our nuptial rites be solemniz’d;
But if you fail, without more speech, my lord,
You must be gone from hence immediately.

Prince of Arragon :

I am enjoin’d by oath to observe three things :
First, never to unfold to any one
Which casket ’tivas I chose; next, if I fail
Of the right casket, never in my life
To woo a maid in way of marriage; lastly
If I do fail in fortune of my choice
Immediately to leave you and be gone

Question 1.
Who is the noble Prince? Explain ‘Wherein I’m contained’.
Answer:
The noble prince is Prince of Arragon, a pompous suitor of Portia. Portia says that if he chooses the casket in which her portrait is contained, he will be able to marry her.

Question 2.
What are nuptial rites? What will happen, if he doesn’t choose the right casket?
Answer:
Nuptial rites are ceremonies of marriage. If he doesn’t choose the right casket, he will have to leave without saying anything.

Question 3.
What three things does he have to observe?
Answer:
As per the conditions of the will, he has to observe three things. He should not reveal to anyone which casket he had chosen. If he fails, he should not woo a maid ever in his life. And he should leave immediately.

Question 4.
Later on, which casket does he choose and why?
Answer:
Prince of Arragon chose the silver casket as the inscription on it says, ‘Who chooseth me shall get what many men desire’. He feels that there is no one in the world who deserves Portia as he does, because he doesn’t choose anything that he doesn’t deserve. Clear honour is purchased by the merit of the wearer.

Question 5.
What does the person find in the chosen casket?
Answer:
The person finds the portrait of a blinking idiot. The scroll along with it says that perfect judgement, that never makes mistakes, is tested seven times. Some embrace the illusion of happiness. Foolishness of some people is concealed by their silvery hair, just like what is inside the casket is concealed by the silver casket.

2. Prince of Arragon :
Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath’.
You shall look fairer, ere I give or hazard.
What says the golden chest ? ha ! let me see :
Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire’.
What many men desire ! that ‘many’ may be meant
By the fool multitude, that choose by show.
Not learning more than the fond eye doth teach,
Which pries not to th ’ interior, but, like the martlet,
Builds in the weather on the outward wall,
Even in the force and road of casualty.
I will not choose what many men desire,
Because I will not jump with common spirits
And rank me with the barbarous multitudes.

Question 1.
The inscription given in the extract is etched on which casket? What does the speaker take the ‘many’ for? What does it reveal about his character?
Answer:
This inscription is found on the gold casket. The speaker takes the ‘many’ for common multitude. This shows that he is arrogant and considers himself above the others because of his noble birth and status.

Question 2.
Explain the reference to the Martlet.
Answer:
Martlet is the common house-bird that builds its nest in open areas, foolishly inviting the onslaught of nature. Here, Arragon means, in the same way, people who choose gold are falling for its outward show, without deeply understanding that all that glitters is not gold. It later on invites trouble.

Question 3.
Give the meaning of ‘rank me with the barbarous multitudes’.
Answer:
Arragon is not prepared to take the position of common people by choosing what many men desire.

Question 4.
To which casket does he go now? Who had earlier chosen the gold casket? According to Shakespeare what does gold stand for?
Answer:
Arragon goes to the silver casket. Prince of Morocco had earlier chosen gold casket. According to Shakespeare, gold symbolizes wealth and sensory beauty, which are temporary or transient. This shows that there is a difference between appearance and reality.

Question 5.
What does silver stand for? What theme does this scene depict?
Answer:
Silver stands for self-deception, vanity and conceit. The theme of the difference between appearance and reality is implied in this also. The folly of men who are victims of pride think they are logical in approach but are deceived by their own arrogance.

3. Arragon :
How many then should cover that stand bare !
How many be commanded that command!
How much low peasantry would then be glean’d
From the true seed of honour ! and how much honour .
Pick’d from the chaff and ruin of the times
To be new varnish’d! Well, but to my choice :
Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves
I will assume desert.

Question 1.
In which context does the prince speak these words?
Answer:
Prince of Arragon is shown the three caskets. He is impressed by the Silver one, as the inscription says that whoever chooses it shall get what he deserves. Due to his arrogance, he feels that he is the most deserving as he is full of merit by way of rank and position. He is comparing himself with the less deserving ones who really do not realize their lowest positions.

Question 2.
What did he say about merit?
Answer:
Prince of Arragon says that people should not try to cheat fortune and win something without merit. No man should wear the garb of dignity, which he does not deserve.

Question 3.
Who should cover? What does it mean?
Answer:
According to Prince of Arragon there are many who should actually cover their heads with their hats when in front of people of higher ranks, but they don’t do so. There are many who give orders without realizing that they are the ones who should obey them. It means that these people do not realize that they don’t deserve honor as they are not of noble family nor do they have merit.

