The Merchant of Venice Act 1

Who is Shylock?

"a rich Jew" (usurer)

What are the terms of the contract?

3,000 ducats ($450,00) in three months, paid by Antonio

pun

A play on words

Characterize the relationship between Ant and Shylock in this scene. How has Ant treated Shylock in the past? How might that be indicative of the relationship between Jews and Christians in the time period?

Antonio and Shylock are enemies. Ant has been terrible to Shylock in the past, mocking him in public and sabotaging his business. Christians resent Jews because they have all the money

Who is Antonio? What tone does he convey in this opening lines?

Antonio is a merchant in Venice. He is anxious, lost, bothered. He's unsettled, something is troubling him.

Characterize Antonio through his response to Bassanio's request. What does he say, and what does that show about him?

Antonio is honest with Bassanio and says he has money tied up at sea but he has enough to help him. He's saying 'whatever you need', this show Ant as very gracious.

Who is Bassanio?

Antonio's friend + a suitor of Portia

How is Bassanio characterized through his own explanation beginning "tis not unknown to you, Antonio/ How much I have disabled mine estate"?

Bass is in debt. Later led to believe he is honorable

What is Bassanio's plan to pay back. Antonio and rest of his debts? Why does he need Antonio's help?

Bassanio plans to marry Portia He needs money to get to her

Why does Antonio agree to the "merry bond"? What is ironic about this?

His ships are due back in 2 months, one full month before the loan must be paid. This anticipates their safe arrival + return of three times the amount of the loan from his investments

dramatic irony

Irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play

What is the effect of Shylock's aside? How does it build dramatic irony?

It reveals Shylock's true intentions to the audience. Wants to finally get the upper hand and settle his ancient grudge (foreshadowing)

An example of dramatic irony that emerges in the scene with Portia and Nerissa

Portia already knows Bassanio but doesn't know he's trying to become a suitor

Who is Portia? Who is Nerissa?

Portia is a rich heiress Nerissa is her waiting maid as well as close friend

How is Portia characterized through her initial line and Nerissa's response?

Portia is characterized as being arrogant and picky, critical, and entitled

What conflict does Portia face?

Portia is not allowed to choose who she will many

How does Portia feel about the suitors who have arrived for her thus far?

She does not like any of the suitors

To what potential causes do Salerio and Salanio attribute Antonio's emotional state?

The Sals believe he's fearing the sinking of his ship, They think he's in love.

Who is Gratiano and how is he characterized?

a friend of Antonio and Bassanio he's a humorous character that talks way too much

What is the setting of Act 1 Scene 1?

a street in Venice, Italy

What is a possible effect of Shylock's use of repetition of the word "well" in the beginning of scene 3

he could be surprised, uncertain, maybe judgmental (could mean a lot of debt for them, good for shylock)