Prasanna

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The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary

The subplot further develops in this scene. We see how Jessica and Lorenzo plans to elope. Bassanio’s friends are making arrangements for a celebration, a masquerade dinner party. Lorenzo suggests that they should ‘slink away1 by supper time and meet at his residence to disguise themselves.

They also have to arrange for the torch bearers for the masque. While they are talking, Launcelot enters and hands over Jessica’s letter to Lorenzo. Launcelot is in a hurry as Bassanio had told him to give the invitation for dinner to Shylock. Lorenzo gives the clown some money and sends a message to Jessica with him.

Lorenzo shares his secret elopement plans with Gratiano. Jessica has informed him that she’ll leave her father’s house that night, dressed as a page. She’ll carry some money and jewels from the house. Lorenzo decides that he’ll be their torch bearer. Gratiano is delighted to hear about the plan and offers to help them in any manner he can.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary Word Meanings

1. slink away – slip away
2. disguise – dress as someone or something else to hide own identity
3. preparation – arrangement
4. spoke us yet – provided us with
5. vile – disgusting
6. quaintly order’d – done with style
7. furnish us – be ready
8. seem to signify – inform you
9. know the hand – recognize the handwriting
10. by your leave – with your permission
11. bid – invite
12. masque – a procession in which the participants wear masks
13. some hour hence – in an hour
14. furnished – supplied
15. page’s suit – uniform of a boy servant to a person of high rank
16. foot – path
17. cross her foot – come in her way
18. issue – offspring
19. faithless – one who doesn’t believe in Christianity
20. peruse – study.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 4 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Lorenzo :
I must needs tell thee all. She hath directed
How I shall take her from her father’s house;
What gold and jewels she is furnish’d with;
What page’s suit she hath in readiness.
If e’er the Jew her father come to heaven,
It will be for his gentle dauther’s sake;
And never dare misfortune cross herfoot,
Unless she do it under this excuse,
That she is issue to a faithless Jew.
Come, go with me : peruse this as thou goest.
Fair Jessica shall be my torch-bearer.

Question 1.
Where is Lorenzo now? Who else is with him? What are they preparing for?
Answer:
Lorenzo is on the street outside the house of Shylock. Gratiano is with him. They are preparing for a masque, as they are going to celebrate that night at Bassanio’s masquerade dinner party.

Question 2.
What is a masque? What have they not arranged, so far?
Answer:
A masque is a procession in which all the guests participate in disguise, covering their faces with masks. They have not been able to arrange for the torch bearers for the masque.

Question 3.
What does Lorenzo want to inform Gratiano? Explain in detail.
Answer:
Lorenzo wants to inform Gratiano about the plan of eloping with Jessica. Jessica has informed him through the letter that how he should take her from her father’s house, what gold and jewels, she would be taking, and about the dress of the page she would be wearing.

Question 4.
Who is the ‘Jew, her father’? On what condition can he go to heaven?
Answer:
The ‘Jew, her father’ is Shylock. According to Lorenzo, it is only the fact that gentle and loving Jessica is his daughter, who can work as a passport for Shylock to go to heaven.

Question 5.
For what reason can misfortune ‘cross her foot’? Explain ’faithless Jew’.
Answer:
Lorenzo prays that no misfortune should cross the way of Jessica. If it happens, it’ll be only because of the fault, that her father is a faithless Jew which means a non-believer; one who doesn’t believe in Christianity.

Question 6.
What decision does Lorenzo make at the end of the scene? What does he ask Gratiano to peruse as they go?
Answer:
Lorenzo decides that Jessica will be dressed as a page, and he will be their torchbearer for the masque. He asks Gratiano to read the message sent by Jessica.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 3 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 3 Summary

This scene is set in Shylock’s house. This introduces the sub-plot of Lorenzo- Jessica love story. Launcelot comes to take his leave from Shylock, but finds his master’s daughter, Jessica, sitting alone in the house. She is sad to know Launcelot is leaving but understands the reason.

She says that he had brought some cheer to the house which is as oppressive as hell. She also asks him to deliver a letter to Lorenzo, her lover. Launcelot sadly bids farewell to the sweet Jew and is happy that she is going to run away with a Christian. After the clown goes, Jessica reveals that she is ashamed of being Shylock’s daughter.

She has only ‘blood1 in common with her father. She says that if she succeeds in running away, she’ll marry Lorenzo and become a Christian. The scene exposes the conflict between her father and her love for Lorenzo.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 3 Summary Word Meanings

1. taste – part
2. tediousness – boredom
3. exhibit – inhibit my tongue
4. pagan – non¬believer in Christianity
5. play the knave – be dishonest
6. deceived – cheated
7. drops – tears
8. spirit – courage
9. heinous – evil
10. strife – conflict.