Question 4.
What’s the meaning of low peasantry gleaned and ‘the chaff and the ruins of times’?
Answer:
Prince of Arragon means low ranking or common people by the peasantry. There are many such people who should be separated from the ranks of the truly honorable. True honor should be recovered from the unworthy rubbish of society so that they shine in their original brilliance.

Question 5.
What does the speaker think of himself in this scene? What does he realize at the end of the choice?
Answer:
The speaker thinks that he is above others in a position and qualities. He thinks he is wise and most deserving of all. He realizes what a foolish choice he has made. He gets the head of a fool for all his ‘wise’ deliberations.

4. Prince of Arragon :
What’s here ? the portrait of a blinking idiot,
Presenting me a schedule ! I will read it.
How much unlike art thou to Portia !
How much unlike my hopes and my deservings !
‘Who chooseth me shall have as much as he deserves ’.
Did I deserve no more than a fool’s head ?
Is that my prize ? are my deserts no better ?

Question 1.
Whose portrait was the speaker expecting? What does he get instead? What does it mean?
Answer:
The speaker was expecting the Portrait of Portia but instead there was one of a blinking idiot. It stands for the foolish decision made by the chooser.

Question 2.
What’s meant by schedule? What is written about that?
Answer:
The schedule is the scroll with its message. It is written that silver is tested seven times by the fire. Just like this, judgment has to be thought over seven times. Some give importance to shadows, and they get shadowy happiness. There are fools whose foolishness is hidden under silvery hair. It also mocks at the chooser by saying that no matter what wife he takes, his head will always be the fool’s head. He is asked to leave at once as his venture is over.

Question 3.
Earlier what does the speaker say about the reasons why he chose the silver casket?
Answer:
The speaker says that he chooses the silver casket as the inscription on it says that he’ll get what he deserves. He feels that those who choose on the basis of fortune don’t deserve the prize. Pure honor is attained only by deserving men like him.

Question 4.
What does the servant convey to the ladies at the end of the scene?
Answer:
The servant tells the ladies that a young Venetian has just arrived, who is actually a messenger to his lord from whom he brings worthy gifts and greetings. He has never seen such a messenger of love. A day in April never came so sweet to show how gorgeous the summer will be.

Question 5.
How do the ladies react to this information?
Answer:
Portia tells the servant to say no more as she is afraid, he is some relative of his, since he spends the fullest force of his intelligence and emotion in his praise. She tells Nerissa to go with her to meet this swift messenger of Cupid who has arrived in such a fine manner. Nerissa hopes it is Bassanio who has come like The God of Love.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Summary

This scene takes place in a street of Venice. Salerio and Solanio reveal the recent developments to the audience. We learn from their conversation that Bassanio had set sail for Belmont on the very same night of Jessica-Lorenzo elopement. They are sure that eloped couples had not set sail with him. Shylock suspects that Jessica is aboard on the ship and complains to the Duke of Venice and insists that the ship should be searched.

Antonio, who was at the dock, assured that they were not in the ship. It was reported, that someone had seen them in a gondola. Salerio informs how agitated Shylock was, at the loss of his money and jewels along with his daughter. Frantic with rage and misery he had been shouting on the streets of Venice ‘My daughter, my ducats’. All the boys in Venice are mocking him, his daughter and his ducats. This incident strengthens the.resolve of Shylock to take revenge on Antonio, the English man.

Salerio comes to know from a Frenchman that a Venetian ship, richly laid with cargo, has sunk in the English channel. Solanio tells him to report the matter to Antonio in a gentle way. The two discuss the loving nature of Antonio. They recall how he had parted from Bassanio, ensuring him not to think about the bond. He also told his friend not to rush up with the courtship in order to get back to him in a hurry. Salerio along with Solanio leaves the stage to meet Antonio and cheer up his spirits.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Summary Word Meanings

1. outcries – complaints
2. gondola – a flat bottomed boat used on the canals of Venice
3. amorous – loving
4. certified – assured
5. passion – intense feeling
6. outrageous – excessive
7. two stones – one of diamond and one turquoise
8. stones up her – stones with her
9. look he keep his day – be careful to pay his debt on the stipulated day
10. reason’d – talked to
11. miscarried – lost or wrecked
12. vessel – ship
13. fraught – laden with
14. treads – lives
15. slubber not business – do not hurry your business carelessly
16. riping of time – till the right time comes
17. hath – has
18. ostents – demonstrations
19. wrung – clasped tightly
20. quicken – cheer up
21. has embraced heaviness – is under depression or melancholy
22. delight – amusement
23. do we so – let us do so.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 8 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Salerio :
He came too late, the ship was under sail,
But there the duke was given to understand
That in a gondola were seen together
Lorenzo and his amorous Jessica.
Besides, Antonio certified the duke
They were not with Bassanio in his ship.

