English Summary

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

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.

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

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.

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.