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

1. Jessica :
I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so.
Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
But fare thee well; there is a ducat for thee
And, Launcelot, soon at supper shalt thou see
Lorenzo, who is thy new master’s guest:
Give him this letter—do it secretly.
And so farewell; I would not have my father
See me in talk with thee.

Question 1.
Where is Jessica now? Whom is she addressing? Why has this person come here, at this moment?
Answer:
Jessica is in her father’s house now. She is addressing Launcelot as the ‘merry clown’. He has come there to take leave of his hitherto master, Shylock as he is joining his new master Bassanio.

Question 2.
Explain the meaning of ‘Didst rob of it some taste of tediousness’.
Answer:
Jessica means that the jokes and pranks of the country clown had made the atmosphere of the house a little better than hell. He made her life cheerful.

Question 3.
What does Jessica request the other person to do? What does she gives him?
Answer:
Jessica gives Launcelot a gold coin and requests him to deliver a letter secretly to Lorenzo, whom he’ll be meeting at Bassanio’s dinner.

Question 4.
What does this extract show about the character of Jessica?
Answer:
The extract shows that Jessica is a generous person and has true affection for the clown. She is unhappy with the cruelty of her father and finds her house to be a veritable hell. She is troubled by her conscience, as she wants to leave her father to marry a Christian. She is neither loyal to her father nor her religion.

Question 5.
In what way is her character contrasted with that of Portia?
Answer:
Portia is shown as a lady of high character who has great reverence for her dead father. She is willing to follow the instructions of her father regarding her marriage. Jessica is ashamed to call Shylock, her father as she is fed up on the contrary, of his harsh ways. She is going to elope with a Christian even if she knows that it will be a terrible blow to her father.

2. Launcelot :
Adieu ! tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful pagan, most
sweet Jew ! If a Christian do not play the knave and get thee, I
am much deceived But, adieu ! These foolish drops do something
drown my manly spirit: Adieu !

Question 1.
Why does Launcelot say Adieu? What is the humour in the first line of the extract?
Answer:
Launcelot has decided to leave Shylock’s house and has come now to bid farewell. He sees Jessica and bids her adieu. The humour is provided by Launcelot’s tendency to use the wrong words in place of similar sounding correct words. Here he uses ‘exhibit’ instead of inhibit. He actually wants to say that his tears are preventing him from using his tongue.

Question 2.
Why does the speaker calls Jessica, a pagan and sweet Jew.
Answer:
Christians considered everyone from other religion than Christianity as a non-believer or pagan. Launcelot also has the same prejudice and hence he calls Jessica pagan, as she is a Jew. But since she is good and he likes her a lot, he calls her sweet.

Question 3.
Explain the meaning of ‘If a Christian do not play the knave and. get thee, I am much deceived.’
Answer:
Launcelot wants Lorenzo to be dishonest enough to take away Jessica, without the permission of her father. If Lorenzo, the Christian does not play the cheating game, Launcelot, will feel cheated. He wanted Lorenzo to acquire Jessica as his wife.

Question 4.
What does the speaker mean by, ‘These foolish drops do something drown my manly spirit’?
Answer:
Launcelot feels sad to leave Jessica. He feels that if he stays longer, his tears will make him look less manly.

Question 5.
What does Jessica say to herself, soon after this extract?
Answer:
Jessica says that it is a deadly sin to feel ashamed of her own father. She was a daughter to him only in blood but not in manners. If Lorenzo keeps his promise, she was ready to be his wife and become a Christian. In this way, she would be able to finally make a choice between her loyalty to her father and love for Lorenzo.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 2 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 2 Summary

The scene shifts to Venice and it offers a humorous relief. Launcelot Gobo, the clown, dominates this scene. As the scene opens, the clown is debating with himself whether to continue with Shylock or not. A ‘fiend’ urges him to leave his present employment. His conscience urges him to be loyal to his master and stick on.

Ultimately, he decides to run away. The comic situation builds up when Old Gobo makes his appearance. The blind father does not recognize his son at first. He seeks direction to Shylock’s house without realizing that the dim image before him is his son.

Launcelot gives him crazy directions where he would meet ‘Master Launcelot’. Continuing the joke, he tells old gobo that Master Launcelot is dead. After much clowning and double talk, he finally reveals his identity and kneels before his father for blessings. Bassanio enters. The two Gobos intimate him of the plan of Launcelot leaving the service of Shylock. Bassanio is ready to employ him.