Question 1.
Who is referred to as ‘he’? Which ship was under sail? Why is ‘he’ said to be late?
Answer:
He is Shylock. The ship in which Bassanio and others travelled has already set sail. Shylock thinks that his daughter has boarded the ship along with Lorenzo but by the time he comes to search for them, the ship had already left.

Question 2.
What was suspected earlier?
Answer:
Earlier it was suspected that Jessica and Lorenzo had gone with Bassanio, in his ship.

Question 3.
Give the meaning of ‘amorous’ and ‘certified’. What did Antonio certify?
Answer:
‘Amorous’ means loving and ‘certified’ means assured. Antonio certified that Jessica and Lorenzo have not gone in Bassanio’s ship.

Question 4.
What does Solanio says about Shylock, just after this?
Answer:
Solanio describes Shylock’s behavior after finding out that his daughter has run away with a Christian, taking with her all his money and jewels. He has never heard or seen such an outburst of feelings, so strange, intense and frequently changing. Shylock went along the streets shouting, ‘My daughter, O my ducats!’ lamenting the loss of the two alternatives. He wants justice and also needs to find the girl as she has taken the ducats along with her.

Question 5.
Why did all the boys in Venice follow Shylock? What else did they do?
Answer:
All the boys were following Shylock mocking him as they feel that he has gone mad. They also repeat his cries ‘his stones, his daughter and his ducats’.

Question 6.
What does Solanio say that Antonio should do now?
Answer:
Solanio says that Shylock is mad with his loss and will certainly take revenge from Antonio by extracting his flesh, if he doesn’t pay back the borrowed money in time. So he feels Antonio should pay his debt on the appointed day; otherwise, he may have to pay for it with his life.

2. Salerio :
Marry, well remember’d.
I reason’d with, a Frenchman yesterday,
Who told me, in the narrow seas that part
The French and English, there miscarried
A vessel of our country richly fraught.
I thought upon Antonio when he told me,
And wish’d in silence that it were not his.

Question 1.
What does he mean by ‘well remembered’? What did he reason with a Frenchman and what did he come to know?
Answer:
When Solanio says that Antonio should better pay back the debt to Shylock on the stipulated day, Salerio remembers his talk with the Frenchman. He takes this opportunity to share the information with his friend, that he came to know about a ship with rich cargo had been wrecked in the English Channel.

Question 2.
Give the meaning of ‘reasoned’, ‘miscarried’ and ‘richly fraught’?
Answer:
The word ‘reasoned’ means talked, ‘miscarried’ means lost or wrecked and ‘richly fraught’ means laid with expensive goods.

Question 3.
What does Soianio tells his friend to do. How should he do it and why?
Answer:
Soianio tells his friend to give a hint about the wreckage to Antonio, but not abruptly. He should do it gently and with tact as Antonio is a tender-hearted person, very loving and sensitive.

Question 4.
What does Salerio says about Antonio at this time? How did ‘he’ part from Bassanio?
Answer:
Salerio says about Antonio that ‘a kinder gentleman treads not this earth’ He parted from Antonio with great love, saying that he need not return from Belmont in a hurry but give proper time for courtship. He need not worry about the bond rather focus his mind on courtship and show of love. Then with his eyes full of tears, he clasped Bassanio’s hand and they parted.

Question 5.
What does Soianio say towards the end of the scene and what do the two friends plan to do?
Answer:
Soianio says that Antonio loves the world only because of Bassanio. The two friends plans to visit Antonio, amuse him and cheer up his spirit as he is lately gripped with melancholy.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Summary

The subplot of Jessica’s elopement is over and we are brought back to the main plot. The scene takes place in Belmont. There are colour and brightness, pomp and show. This is the first of the famous casket scenes. The Prince of Morocco, after his visit to the temple, is ready to choose the casket.

As he goes about his choice, the audience comes to know about the details of the caskets. The first casket is of Gold with the inscription, “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire 1.The second one made of Silver, says ‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves’ and the third one made of lead has the inscription who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath’.

The prince rejects the lead one thinking that no one will hazard for anything for the base metal; moreover, how can lead contain the portrait of such a worthy lady! He meditates over the Silver. By his birth, fortune and grace and love he deserves Portia. But finally he settles for the gold as silver is of much less value than gold. All the world desire Portia. Men from all corners of the world have come seeking for her hand.

