The Merchant of Venice

What is a ghetto?

a quarter of a city in which Jews were formerly required to live

Shakespeare also made sure that his plays included enough ___ to keep just about anyone interested.

action and excitement

What is often called "the longest hatred"?

antisemitism

What are the messages from the caskets in?

couplets

Since the Globe has no artificial lighting or heat, performances were given in ___.

daylight in warmer weather

As a playwright, he wanted to explore ___, to understand how different people deal with ___.

human behaviors; universal problems

With the Renaissance came a renewal of interest in ___.

individual human achievement

There was a lack of what in Shakespeare's plays?

scenery

Shakespeare's father was a ___

tanner and glove-maker

What is Rialto?

the business district of Venice, where the merchants meet

What is the most troubling aspect of the play?

the pound of flesh the Shylock seeks from Antonio

By the end of the 16th century, London has more ___ than any other city in Europe

theaters

How could the audience envision where the scene was taking place?

through dialogue

What does it say on the lead casket?

"Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath."

What does it say on the gold casket?

"Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire."

What does it say on the silver casket?

"Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves."

How do Shylock (the Jew) and Antonio (the Merchant) represent opposites in The Merchant Of Venice?

-One being a Christian and other is a Jew -one is money borrower and other is a money-lender -one is more generous while the other is more greedy

In the aside that follows, what do we learn of Shylock's real feelings toward Antonio? For what three reasons does he feel this way?

-because Antonio is a Christian -because Antonio undercuts Shylock's business by lending money without charging interest -Antonio hates Jews

How would you describe thee stereotype of the Jew in Shakespeare's England?

-immensely wealthy -covertly pulled strings of an enormous intellectual network of Capital and goods -poisoned wells and responsible for spreading the bubonic plague -secretly plotting an apocalyptic war against the Christians

What are three of the acts of which Jews have been accused over the ages?

-the murder of Jesus -poisoning wells -the ritual murder of Christian children

When did Elizabeth reign?

1558 to 1603

The conversation at the opening of this scene seems to make little sense until we learn that the young men are preparing for a masque. What is a masque, and what do they need a torchbearer for?

A masque is a party in which everyone attends wearing a costume. The conversation suggests that a torchbearer will complete the costumed scene they intend to present on their arrival.

When is the first time we see Shylock?

Act I scene iii

In 1582, Shakespeare married ___ and they had three children:___.

Anne Hathaway; Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith

Who is the Merchant of Venice?

Antonio

What is Antonio's reaction? Bassanio's reaction?

Antonio agrees to it, assuring himself and Bassanio that he will have the money to pay back the loan well before it is due. Bassanio, on the other hand, objects. He is afraid the bond is a dangerous one, and that Shylock has a "villain's mind."

What is Antonio's meaning in the following passage? "Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow By taking nor by giving of excess..." Why is Antonio's position on lending money different from that of Shylock?

Antonio never lends nor borrows money where interest is involved. His position is that of the typical Elizabethan who feels lending money for interest is immoral, and no Christian should ever involve himself in such as act. Shylock, on the other hand, sees money-lending as a business, and he sees nothing immoral in the charging of interest.

What is Antonio's response to Shylock?

Antonio says he is likely to do those things to Shylock again. The proposed transaction, he says, has nothing to do with friendship, only money.

When did Shakespeare die and where is he buried?

April 23, 1616; Stratford's Holy Trinity Church

What is Arragon's choice? What does he find in the casket, and how does he seem to respond?

Arragon chooses the silver casket and finds the picture of a fool. At first, he is taken aback, believing himself undeserving of such an insult. Upon further reflection, however, he recognizes himself as the fool, stating he came with one fool's head and now leaves with two.

How is the bond of friendship, love, and money further developed in this scene?

Bassanio has said that he will hurry back from Belmont, so he can repay Antonio, and Antonio tells him not to rush but to concern himself with the courtship of Portia.

Who is "the prodigal Christian," and why does Shylock accept a dinner invitation that he has previously declined?

Bassanio is the "prodigal Christian" because he is wasting the money that he has just borrowed. Shylock is going to his house to enjoy watching him waste the money for which Antonio has pledged a pound of his flesh.

When Gratiano asks Bassanio if he may accompany him to Belmont, what is Bassanio's response?

Bassanio tells Gratiano that he may go with him, but Gratiano needs to tone down his wild and noisy behavior.

Upon opening the casket, Bassanio is overjoyed at seeing the picture and reading the scroll, yet he is anxious. Why?

Bassanio thinks he has won Portia, but he needs to have her confirm this before he will rejoice.

What is Bassanio's plan for getting money to pay off his debts? What is Antonio's response?