He orders for new livery for Launcelot. Gratiano enters, seeking to go to Belmont with Bassanio. Bassanio agrees thinking that Gratiano will curb his high spirits; Gratiano suggests revelry before they leave and Bassanio consents. All look forward to festivity.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 2 Summary Word Meanings

1. fiend – devil
2. heed – care
3. aforesaid – said before
4. scorn – contemptuous
5. pack – go
6. hanging-heart – clinging to heart
7. budge – move
8. ruled – guided
9. reverence – respect
10. incarnation – in human form
11. sand-blind – half blind
12. high-gravel blind – almost completely blind
13. marry – by the Virgin Mary
14. sonties – saints, raise the waters – bring tears
15. ergo – therefore
16. the sisters three – the sisters of fates or destinies
17. staff – support
18. cudgel – short stick for support
19. hovel post – main support of a poor building
20. fill-horse – cart horse
21. famished – starved
22. liveries – uniforms
23. hasted – speeded up
24. at the farthest – at the latest
25. anon – at once
26. gramerci – many thanks
27. infection – wrong word used for affection
28. cater-cousins – good friends
29. fructify – wrongly used for notify
30. suit – request
31. impertinent – relevant
32. defect – used for effect
33. preferment – promotion
34. guarded – more ornamented
35. table – palm
36. trifle – unimportant
37. maids – unmarried girls
38. peril – danger
39. wench – lady
40. besto’wd – placed in the boat
41. hie – hurry
42. yonder – over there
43. rude – unmannerly
44. bold – loud
45. parts – qualities
46. pray – request
47. allay – moderate
48. skipping – playful
49. misconstrued – misunderstood
50. wear – carry
51. demurely – grave
52. civility – good manners
53. bearing – conduct
54. gauge – judge
55. suit of mirth – party dress or amusing manner
56. purpose – intend
57. merriment – enjoyment.

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

1. Launcelot:
To be ruled by my
conscience, I should stay with the Jew my master, who (God bless the mark !)
is a king of devil; and, to run away from the
Jew, I should be ruled by the fiend, who (saving your reverence)
is the devil himself. Certainly, the Jew is the very devil
incarnation; and, in my conscience, my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience, the offer to counsel me to stay with the Jew. The fiend gives the more friendly counsel: I will run, fiend; my heels
are at your commandment; I will run.

Question 1.
Where is the speaker now? Who is he? Who is the ‘Jew my master’?
Answer:
The speaker is on a street in Venice. Launcelot is the typical country clown whom the Elizabethans loved watching in plays. The Jew is Shylock, under whom Launcelot is employed.

Question 2.
What is the conflict going on in the speaker’s mind? What do you think is the reason for his confusion?
Answer:
The conflict in his mind is whether to be loyal to Shylock and continue working for him or run away. The reason, to a great extent is racial discrimination. He doesn’t like being under a Jew. Moreover, Bassanio has offered his hires to him and he feels that life under the English man will be more easy, respectful and better paid.

Question 3.
Why is the Jew called a ‘devil’s incarnation?
Answer:
Launcelot says that the very devil has taken the form of Shylock who is a Jew, a miser and a bad master. This marks the racial discrimination the Christians had for the Jews, they consider them as the monsters of cruelty.

Question 4.
Give the meaning of, ‘I should be ruled by the fiend’ and ‘a kind of hard conscience’ and ‘my heels are at your command’
Answer:
Launcelot’s mind, here, is torn by conflict. His conscience tells him, as he is now employed by Shylock, he should stick with him. He says his conscience is being cruel as it advises him to take the difficult choice. Finally, he gives up Shylock’s service in order to take up a job under Bassanio.

Question 5.
What is the importance of this scene, in regard to the play?
Answer:
This scene offers comic relief after the pompous talks of Prince of Morocco. The scene also makes us think about conscience, loyalty of a servant to a master, false expectations, prejudice and relationship of children with parents.

2. Launcelot :
[Aside] O heavens ! this is my true-begotten father, who, being
more than sand-blind, high gravel-blind, knows me not: I will try
confusions with him.

Question 1.
To whom is Launcelot referring? When does this person makes his entry? What does he have in his hand?
Answer:
Launcelot is referring to his own father, Old Gobo. The old man comes soon after Launcelot makes his decision to leave Shylock’s employment. Old Gobo has a basket in his hand.

Question 2.
Explain the meanings of ‘sand-blind’ and ‘gravel blind’. Of which category is the newcomer?
Answer:
Sand-blind mean half blind and gravel blind means almost completely blind. The newcomer is sand-blind as he can see vaguely. The speaker does not reveal that he is the one his father is looking for and confuses him by referring to Master Launcelot.