When he opens it, he finds it to his utter consternation a skeleton with a scroll reading, ‘All that glitters is not gold.’ The prince is upset with his failure. He bids farewell to Portia and to his dreams. Portia feels relieved and hopes that all, like the Prince, should make such errors.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Summary Word Meanings

1. as blunt – as dull as the lead
2. withal – with the casket
3. golden – noble
4. aught – anything
5. with an even hand – impartially
6. graces – natural virtues
7. breeding – upbringing
8. shrine – a holy place
9. mortal breathing saint – Portia is the holy person whom pilgrims have come to kiss
10. Hyrcanian deserts – a province in ancient Persian Empire
11. thoroughfares – main roads
12. watery kingdom – ocean
13. foreign spirits – suitors from abroad
14. brook – a stream
15. damnation – base thought
16. gross – coarse
17. rib – enfold
18. cerecloth – waxed cloth
19. obscure – dark
20. immur’d – locked up
21. insculp’d – engraved
22. thrive as I may – whatever the result may be
23. a carrion death – skeleton
24. empty eye – hollow eye
25. scroll – a roll of paper
26. frost – disappointment
27. tedious – formal
28. complexion – personality.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 7 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Prince of Morocco :
The first, of gold, who this inscription bears ;
‘Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire’.
The second, silver, which this promise carries :
‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves’.
This third, dull lead, with warning all as blunt:
‘Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath’
How shall I know if I do choose the right?

Question 1.
Where is the Prince of Morocco? What has brought him there?
Answer:
Prince of Morocco is in a room in Portia’s house. He has come to try his luck with the lottery of caskets, to win Portia’s hand.

Question 2.
What is the motto carved on the golden casket? What does it contain?
Answer:
The motto carved on the golden casket is that the man who opens it will get what many men desire. It contains an empty human skull holding a roll of paper, stating that, whoever happens to be guided by the glitter of things is invariably deceived.

Question 3.
What is the motto borne by the silver casket? What does it contain?
Answer:
The motto borne by the silver casket is that the suitor who opens it will get what he deserves. It contains the portrait of a blinking idiot presenting a scroll in which, its written that, those who do not think carefully before taking any step in any matter will always be befouled.

Question 4.
What is the motto borne by the lead casket? What does it contain?
Answer:
The motto borne by the lead casket is that the suitor who chooses it, will have to sacrifice whatever he has. It contains the portrait of fair Portia, and a roll of paper on which it is written that, whosoever has chosen it should be ready to risk everything he has, for the sake of love.

Question 5.
What are the views of the different suitors who are concerned with the casket incident? What do you think after views and remarks?
Answer:
The Prince of Morocco looks upon the selection by caskets as a matter of ‘chance’. The Prince of Arrogan looks upon the selection of caskets as a matter of fortune. Even Bassanio, the successful suitor says, ‘But let me to my fortune and the caskets’. The remarks and views of various persons who are concerned with the casket incident would lead us to think that destiny is all powerful and she guides all human actions. Portia rightly remarks, ‘when they choose, they have the wisdom by their wit to lose’.

2. Prince of Morocco :
This casket threatens. Men that hazard all
Do it in hope of fair advantages :
A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross;
I’ll then nor give nor hazard aught for lead.
What says the silver with her virgin hue?

Question 1.
Where is the character now? Who else are with him? What is this scene popularly known as? What is its importance?
Answer:
The character is in a room in Portia’s house. Portia and her trains are there. This scene is the first of the popular casket scenes. In this scene, The Prince of Morocco tries to choose the right casket but fails to do so.

Question 2.
Why does the speaker say, ‘This casket threatens’? Why doesn’t he choose this casket?
Answer:
The casket inscription is in the form of a threat. He rejects it because it says, ‘Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.’ This means, the one who chooses the lead casket should be ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of love.

Question 3.
Explain the meaning of ‘shows of dross’ and silver with her virgin hue’? Which of the three is the right casket to choose?
Answer:
‘Shows of dross’ means worthless shows and the silver casket is pure white. The one with Portia’s portrait is the right one.

Question 4.
What does the silver casket say? Why doesn’t Morocco choose this one?
Answer:
The silver casket says, ‘who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves1. He doesn’t choose this one as he feels that he deserves much more because of his breeding, reputation, noble birth and his love for her. By settling for the less noble silver, he may be distrusting his own merits and that is a weakness. He deserves the lady as his worth is equal to hers.

Question 5.
What is the inscription on the golden casket? Why does the speaker choose this one?
Answer:
The inscription on the golden casket is ‘who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire1. He feels that Portia is desired by many men, as they have come to win her hand from all the corners of the world. The Persian desert and vast ocean are unable to prevent men from coming to Portia’s place to have a glimpse of her.

Lead is too base to contain the picture of such a worthy lady and silver is many times inferior to Gold and the lady is pure gold. This makes Morocco choose the Gold casket.

3. Prince of Morocco :
Why, that’s the lady :
I do in birth deserve her, and in fortunes,
In graces, and in qualities of breeding;
But more than these, in love I do deserve.
What if I stray’d no further, but chose here ?
Let’s see once more this saying grav’d in gold :
‘Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire’.
Why, that’s the lady : all the world desires her;
From the four corners of the earth they come,
To kiss this shrine, this mortal breathing saint:
The Hyrcanian deserts and the vasty wilds
Of wide Arabia are as throughfares now
For princes to come view fair Portia :
The watery kingdom, whose ambitious head.
Spits in the face of heaven, is no bar
To stop the foreign spirits, but they come,
As o’er a brook, to see fair Portia.