Bassanio wants to borrow more money from Antonio, so he can win the hand of Portia, a rich heiress he loves. Antonio responds that he has no immediately available assets, but Bassanio can borrow money and use Antonio for his credit.

A major theme, the relationship between money and love, is first raised by Bassanio in the line which begins, "I owe the most, in money and in love..." What is Bassanio's point in this comment?

Bassanio, who has wasted his own money, owes money to many people, but he owes the most money to his friend Antonio. Antonio has given money to Bassanio freely and generously because of his love for Bassanio. Bassanio makes it clear that he is indebted to Antonio, both in the way of money and in the way of love (friendship).

What was the Costume for a Jew on stage which made him a type?

Costume was an orange wig, a bulbous nose, and a large sinister cape, and Jews were types not people

Who was Shakespeare's first supporter?

Elizabeth I

At this time, London was also the hub of___.

England's growing overseas empire (commercial center)

From the window, Jessica throws the casket to Lorenzo; it contains Shylock's wealth. As she does, she says that she is glad it is night because she is ashamed of her exchange: "But love is blind and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves commit..." What becomes clear only in the last line of that speech? To what exchange is she referring?

For the evening's getaway, Jessica has dressed as a boy. It is this folly to which she refers, and the "exchange' to which she refers is her altered appearance.

What are some malaprops you note in Old Gobbo's comments?

Gobbo uses "infection" for "affection" and "defect" for "effect" and "impertinent" for "important."

Nerissa's idea of happiness is similar to that of the ancient Greeks. According to Nerissa, where does happiness lie?

Happiness is found in the mean, that is, practicing moderation in all things and avoiding excesses and extremes.

In Antonio's comment about the world being a stage, how does he explain his sadness?

He does not care anymore than he should about the world's opinion. He holds no one and nothing to any greater esteem than that is which it ought to he held. When he talks about the stage, he discards another suggestion for why he could be sad. On the stage, Antonio's role is to play the part of a sad person.

Who was Christopher Marlowe and how did he influence Shakespeare?

He was both a contemporary and a professional rival of Shakespeare. He was an extremely controversial and Shylock may have been written as a response to his infamous creation Barabus.

Who was Roderigo Lopez and what is his story?

He was the queen's physician. He was accused of trying to poison the queen as part of a plot hatched by the monarchs of Spain. He was a converted Jew practicing Protestant.

Why would Elizabethan audiences recognize Shylock as a Jew?

He wears a red wig, bulbous nose and huge cape immediately label him as the other and as an outsider, and they represent a stereotype evil, cunning, greed, and at the very core, heartlessness.

How might Shakespeare, himself, had personal experience with money-lending?

His father was accused at least twice of lending money at exorbitant rates, and Shakespeare himself was likely involved with borrowing money.

When Shylock makes the following comments, what is his meaning? "If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him."?

If he can get an advantage on Antonio, Shylock is going to get revenge. This is a metaphor for Shylock and Antonio wrestling, in which Shylock hopes to throw Antonio over his hip to win the match.

Shylock rejects Antonio's notion that he views Antonio as an enemy. Shylock says he will lend the money out of friendship, without charging any interest. What bond does Shylock propose that Antonio fulfill if the loan is not paid in ninety days? In what spirit does he claim he makes this proposal?

If the loan is not repaid on time, Shylock suggests that Antonio forfeit a pound of flesh. Shylock seems to give the impression that he is not completely serious about collecting a pound of flesh, calling the deal "merry sport.

With her response, some critics believe that Portia emphasizes the motif of "love as a form of money." What could be pointed out in this respect?

In addition to mentioning her wealth and wishing it were even greater so that she would have more to give Bassanio, she speaks of herself in the terms an accountant might use: "to stand high in your account... exceed account...full sum of me," etc.

The most famous lines from the play seem to infuse Shylock with some sympathy and humanity. What is the message in those lines?

It is about human dignity stands in contrast, however, the last few lines were a cry for vengeance

What further action do we learn Jessica plans to take when she leaves her father's house? What is Lorenzo's reaction to this news?

Jessica plans to steal Shylock's gold and jewels when she leaves. Lorenzo is pleased and sayfor a part in a masque, but symbolically, she will also lead the way to their future together.s if Shylock gets to heaven it will be thanks to Jessica. This comment appears to again reflect the anti-Semitic attitude of the Elizabethan society.

A frequent subplot in comedies has is that of lovers who defy a parent and elope. What further twist to this subplot is there in Jessica's proposed elopement?

Jessica, who is ashamed of her father's blood, will not only elope but will also desert her father's religion by converting to Christianity.