Question 3.
What has the speaker decided to do now? What does the new¬comer ask the speaker, at this time? How do you fell about Launcelot’s attitude towards his father in this scene?
Answer:
The speaker decides to confuse the old man. The newcomer asks for the way to Master Jew’s house. At this point of time, we feel that Launcelot is quite cruel to his half-blind father. He doesn’t spare him from his practical jokes. He torments him by telling him that his son is dead. The scene also shows his desire to be considered as a gentleman, so he insists that his father calls him, ‘Master Launcelot’.

Question 4.
How does the speaker confuse the newcomer?
Answer:
he speaker gives a lot of complicated directions for Shylock’s house, only to distract and confuse him. Then he calls himself Master Launcelot, which makes the old man say that his son is not a Master. Later on he tells his poor father that Master Launcelot is dead, in order to have some fun.

Question 5.
How does this interlude end?
Answer:
After distressing his father for a long time, Launcelot kneels before his father, asking for his blessing. He admits that he is his son. He also tells his father about his decision to run away and join the service of Bassanio.

3. Launcelot :
Well, well : but, for mine own part, as I have set up my rest to
run away, so I will not rest till I have run some ground.

Question 1.
To what comment of Old Gobo does the speaker reply in this manner. Why does he say, ‘I will not rest till I have run some ground’?
Answer:
Old Gobo says that he has brought a gift to Shylock. Launcelot says that his father can do what he likes, but he has decided to run away and he’ll not stop till he has covered some distance.

Question 2.
‘My master is a very Jew’. Comment on the line. According to him what should his father do with the gift?
Answer:
Launcelot says that his master shows the characteristics of a typical Jew; miserly, cruel and cunning. Anti-Semitism or racial prejudice is evident here, as Christians didn’t like Jews and considered them incarnations of the devil. Launcelot wants the gift to be given to Bassanio.

Question 3.
What is the halter? Why does Launcelot say that his father should do? Why?
Answer:
A halter is a rope used for hanging. Launcelot says that his father should present the Jew with a rope; so that he can hang himself with it. Thereby, the world will be rid of one Jew.

Question 4.
Why does the speaker refer to his ribs? What do you think is the importance of the character of Launcelot in the play?
Answer:
The speaker tells his father to run his hands over his ribs. He is famished under the service of the Jew, and has become thin like a skeleton that his ribs can be counted. The importance of Launcelot in the play is that he plays the role of the clown and contributes to the mirth with his comments and antics. His humour provides comic relief.

Question 5.
What does he say about Bassanio at this time?
Answer:
The speaker says that Bassanio will give him new uniform. If he can’t join his service, he’ll run to the end of the world.

4. Bassanio :
I know thee well; Thou hast obtain’d thy suit:
Shylock thy master spoke with me this day,
And hath preferr’d thee, if it be preferment
To leave a rich Jew’s service, to become
The follower of so poor a gentleman.

Question 1.
Who is the ‘thee’ in the extract? What had Shylock told about the thee?
Answer:
The ‘thee’ in the extract refers to Launcelot Gobo. Shylock had referred Launcelot to Bassanio, saying that he is a lazy fellow who knows only to eat and sleep.

Question 2.
Explain the meaning of the extract.
Answer:
Bassanio says that he knows Launcelot as he had talked to him earlier. Shylock had recommended him to Bassanio. Bassanio wonders if it is wise on the part of Launcelot to leave the rich Jew and join a poor man’s service.

Question 3.
What proverb is quoted as an answer to this speech of Bassanio?
Answer:
Launcelot quotes the proverb ‘you have the grace of God and he hath enough’. He means, the Jew has enough wealth but Bassanio has reputation of being very generous and liberal. Bassanio is blessed by God.

Question 4.
What instructions are given by Bassanio, soon after this? What does this show of his character?
Answer:
Bassanio tells Gobo to go on and take leave of the Jew. He tells his servants to arrange for liveries for Launcelot and well-decorated ones as he is going to be in a better position. This shows the generous nature of Bassanio. He looks after his retinue well.

Question 5.
Just after this extract, Launcelot has predicted certain things for himself by looking at his palm. What are they?
Answer:
By looking at his palm, Launcelot predicts he’ll have a good fortune and fifteen wives. He’ll escape drowning thrice and the danger of falling over the side of a feather bed.