Question 1.
Who is the fair lady? What’s the condition to win her hand in marriage? Who has made this condition? Why?
Answer:
The fair lady is Portia, the beautiful and rich lady of Belmont. The condition is that the suitors should choose the right casket from the three displayed. The casket that contains Portia’s portrait, is the right one and whoever chooses that, will win her hand. Portia’s father, before his death had willed that his daughter’s husband should be the one who chooses the right casket with his daughter’s portrait. He was a wise man and wanted Portia to get the right husband who would love her for herself and not for her money. He was ensuring that a wise and prudent person who would understand the cryptic comments on the casket would ultimately win her hand.

Question 2.
Why does the speaker say ‘all the world desires her’?
Answer:
Many princes and nobilities from various corners of the world are travelling through deserts and oceans to meet this fair lady. It’s like a pilgrimage to kiss the holy saint within Belmont. According to Prince Morocco the whole world is desirous of having her.

Question 3.
Explain the meaning of ‘The Hyrcanian deserts to come view fair Portia’
Answer:
Morocco says that the dry deserts of Hyrcania and the immense wilderness of Arabia have become like main roads. The dangerous areas do not deter the gallant men who travel through them as though they are streets, used every day by common men.

Question 4.
What is the watery kingdom? What does it do in the face of heaven? Why is this expression used here?
Answer:
The watery kingdom is the ocean. Its high waves spit on heaven. This expression is used here to show that the gallant men who come to Portia don’t even care for the high waves.

Question 5.
What is meant by ‘foreign spirits’? How do they treat the watery kingdom?
Answer:
Foreign spirits refer to the gentlemen from abroad who are coming eagerly to meet Portia. They treat the ocean as though it is a stream.

4. Morocco :
They have in England
A coin that bears the figure of an angel
Stamp’d in gold, but that’s insculp’d upon;
But here an angel in a golden bed
Lies all within. Deliver me the key :
Here do I choose, and thrive I as I may!

Question 1.
Why does Morocco say these words?
Answer:
Morocco has decided to choose the golden casket. He is sure that a portrait of Portia must be in the golden casket as a gem like her cannot be set in any other metal than gold. He remembers that there was a coin in England stamped in gold with the figure of an angel. In the same way, Portia’s portrait will be found inside the golden casket.

Question 2.
Bring out the meaning of, ‘that’s insculped upon’ and ‘angel in a golden bed’
Answer:
‘Insculped upon’ means engraved upon; ‘an angel in golden bed’ is the portrait of Portia inside the casket.

Question 3.
Why should the key be delivered? Explain the meaning of ‘thrive I as I may’.
Answer:
The key should be given to open the golden casket. Morocco has decided to open the golden casket and the rest; he is leaving fate to decide.

Question 4.
What does he find in the Golden casket?
Answer:
In the golden casket, Morocco finds a skull with hollow sockets. The scroll along with it chides him by saying that ‘All that glitters is not gold’. Many a man has given his life seeing its outward glitter, but one should remember that gold cover tombs have worms inside, eating of the dead body inside them. If he had been as wise as he was brave, he would have not have been deceived by the glitter of gold.

Question 5.
How does this scene end?
Answer:
The scene ends with the Prince of Morocco feeling disappointed. He leave Portia by biding her a simple farewell. He is too sad to speak a more formal speech. As he goes out with his train accompanied by the sound of trumpets, Portia says that he is a gentle fellow but she is glad to get rid of him. She hopes that all suitors like he, should make a similar wrong choice as he has done.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary

The elopement of Lorenzo and Jessica is the main event that takes place in this scene. Gratiano and Salerio are waiting for Lorenzo outside Shylock’s house. Lorenzo is late and the friends are surprised as normally lovers reach before time. They also remark that mostly lovers keep their appointment in time as long as they are engaged, but once they marry all promises are forgotten. Lorenzo comes at this time and apologizes for being late.

He calls Jessica who appears above, dressed as a boy. She throws down a casket full of money and Jewels. Jessica is ashamed of stealing money as well as her disguise. But she consoles herself by saying that love is blind and lovers sire unaware of the foolish things they do.

Lorenzo tells Jessica that she’s going to be his torch bearer. The idea of holding a light to her may expose her identity. After being reassured, she goes back to the house to lock the doors and fetch more ducats. Lorenzo tells Gratiano that Jessica is the most faithful and loving lady.