Name 3 of Shakespeare's plays

Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and The Merchant of Venice

After Elizabeth died, Shakespeare needed a new sponsor. Who was it?

King James I

What was King James' company became known as?

King's Men

In school, Shakespeare studied ___

Latin and Greek

As father and son speak to Bassanio, Bassanio becomes exasperated. What makes this scene comic?

Launcelot and his father both speak at once, interrupting each other, and neither gets to the point.

By what decision is Launcelot Gobbo torn? Which way is his conscience pulling him?

Launcelot is thinking about leaving the employ of Shylock. His conscience tells him he should remain true to his contract with Shylock, but, in his heart, he wishes to leave.

What message does Launcelot pass to Jessica?

Launcelot tells Jessica that the elopement between her and Lorenzo is planned for that evening.

In what two senses may we take Lorenzo's comment that tonight Jessica will be his torchbearer?

Literally, Jessica will dress as a torchbearer for a part in a masque, but symbolically, she will also lead the way to their future together.

Shakespeare was first affiliated with a theater company known as___

Lord Chamberlain's Men

As Antonio presses for Shylock's answer, Shylock reveals what he considers are some insults he has received from the hand of Antonio. What are they?

Often, Antonio has railed against Shylock for lending out money for interest. Antonio has also called Shylock names and has even spit on his beard and coat.

Antonio, the merchant of the title, is sad but tells us he does not know why. What two reasons do his friends offer for Antonio's sadness, and what is his response?

One says Antonio must be worried about his merchandise on the seas and the money he has tied up in it. The other says he must be in love. Antonio rejects both of those reasons

Usually servants and other lower-class people are comic figures in a Shakespearean play. Their language is always in prose, not verse; frequently they muddle their words and engage in word play and puns. Does Launcelot Gobbo seem to fit this picture?

Opinions may vary, but most students will agree that the conversation between Launcelot and his father is meant to be a comic scene filled with misused language and puns

Of what condition does Portia inform the Prince of Morocco, and what is his response?

Portia informs him that if he chooses to take his chances of winning her and picks the wrong casket, then he must promise to leave immediately and never to marry.

Why can Portia not choose her own husband?

Portia is bound by her dead father's wishes.

In her assessment of suitors, what qualities of mind and spirit does Portia show?

Portia is bright and witty, but not mean spirited. In her resolve to follow her father's wishes, she shows herself to be dutiful.

Which former visitor to her father's palace does Portia remember as a praiseworthy, prospective suitor? What does her comment, "I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of thy praise," foreshadow?

Portia is speaking of Bassanio, so perhaps the smiles Bassanio thinks Portia had bestowed on him do mean something. Portia's favorable reception of Bassanio is foreshadowed by the comment.

In this regard, contrast Portia and Jessica. Why do you suppose Shakespeare's audience would not have thought less of Jessica?

Portia is viewed as a commendable person because she is a dutiful daughter who follows her dead father's wishes. Jessica, although she defies her father, is not condemned, and this may be due for two reasons: -The anti-Semitic feelings of the Elizabethan audience would help to condone Jessica's denouncing of her Jewish faith -Jessica's defiance of her father and her conversion to Christianity are inspired by her love for Lorenzo. Shakespeare's audience would not have viewed Jessica's actions as ignoble.

Why does Portia not want Bassanio to rush into making a choice?

Portia wants to spend time with Bassanio; if he chooses quickly and loses, he will have to leave right away.

Shakespeare lived during the ___ period of time and is considered the world's ___.

Renaissance; greatest playwright

What does Salerio mean when he says of Jessica: "That's certain [she will be damned] if the devil may be her judge."

Salerio believes that God would not damn Jessica for her actions, which suggests that he views Jessica and Lorenzo as honorable. Only the devil would damn someone for acting honorably.

In this regard, what news has Salerio heard that worries him? Why?

Salerio has heard that a Venetian ship has sunk, and he hopes it is not Antonio's or else Antonio will have a hard time repaying the loan.

What does Shylock say in response to Bassanio's objection to the bond?

Shylock claims that a pound of flesh is of no value to him and that Bassanio wrongs him if he supposes that he would ever try to collect on this. The audience, of course, knows this is a lie.

What sense of foreboding does Shylock have about leaving the house?

Shylock feels that there is some problem brewing that could adversely affect his money.

How was Shylock been played and seen over the years?

Shylock has been played and seen as a comic buffoon, a cruel villain, and as a tragic and sympathetic outsider.

At the beginning of this scene, what is foremost in Shylock's mind?

Shylock is concerned about his daughter's flight.

Shylock's reaction to his daughter's elopement is probably a comical scene for the Elizabethans. How does he behave?