5. Gratiano :
Signior Bassanio, hear me :
If I do not put on a sober habit,
Talk with respect, and swear but now and then,
Wear prayer-books in my pocket, look demurely,
Nay more, while grace is saying, hood mine eyes Thus with my hat, and sigh, and say ‘amen’,
Use all the observance of civility,
Like one well studied in a sad ostent To please his grandam, never trust me more.

Question 1.
Where is the speaker now? What had the speaker requested Bassanio a little earlier?
Answer:
The Speaker is now on a street in Venice. Gratiano had earlier requested Bassanio to take him along to Belmont, in his visit.

Question 2.
What had Bassanio accused Gratiano, a little while ago? Why should Gratiano change his habits? What changes should Gratiano make in his behavior and why?
Answer:
Bassanio had accused Gratiano that he was too wild, too rude and too loud. These characteristics suit his personality and his friends do not mind his behaviour; but outside the friend circle, it may be considered too liberal, hence he should mend his habits if he is going to Belmont. Bassanio tells Gratiano to moderate his speech, be more decent and in a playful spirit. If he doesn’t do so, it may affect Bassanio’s chances of making a favourable impression on Portia.

Question 3.
What is the result of this speech? Why is Gratiano requested to be merry at dinner?
Answer:
Gratiano promises to behave modestly, talk with politeness, swear rarely, carry a prayer book in his pocket and look sober in his outlook. He will show all the manners of a civilized society, observing all manners that would please his grandmother. Bassanio requests Gratiano to be in his happiest mood and enjoy with all the friends.

Question 4.
Gratiano appears in a different mood in Belmont. Describe that mood.
Answer:
Gratiano’s behavior in Belmont was entirely different. He did not utter anything that would have shocked Portia. Being such a vivacious and witty person, he proved that, he could be quiet and grave when required.

Question 5.
What does Gratiano mean by ‘sober habit’ and ‘sad ostent’?
Answer:
‘Sober habit’ means decent manners and etiquettes. ‘Sad ostent’ means serious appearance.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 1 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 1 Summary

This scene gives a comic relief to its audiences. After the intense conversation between Shylock and Antonio, in Venice, the audience gets transported to Belmont, where they are treated with a comic scene. The scene begins with the entry of Prince of Morocco. Portia, Nerissa and other ladies in waiting, are already present. For the first time, the audience is being introduced to one of Portia’s suitors.

The prince tells Portia not to dislike him because of his complexion. His blood is as red as that of any other suitor. He boasts that many men fear him and many virgins love him. Portia assures him that he is as ’fair’ as any of his suitors and he will get an equal chance as everything depends on the lottery. He is skilled in the use of the sword. He slew the king of Persia and has thrice defeated Turkey’s Sultan.

He is brave enough to confront a she bear, even if her cubs were taken away from her, and can face a lion on his way to search for a prey. The Prince doubts whether the bad fortune may make him choose the wrong casket and Portia may go to one not worthy as himself. Portia repeats the terms of her father’s will and tells him he’ll have to stick to the condition of never marrying if he chooses the wrong casket, to which the Prince agrees.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 1 Summary Word Meanings

1. mislike – dislike
2. shadow’d livery – dark uniform
3. burnish’d – burning bright
4. near bred – closely related
5. fairest – most handsome
6. Phoebus – Sun God
7. thaws – melts
8. incision – cut
9. valiant – brave
10. hue – colour
11. clime – climate
12. nice direction – influence
13. destiny – luck
14. bars – forbids
15. scanted – restricted
16. scimitar – short sword
17. outstare – look defiantly into the eyes
18. Hercules – superman of Greek mythology
19. the greater throw – winning throw
20. Alicides – another name for Hercules
21. blind fortune – reference to goddess fortune who is blind folded
22. grieving – feeling acutely sad
23. be advis’d – be warned
24. chance – trial
25. hazard – gamble
26. temple- chapel.

The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 1 Summary Questions and Answers

1. Prince of Morocco :
Mislike me not for my complexion,
The shadow’d livery of the burnish’d sun.
To whom I am a neighbour, and near bred.
Bring me the fairest creature northward born,
Where Phoebus’fire scarce thaws the icicles,
And let us make incision for your love,
To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.
I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine
Hath fear’d the valiant;

Question 1.
Who is the speaker? Where is he? Who else are there in the scene?
Answer:
The speaker is Prince of Morocco, one of the suitors of Portia. He is at present at Belmont. Portia, Nerissa and other ladies are there.

Question 2.
Explain the reference to Phoebus. Explain, ‘scarce thaws the icicle’.
Answer:
Phoebus is the Sun God. Its rays in Morocco are strong enough to darken the skin. The speaker says that people of European countries are very fair, as the sun rays do not have the heat to melt the icicles.

