Merchant of Venice- by William Shakespeare Opening scene Act 1, Scene 1.

Opening scene should: Establish the background to the story- what has been happening up to now. Establish the atmosphere and in doing so create a degree of suspense. Get the plot/s underway. Introduce key characters to us. Introduce key relationships. Task: Write one to two paragraphs under the above headings highlighting how the opening scene of this play succeeds in adhering to the above criteria.

Opening scene: questions Q1. Discuss which character you most admired in this scene? Give reasons for your choice and apply the PQE. Q2. Discuss which character you least admired in this scene and explain why whilst applying the PQE. Q3. Describe the character of Gratianio and Portia. Q4. Identify moments of comedy in this scene. Q5. Identify the final rhyming couplet of this scene and explain the importance and meaning of such words.

Act 1, Scene III What are our first impressions of Shylock? Why does Shylock hate Antonio? To what extent is he justified? Does Shylock really wish to let bygones be bygones or does he intend to kill Antonio? What are the terms of the bond under which Shylock lends money to Antonio? Antonio and Bassanio both display great naivety in this scene. Explain. Compare and contrast Venice and Belmont as portrayed in the first act of the play.

Act 2, Scene 1 (a) How does Morocco describe himself? (b) Why is he so defensive and apprehensive? Portia’s ‘destiny’ has been reduced to a ‘lottery’. Explain. What conditions follow a wrong choice at the caskets?

Act 2, Scene 2 Give examples of the use of ‘malaproprism’ (the incorrect use of words) from the speech of Launcelot. For what reasons does Launcelot decide to leave Shylock’s service? Why is Bassanio reluctant to take Gratiano with hime to Belmont? How does this scene develop the overall plot of the play?

Act 2, Scene 3 Describe the parting scene between Launcelot and Jessica. What impressions of Shylock’s house are given in this scene?

Act 2, Scene 6 ‘Jessica has inherited some of her father’s averice (greed) and does not deserve the praise that Lorenzo gives her’. What do you think? What news does Antonio bring at the end of the scene?

Act 2, Scene 7 Why does Morocco reject the silver and lead caskets in favour of the gold one? What great theme of Shakespeare’s is illustrated in this scene?

Act 3, scene 2: Key scene. Q1. How does the song/music help Bassanio to choose the correct casket? Q2. Explain Bassanio’s train of thought which leads him to choose the lead casket? Q3. Explain the inscription on the scroll of the lead casket? Q4. How is the ring plot introduced in this scene?

Act 3, scene 2: Key scene. Q5. What does Antonio say in his letter to Bassanio and describe Bassanio’s reaction to it? Q6. What does Jessica reveal about Shylock? Do you believe her? Is she a reliable source? Q7. What is your impression of Portia from this scene? Make at least three points. Q8. In what sense has Bassanio redeemed himself in this scene (in comparison to the opening scene)? Make two points at least.