Shylock runs around screaming about his lost "ducats" (money and jewels) and his lost daughter, apparently giving equal weight to both losses.

Why do Shylock and the Duke, the chief legal official, go to search Bassanio's ship?

Shylock suspects that his runaway daughter is on the ship

What final instructions does Shylock give Jessica? How do these comments seem to aid in justifying Jessica's behavior and decision?

Shylock tells Jessica to lock up the house tightly and to shut out even the music and joyful sounds from the street. Living with Shylock must be a restrictive life, so this aids in justifying Jessica's decisions and behavior.

In response to Salerio's comment about Antonio's bond of a pound of flesh, Shylock makes one of the most famous speeches in this play. What is the main point of this speech, and what is your reaction to it?

Shylock, and all Jews, share a common humanity with Christians. Like Christians, Jews are touched by the same things. Violence against a person because of race or religion can only happen only when people fail to recognize any common humanity between people.

What ominous comment does Solanio make about this development and how it will affect Antonio?

Solanio states that Antonio needs to keep the due date on the loan or else Shylock will make him pay with the pound of flesh

Why is the following line an example of an ellipsis? "My ships come home a month before the day." ?

Some information seems to be missing, yet the reader can supply the missing information by noting the context of the line. The line can be understood as: "My ships come home a month before the day [that this note will come due]."

Shakespeare was born in ___ England on ___ April 23, 1564

Stratford-on-Avon; April 23, 1564

In 1599, with the other company shareholders, he became part owner of the___.

The Globe Theater

As he addresses the casket, Bassanio says, "...thou meager lead, Which rather threat' nest than dost promise aught, Thy plainness moves me more than eloquence..." To what is he referring?

The inscription on the lead casket about risking all could be a threat. In addition, the lead casket is plainer than the silver or gold casket. However, Bassanio is intrigued by what may be inside this plain casket, rather than by its outward appearance.

While Bassanio ponders over the three caskets, he makes a speech. State the main point of the speech and Bassanio's action at the conclusion of the speech.

The point of Bassanio's speech is that outward beauty says nothing about what is beneath and, in fact, outward beauty can be a snare that entraps. He concludes by choosing the lead casket.

Tubal tells Shylock of a second ship lost by Antonio and of Jessica's extravagant spending almost in the same breath. For what reason do you suppose Shakespeare presents these two items in this mixed fashion?

The presentation serves to heighten Shylock's burning desire for revenge, which increases at each mention of his daughter's perfidy, something that he blames in part on Antonio and other Christians.

The Prince chooses the gold casket. What is the message he receives?

The scroll tells him "all that glitters is not gold," meaning that appearances can be deceiving.

What news does the servant girl bring, and what is Portia's witty response?

The servant highly praises the new suitor who is on his way, and Portia jokingly says, "I am half afeard Thou wilt say anon he is some kin to thee."

What does the depiction of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice reinforce?

The stereotype of Jews as money-hungry and greedy

We finally learn all three conditions that a suitor agrees to when he makes a choice of caskets. What are these three conditions?

The three conditions are as follows: -In making the wrong choice, a suitor will never reveal what his choice was. -He will never marry anyone else. -He will leave Portia's house immediately.

How was usury viewed in Elizabethan times?

They occupied a position roughly comparable to the one held by the Jews, and they were treated pretty poorly

Upon the entrance of Bassinio and his companions, the friendship motif is raised in a backhanded fashion by Solanio and Salerio. What is the main point of their comments?

They will leave Antonio because an even closer friend of his approaches.

Is Shylock's refusal to have dinner with Antonio and Bassanio based on religious or societal grounds?

While Shylock bases his refusal on religious grounds (Jews are prohibited from eating pork), most people would feel hurt by someone refusing to share the social bonding that is associated with sharing food, and Shylock certainly knows this. It appears that Shylock desires to offend the Christians.

Near the end of the scene, Nerissa tells us that the suitors have decided to return home without choosing a casket. Why?

While choosing the correct casket would win Portia's hand, choosing the wrong casket would carry a price.

What is the meaning of Portia's comment about the brain devising laws for the blood?

While reason can tell us what we should do, emotion and temperament sometimes override reason.

How can we account for Antonio's generosity concerning Bassanio, but his discourteous behavior toward Shylock?

While we can say Antonio merely reflects the anti-Semitic feelings of his time, he does seem unnecessarily vehement and meanspirited. However, Antonio is a complex character. He loves his friend Bassanio and is always generous concerning his friends. On the other hand, he hates Shylock for several previously mentioned reasons, including Shylock's money-lending practices. Antonio must play the part not only of Bassanio's generous friend but also of Shylock's hateful enemy. Therefore, he must embody complicated character traits.