Question 3.
Why should the incision be made?
Answer:
The speaker wants to prove, that in spite of his dark skin, Portia should not consider him inferior. His blood is as red as that of any European, and his love will be as strong as that of any other. Since the contest is for Portia’s love, they should have a bloodletting test and he will come out as a winner.

Question 4.
Give the meaning of the last two lines of the extract what does this prove about his character?
Answer:
The Prince of Morocco has the habit of boasting about his own qualities. The Prince says that “his appearance has filled many a valiant person with fear”. He boasts that he is a man of exceptional strength and even the bravest soldiers have felt his courage.

Question 5.
On what condition would he change his hue?
Answer:
The prince says that he has no problem with his complexion. Men fear him and maidens love him. He loves his complexion and will not exchange it, unless it was to gain Portia’s attention.

2. Prince of Morocco :
But, alas the while ! 
If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
Which is the better man, the greater throw
May turn by fortune from the weaker hand :
So is Alcides beaten by his page;
And so may I, blind fortune leading me,
Miss that which one unworthier may attain,
And die with grieving.

Question 1.
Why does the Prince of Morocco says, ‘but alas, the while’?
Answer:
Morocco is anxious whether he would make the right choice or not, as the whole situation is a matter of chance and it totally depends on luck. So he sighs alas!

Question 2.
Explain the reference to Hercules and Lichas. What could happen if they played at dice?
Answer:
The prince of Morocco cites the instance of the famous hero Hercules and his servant Lichas. If they would have played a game of dice, a game of

chance, which is unpredictable. Hercules, the brave man may be defeated, and the servant Lichas might win. In the similar manner, Prince of Morocco might fail and the person not as worthy as him will win portia’s hand.

Question 3.
What were Morocco’s achievements with his ’scimitar’? What other acts of bravery is the Prince willing to do, in order to prove his courage?
Answer:
Morocco killed Shah of Persia and conquered a Persian prince who had defeated Sultan of Turkey thrice. The prince is willing to take away the cubs from the mother bear and challenge the hungry lion roaring for his prey to win Portia’s hand.

Question 4.
Why is fortune said to be blind? Explain ‘die with grieving’.
Answer:
The goddess of Fortune is depicted as blindfolded, as she disperses her favor in an unpredictable manner. One doesn’t know who will be favored by her and who will run out of favor. Morocco says that if he doesn’t get Portia, he’ll die with grief.

Question 5.
What does Portia tell him before he decided to make the choice of caskets? Where does she want to take him?
Answer:
Portia tells him that he could either decide not to make the choice of caskets and go away, or if he loses, swear that he would never propose any lady. She asks him to carefully think before making his decision.

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The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 3 Summary Workbook Answers

The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 3 Summary

Again, the scene shifts to a public place in Venice. The audience is brought back to the world of business and hard talk. Shylock, one of the most complex characters in English Literature, is introduced here. The scene completes the exposition that started with the bond story when Antonio agrees to Shylock’s demand of a pound of flesh.
Bassanio meets Shylock and asks for a loan of three thousand ducats on Antonio’s credit.

Shylock considers that since Antonio’s riches Eire at the mercy of the sea, he’s ‘a good man’ and if fortune wills, he can make some money. When Bassanio invites him to dine with Antonio, Shylock refuses as it’s his principle not to dine with Christians. Antonio makes his appearance and at the very sight of the merchant Shylock is filled with loath.

Antonio has always criticized him for taking interest on the money lent. Many a time Antonio has insulted the Jew, spat on him and called him a dog. Shylock considers it as a good opportunity to take his revenge against the Christians.

So he says, he wants Antonio’s friendship and will advance the money without interest. But he wants to make the transaction a merry sport’ and a penalty clause is to be inserted by way of a bond. If Antonio is unable to repay the borrowed money, Shylock would cut a pound of flesh from any part of his body. Bassanio is worried about Shylock’s intentions, but Antonio expresses his happiness as the usurer is turning into a Christian. Antonio is confident that his ship’s cargo will be sold by that time, and he will be able to settle the debt.