When she comes down, the lovers leave with Salerio.Gratiano meets Antonio who has been looking for him. Antonio informs him that Bassanio’s party has been cancelled as the wind has changed and the time is right to set sail for Belmont. Gratiano is delighted, as he is eager to leave for Belmont.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary Word Meanings

1. penthouse – porch
2. make stand – wait, marvel wonder
3. out-dwells his hour – late
4. Venus – goddess of love who rides in a chariot drawn by pigeons
5. wont – likely to
6. unforfeited – unbrohen
7. ever-holds – always true
8. untread again – retrace his steps
9. tedious measures – boring steps
10. unabated fire – undiminished spirit or enthusiasm
11. younger – a youngster
12. scarfed bark – ship decorated with flags and bunting
13. strumpet wind – uncontrolled wind
14. over-weathered
15. ribs – storm beaten sides
16. ragged – torn
17. abode – delay
18. albeit – although
19. tongue – voice
20. pains – troubles
21. exchange – change of clothes
22. pretty follies – small acts of foolishness
23. Cupid – god of Love
24. hold a candle to – hold up a light to reveal
25. shames – shameful dress
26. sooth – indeed
27. obscur’d – hidden
28. garnish – costume
29. play the runaway – slipping away
30. gild – adorn with gold
31. beshrew me – curse me
32. constant soul – loyal heart
33. Fie – shame.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Gratiano:
That ever holds : who riseth from afeast
With that keen appetite that he sits down ?
Where is the horse that doth untread again
His tedious measures with the unhated fire
That he did pace them first ? All things that are,
Are with more spirit chased than enjoy’d.
How like a younger or a prodigal
The scarfed bark puts from her native bay,
Hugg’d and embraced by the strumpet wind !
How like the prodigal doth she return.
With over-weather’d ribs and ragged sails.
Lean, rent, and beggar’d by the strumpet wind !

Question 1.
To which comment does Gratiano say, ‘That ever holds’? What does it mean?
Answer:
That ever holds means that Gratiano is agreeing with whatever was said before. Salerio had said mostly, lovers are in a greater hurry than the wings of Venus’ pigeons to keep their engagement, than their marriage promises.

Question 2.
Explain, ‘All things that are with more spirit chased than enjoyed’. Which two examples does the speaker give to prove his point?
Answer:
This means that there is more pleasure in pursuit than enjoyment. The speaker first says that no one gets up from the dinner table with the same hunger as he sat down to dine. Then he takes the example of a horse, which cannot retrace his steps with the same enthusiasm as he had earlier.

Question 3.
Explain the meaning of scarfed bark and strumpet wind. What does the want on wind do?
Answer:
Scarfed bark is the ship decorated with flags at the outset of a journey. Strumpet wind is uncontrolled wind. The strumpet wind in its fury blows and pushes about the ship, making it look like an impoverished thing.

Question 4
Give the meaning of:
‘How like a younger or a prodigal
The scarfed bark puts from her native bay,
Hugg’d and embraced by the strumpet wind!’
Answer:
The meaning is that when the ship starts its journey, it is like a young man dressed in all finery, hale and hearty.
But after it is tossed about by the harlot wind, it is battered and torn, more like a spendthrift, returning exhausted like a beggar.

Question 5.
Who comes just after this extract? What does he say to his Mends?
Answer:
Lorenzo comes just after this and apologizes to his friends for making them wait. It was some urgent business, which made him late. He promises to wait for his friends in the same way when they go to steal their wives.

2. Jessica :
What! must I hold a candle to my shames ?
They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light.
Why, ’tis an office of discovery, love,
And I should be obscur’d.

Question 1.
Bring out the context of the extract.
Answer:
The scene takes place In the street outside Shylock’s house. Lorenzo, with his friends, are waiting for Jessica to join them. Jessica, dressed as a boy throws at Lorenzo, a casket full of money and jewels. She is ashamed of her disguise and when Lorenzo tells her that she is going to be the torch bearer, she is embarrassed. She tells him that it is a torch bearer’s duty to light up and reveal everything whereas she has to hide her identity to elope.

Question 2.
Explain, ‘must I hold a candle to my shames? What does this show of her character’?
Answer:
Jessica asks whether she should hold a light to her boyish dresses that fills her with shame as she is masquerading. For her the idea of holding a light is frightening which could expose her identity. She is modest and honest. It’s her love that makes her adopt this disguise.

Question 3.
Explain the last two lines of the extract.
Answer:
The last two lines means, that holding up the torch is the duty of a torch bearer. But if she does so, she’ll be revealing her identity, which she is supposed to conceal.

Question 4.
How does Lorenzo reassure Jessica? Earlier how had Lorenzo summarized his love for Jessica?
Answer:
Lorenzo tells Jessica that she is hiding in the charming get up of a boy. She doesn’t have to worry about getting detected. He had said that Jessica was wise, fair and faithful and he loved her heartily. She would always be placed in his loyal heart.

