merchant of venis

Scene Four

1. What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio? Lorenzo thinks Antonio is loyal and a good friend to Bassanio
2. What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do?While the men are away, she'll go away in hiding with Nerissa until they come back.
3. What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why?
   Look after the house while she is away because Nerissa will be going with her and Bassanio isn't there either
4. Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike? Portia thinks that friends who spend a lot of time together and really care for each other become similar people, so because Antonio and Bassanio are such good friends, they must be similar in personality.
5. Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men?To make sure no attention is drawn to them, to not let people know who they are.
6. In A3S4 L 60-78, how does Portia describe the behaviour and attitudes of young men? They try to show off and lie about things they've done to make themselves look better. 
7. Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected behaviour of a wife?
   Yes, mostly, as seen in previous scenes, she seems willing to be faithful and submissive to Bassanio

Scene Five

1. In his jokey conversation with Jessica, why is Launcelot against the conversion of Jews to Christianity?Because if every Jew converted to Christianity and started eating pork, the price of all things related to pork will go up.
2. What is Jessica’s opinion of Portia?Jessica thinks Portia is a blessing, a goddess on earth. We know this as she says "Past all expressing. It is very meet, the Lord Bassanio live an upright life, for having such a blessing in his lady, he finds the joys of heaven here on earth."

Character Study - Shylock

Make a list of the insults and names Shylock has been called in the text so far.
Devil, Misbeliever, Cutthroat dog, A cur, a merry devil, A villain with a smiling cheek, a goodly apple rotten at the heart, 
Find lines/quotes in the text that show Shylock’s hurt, his rage, his loneliness.

Do you think he cares more about losing the ducats or his daughter? Give evidence to support your thinking. 

Shylock is powerless to get back his daughter or his ducats but Antonio is now in his power. Find the first mention of revenge. Do you think his thoughts of revenge are justified? Give reasons.


A3S1 lines 54-62. What sentiment is Shylock trying to express here, do you find sympathy for him here?


Choose one ‘Hath not..’ quote and explain it.