The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 3 Summary Word Meanings

1. ducats – Venetian gold coins
2. be bound – will stand as guarantee
3. stead – supply
4. imputation – allegation
5. in supposition – at risk
6. argosy – merchant ship
7. Rialto – Venetian Stock Exchange
8. squandered – scattered lavishly
9. bethink – think it over
10. fawning – servile
11. publican – tax collector
12. gratis – free of interest
13. sacred nation – Jewish tribe
14. rails – abuses
15. congregate – gather
16. bargains – business deals
17. debating – calculating
18. present store – ready money
19. gross – full amount
20. Hebrew – Jew
21. furnish – supply
22. albeit – although
23. excess – interest
24. ripe – pressing
25. wrought – schemed
26. third possessor – third in line of possession
27. compromis’d – agreed
28. eanlings – new born lambs
29. streak’d and pied – with fleeces of two colours
30. thrive – succeed
31. thrift – profit
32. swayed and fashioned – controlled and shaped
33. holy witness – biblical arguments
34. goodly – pleasant
35. beholding – indebted
36. rated – abused
37. usances – money deals
38. sufferance – long suffering
39. badge – characteristic
40. gabardine – loose cloak
41. void your rheum – spit
42. cur – stray dog
43. bondman’s key – like a bond man in the tone of a slave
44. bated breath – holding breath in a suppressed manner
45. spum’d – rejected
46. exact – take
47. doit – interest
48. notary – lawyer for drawing up contracts
49. nominated – named
50. forfeiture – penalty
51. adieu – good-bye
52. merry bond – a pleasant joke
53. unthrifty knave – irresponsible servant
54. dismay – reason for anxiety.

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

1. Bassanio: Be assured you may.
Shylock: I will be assured I may; and, that I may be assured, I will be think me.
May I speak with Antonio?
Bassanio: If it please you to dine with us.
Shylock: Yes, to smell pork; to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into. I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you. What news on the Rialto? Who is he comes here?

Question 1.
Where is Shylock and Bassanio at this time? What is the purpose of their meeting?
Answer:
The characters are in a public place in Venice. Bassanio has come to ask Shylock whether he will lend three thousand ducats for which Antonio will stand as security, or not.

Question 2.
Why does Bassanio say, use assured you may?” What has Shylock said earlier about Antonio’s ventures?
Answer:
Bassanio approaches Shylock to lend him three thousand ducats, for which Antonio will stand as a surety. Shylock says that since Antonio’s merchandise is in various ships, and anything may happen to the ships, Shylock is hesitant, and Bassanio assures him that he can take the bond from Antonio; he won’t stand to lose.

Question 3.
Why is Shylock invited to dinner? Why was the invitation not accepted?
Answer:
Shylock is invited for dinner to meet Antonio who will stand as a credit for the loan taken. The invitation was not accepted as it is the Jew’s principle, to not to dine with the Christians. They eat pork which is forbidden for Jews.

Question 4.
Explain the reference to Nazarite.
Answer:
Jesus of Nazarite released the devils from a possessed man to inhabit the bodies of a herd of pigs.

Question 5.
What all Shylock would not do with Christians? What is the one thing he would do? To whom does the last line refer to?
Answer:
Shylock would not eat, drink or pray with a Christian but he could talk with them, walk with them and do business with them. The last line of the extract refers to Antonio who has come to meet them.

Question 6.
What does Shylock say ‘aside’ about Antonio when he enters the scene?
Answer:
Shylock hates Antonio and says in an aside that he looks like a fawning tax-collector. He hates him because he is a Christian and also because he foolishly lends money without interest thereby affecting the business of others in Venice. He will get a chance to catch hold of Antonio, if he fails to pay the borrowed money in time.

Question 7.
Explain:
(a) Rialto
(b) Conjured
(c) habitation
Answer:
(a) Rialto is the market place or stock exchange of Venice.
(b) Conjured up refers to the incident in which Jesus of Nazarite, by magic, transferred the devil from the body of the possessed person, into the body of pigs.
(c) Habitation refers to the body of the pig, the home of the devil. He says he’ll not eat pork or pig as Jews consider it as a sin.

2. Antonio :
This was a venture, sir, that Jacob serv’d for;
A thing not in his power to bring to pass,
But sway’d and fashion’d by the hand of heaven.
Was this inserted to make interest good ?
Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams ?

Question 1.
What makes Antonio refer to Jacob?
Answer:
Shylock citesa biblical story of Jacob and Uncle Leban to prove that there is nothing wrong in charging an interest. In response to this, Antonio refers to Jacob in order to prove that he became prosperous not because he had the power to arrange the birth of streaked and spotted lambs but because of God’s will who decided and directed the whole thing.

Question 2.
Which story form the Bible is being referred by Shylock? Why does he do that?
Answer:
Shylock narrates a biblical story, which says that when Jacob the prophet went to look after the sheep of his uncle Leban, an agreement was made between the two. It was decided that Jacob would receive all the lambs born with spots and stripes. During breeding season, Jacob placed wooden rods on the ground, so that their shadows would fall on the sheep. Almost all the lambs were born with spots and stripes and Jacob profited by his trick. He did this in order to justify his practice of charging interest.