Question 5.
What information does Antonio give at the end of the scene? How does Gratiano react to this?
Answer:
Antonio at the end of the scene informs Gratiano that Bassanio’s party has been called off. Since the wind is blowing in favourable direction and the time is right to set sail for Belmont, both are eager to get on board to sail off from Venice to the promising and romantic Belmont.

We have decided to create the most comprehensive English Summary that will help students with learning and understanding.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary

The scene takes place on a street outside Shylock’s house. This enables us to know more about Shylock and his thought processes. Shylock is about to go to Bassanio’s party. Launcelot meets him. Shylock tells him that he should not revel in eating and sleeping in his new employment as he had done in his house.

After repeated calls, Jessica appears. Her father tells her that he’s going to attend Bassanio’s party and gives her the keys of the house. He is not happy to go to the party but is doing so out of spite. He’ll feed on the prodigal Christian. He is reluctant, as he had dreamt of money bags, which is a bad sign.

Launcelot informs Shylock that there is a masquerade arranged. This makes Shylock tell Jessica that she should close all the doors and windows of the house, as he does not want the house to be contaminated by the noise of revelry coming from the masque. She also should keep inside and not gaze on ‘Christian fools with varnished faces’.

Launcelot gives Jessica, the message from Lorenzo. When he leaves, Shylock says that he is happy to see the clown go, as he’ll be joining Bassanio’s service and help wasting his borrowed money. After her father’s departure, Jessica thinks of her elopement and bids farewell to her father in his absence saying that ‘I have a father, you a daughter lost’.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary Word Meanings

1. gormndize – overeat
2. rend apparel out – over-grow the dress
3. wont – accustomed
4. bid forth — invited out
5. prodigal – spendthrift
6. look to – look after
7. loath – reluctant
8. ill a brewing towards my rest – something being plotted against my peace of mind
9. reproach – meaning approach
10. conspired together – arranged for-but there is dramatic irony here as the audience already knows the plan for the elopement.
11. Black Monday – Monday following Easter
12. Ash Wednesday – the first Wednesday after Lent
13. squealing – sharp sound
14. wry- necked – crooked necked
15. clamber – climb up
16. varnished – painted
17. ears – windows
18. shallow foppery – superficial and stupid showing off
19. sirrah – fellow
20. Hagar – slave woman who is referred to as Launcelot’s ancestor
21. patch – fool, drone – a male bee that doesn’t search for honey
22. borrowed purse – borrowed money
23. fast And – a proverb saying that if you are careful, you’ll not lose anything.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 5 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Shylock :
Well, thou shalt see, thy eyes shall be thy judge
The difference of old Shylock and Bassanlo—
What, Jessica l -thou shalt not gormandize
As thou hast done with me—What, Jessica !—
And sleep and snore, and rend apparel out—
Why, Jessica, I say !

Question 1.
Whom is Shylock talking to? Explain, ‘Thy eyes shall be thy judge.’ Bring out the humor of this line.
Answer:
Shylock Is talking to Launcelot, the clown who used to be with him, till recently. Shylock is telling the clown that he’ll see with his own eyes that how different it will be to work with him and the new master. Only actual experience will help him to make the correct judgments. The humor is that the audience is aware of how Launcelot felt working for the Jew but Shylock says as though, he was very comfortable in his house.

Question 2.
Give the meaning of: ‘gormandize’ and ‘rend apparel out’. What contrast do these remarks give as opposed to what Launcelot had said earlier?
Answer:
Gormandize means overeat. Rend apparel out means, overgrow his dress or have holes in clothes. Launcelot has already expressed that he has become so thin that his ribs can be counted. Also he was very happy that he would get new uniform under Bassanio and he would be able to get rid of his old clothes. This is contrary to what Shylock is saying.

Question 3.
Why does the speaker say, ‘Why Jessica, I say!’ Why does he admonish Launcelot just after this speech? How does Launcelot respond to this?
Answer:
Shylock has called out for Jessica a number of times while talking to Launcelot; so he gets irritated and says sharply, ‘Why Jessica, I say’. Launcelot imitates Shylock and calls Jessica by her name and Shylock admonishes him and says that no one ordered him to do that. Launcelot responds by saying that Shylock used to complain that he doesn’t do any work without being told, hence this time he has done something without being asked and the Jew is yet scolding him.

Question 4.
What information does Shylock share with Jessica soon after this? What instructions are given?
Answer:
Shylock informs Jessica that he has been invited to attend a dinner party. He also tells her that he is reluctant to go as he feels that he has been invited not out of love but for a desire to flatter ; also he dreamt of money bags lately and there is a vague feeling that something is plotted against the peace of his mind. But he will go out of hatred, to make Bassanio the spend thrift, poorer by eating his food. He gives her the keys of the house and tells her to look after it in his absence.

Question 5.
What do you know about Jessica, at this stage?
Answer:
We know Jessica is the sweet daughter of Shylock, who is in love with Lorenzo, a Christian and is planning to elope with him on that very night during the masque, dressed as a page boy. Her mind is torn between loyalty to her father and her love for Lorenzo, whom she wants to marry. She is even willing to adopt Christianity.

2. Launcelot:
And they have conspired together : I will not say you shall see
a masque; but if you do, then it was not for nothing that my nose
fell a-bleeding on Black Monday last, at six o’clock’ the morning,
falling out that year on Ash Wednesday was four year in the
afternoon.
Shylock : What, are there masques ?

Question 1.
Who are ‘they’? What have they conspired? Why is the masque important here?
Answer:
They are Bassanio. Lorenzo and their friends like Salerio and Solanio. They have planned to hold a masque. The masque is important as it is during the masquerade, Jessica will elope with Lorenzo in the disguise of a page, bearing the torch for the masque.

Question 2.
According to the speaker what does his nose bleeding suggest? Explain the reference to Black Monday and Ash Wednesday. What’s the incongruity in Launcelot’s statements?
Answer:
Launcelot says that his nose bleeding on Black Monday and Ash Wednesday was a sign of that something good or bad will happen. Shakespeare is here making fun of superstitions or prophesying by omens, as they are vague and inconsistent. Black Monday is the Monday following Easter. Launcelot plays on the superstitious nature of Shylock by referring to Easter Monday in 1360, when Edward Ill’s army was caught in a black fog and many soldiers froze to death.

On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, people put ashes on their foreheads, to remind themselves that man is made of mud and will return to mud. The incongruity is that there is a forty day gap between the two events mentioned but Launcelot is talking as the two fall in the same week.

Question 3.
Bring out the dramatic irony crafted in the first line of the extract?
Answer:
Launcelot says that the Christians have conspired or arranged a masque as a surprise for the guests. The dramatic irony is in the word ‘conspire’, the audiences know that there is a plot of elopement. It is a conspiracy against Shylock. Neither Launcelot nor Shylock knows the significance of this word at this time.

Question 4.
How does Shylock respond to the information and what does he tell Jessica to do?
Answer:
Shylock is surprised and shocked at this information. He tells Jessica to lock up all the doors and windows as he does not want the music and revelation contaminate the sober atmosphere of his house. He orders his daughter not to climb up the casements and look at the varnished faces of the foolish Christians who waste their time in rivalry.

Question 5.
What does Launcelot tell Jessica before he leaves with Shylock? Why does Shylock call the clown Hagar’s offspring?
Answer:
Launcelot tells Jessica that she should look out of the window despite what her father has said, a Christian pay pass that is worthy to be looked upon by a Jewess. Shylock is calling Launcelot the offspring of Hagar, a slave woman, maid to Abraham’s wife Sarah. Servants are considered the offspring of the slave woman.

3. Shylock :
The patch is kind enough, but a huge feeder;
Snail-slow in profit, and he sleeps by day
More than the wild cat: drones hive not with me;
Therefore I part with him, and part with him
To one that I would have him help to waste
His borrow’d purse. Well, Jessica, go in
Perhaps I will return immediately
Do as I bid you; shut doors after you :
‘Fast bind, fast find’,
A proverb never stale in thrifty mind.

Question 1.
Who is the patch? What does it mean?
Answer:
The clown is the patch or fool who wears the traditional multicolored patched costume. He calls Launcelot the clown, a patch.

Question 2.
How does Shylock refer to the character of the patch in the extract?
Answer:
Shylock says that the clown is good at heart, but eats a lot of food. He is as slow as a snail and sleeps throughout the day without doing any profitable work. He is like a drone, a male bee who doesn’t work to collect honey.

Question 3.
Why is Shylock ready to part with the patch? What does it show of his character?
Answer:
He is happy to let the patch go and take employment with Bassanio. He will help the prodigal Christian to squander the borrowed money. This shows that Shylock hates Christian’s and the way they spent money on enjoyment.

Question 4.
What does Shylock tell Jessica to do? What is the dramatic irony in this speech?
Answer:
Shylock tells Jessica to go inside the house and shut all the doors. The dramatic irony is that Jessica is not going to shut the door. In fact, she is going to leave the house and run away with a Christian.

Question 5.
What is the proverb quoted by Shylock? What does it mean?
Answer:
The proverb ‘Fast bind, fast find’ is quoted here because Shylock imposes all kinds of restriction upon Jessica. He disallows her even to look at a procession of Christmas, from the windows and doors of his house, and wants them to be locked from inside when he goes out.

Question 6.
What does Jessica say at the close of the scene? What does it mean?
Answer:
Jessica says farewell to her father and says that unless she is having bad luck, she has lost a father and he, his daughter. It means that she is running away and if she is lucky, she’ll escape from her unkind father.