Question 3.
According to the extract, what was swayed and fashioned by the hand of heaven?
Answer:
According to the extract, the birth of lambs with spots and stripes was swayed (controlled) and fashioned (shaped) by the will of God.

Question 4.
With what are ewes and rams compared? What is the tone of Antonio, when he refers to them?
Answer:
The ewes and rams are compared to gold and silver coins. Antonio is sarcastic when he asks whether Shylock mentioned the ewes and rams to justify his taking an interest. Did he expect the coins to multiply like the animals.

Question 5.
What does Antonio tell about Shylock, when he talks to Bassanio, just after this extract?
Answer:
Antonio calls Shylock a devil and says that the villain can quote scriptures to justify his evil purpose. A bad man producing holy arguments is like a villain with a smiling face. He is like a fine looking apple, all rotten inside. Falsehood does have a fine appearance.

3. Shylock :
Signior Antonio, many a time and oft
In the Rialto you have rated me
About my moneys and my usancess:
Still have I borne it with a patient shrug,
For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe.
You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog,
And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine.
And all for use of that which is mine own.

Question 1.
Bring out the meaning of the extract.
Answer:
When Antonio asks whether, Shylock would oblige him with three thousand ducats, Shylock gets an opportunity to vent out his feelings. He says that Antonio had abused him in Rialto about his money and his money-lending practices. He had endured the insults patiently as endurance is the characteristic of his race. Antonio had called him a non-believer, murderous dog, spat on his cloak, all because he used his money to advantage. Well, now it appears that Antonio is in need of the same money which he had made fun of.

Question 2.
What’s the significance of the reference to ‘our tribe’?
Answer:
‘Our tribe’ is with reference to the Jews, whom the Christians hated. Shakespeare here refers to the racial prejudice that has been existed for years. Christians considered them as non-believers, cut-throats, and uncultured lot.

Question 3.
Apart from the instances mentioned in the extract, what other acts of insult had Antonio shown to Shylock?
Answer:
Apart from the insults mentioned in the extract, Shylock says that, Antonio had spat on his beard, and kicked him as he would kick a stray dog.

Question 4.
How does Antonio reply to this speech of Shylock? What kindness does Shylock offer a little later? Do you think this is kindness? Give your reason.
Answer:
Antonio again calls Shylock a dog, spit on him and push him aside. It is a business transaction they are doing and Shylock should lend the money as to an enemy because a friend would never expect profit when he lends money.

As an enemy, Shylock can claim penalty from him if he fails to repay. Shylock, offers to show kindness by not taking any interest. I don’t think it’s kindness as he has the ulterior motive of killing Antonio by taking his flesh.

Question 5.
Whom does Shylock asks Antonio to meet and why?
Answer:
Shylock asks Antonio to meet the lawyer and put his signature on the bond drawn between them that he’ll not take any interest in the form of money as an act of kindness.

4. Antonio :
I am as like to call thee so again,
To spit on thee again, to spurn thee too.
If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not
As to thy friends, for when did friendship take
A breed for barren metal of his friend?
But lend it rather to thine enemy;
Who if he break, thou may’st with better face
Exact the penalty.

Question 1.
Whom is Antonio addressing to? What is the occasion ?
Answer:
Antonio is addressing Shylock. When Antonio asked Shylock for a loan of three thousand ducats for his friend, Shylock reminded him how he had been insulting him in private and public for his usury. Antonio told him that he would always behave with him in that manner irrespective of whether he gives a loan or not.

Question 2.
Why does Antonio say ‘to spit on thee again’?
Answer:
Antonio says this because of his communal prejudice and personal hatred for Shylock; he would continue his negative attitude towards him.

Question 3.
Explain :
(a) A breed for barren metal
(b) If he breaks
Answer:
(a) A breed of barren metal’ implies interest on a loan of money. Money is regarded to be barren since it cannot breed like Laban’s sheep and cattle.
(b) ‘If he breaks’ means that if he fails to pay back his loans.

Question 4.
Do you think Antonio himself is guilty of hardening the attitude of the person he is addressing? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Antonio, to a large extent is guilty of hardening the attitude of Shylock. Firstly, he says that he would continue insulting the Jew. Secondly, he urges him to advance this loan to an enemy, not to a friend. Thirdly, it was he who suggested that if he failed to repay the loan, Shylock was free to impose any penalty on him.

Question 5.
What penalty does the other person propose?
Answer:
Shylock proposed to sign a bond according to which he would be entitled to a pound of Antonio’s flesh if he failed to pay back the money on time.