Merchant of Venice Act 5 and Review

Act 4 Plot Who is the Duke of Venice? The highest authority in Venice The highest authority in Venice What does the Duke ask of Shylock? IV.i IV.i What is Shylock’s answer and why? IV.i IV.i How much does Bassanio offer Shylock instead? IV.i. 85 IV.i. 85

Act 4 Plot Shylock refuses the money and insists that they follow the law. What is his justification to them? IV.i IV.i Who is Bellario of Padua? Who comes in his place? What does “Balthazar” ask of Shylock? IV.i IV.i.190-3

Act 4 Plot Does Balthazar think Shylock should get his pound of flesh as stated in the agreement? IV.i IV.i As Antonio prepares for his death, is Antonio upset with Bassanio? IV.i IV.i What is Bassanio’s response? Who might this upset? IV.i IV.i

Act 4 Plot Why doesn’t Shylock get his pound of flesh? IV.i IV.i When Shylock tries to get the money, what is Balthazar’s response? IV , IV.i IV , IV.i What law does Balthazar then point out that Shylock has violated? IV. i

Act 4 Plot The Duke has mercy on Shylock and spares his life. What happens to Shylock’s estate? IV.i IV.i Antonio steps in to broker a compromise. What is it? IV.i IV.i

Act 4 Plot How does Bassanio repay Balthazar for saving Antonio? IV.i IV.i Nerissa does the same to Gratiano – IV

Act 5 Plot What are Loreno and Jessica doing at the beginning of Act 5? Upon Portia’s return, she issues an order to the household. What is it? V.i V.i The men (Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano) arrive. Gratiano and Nerissa are in a quarrel – why?

Act 5 Plot Antonio interceds on Bassanio and Gratiano’s behalf. What does he say? V.i V.i Portia and Nerissa pull out their original rings. How do they claim to have obtained them? V.i V.i What does Portia then reveal? V.i V.i

Themes - Love What types of law are portrayed in the play? Friendship FriendshipAntonio/Bassanio romantic romanticBassanio/PortiaNerissa/GratianoJessica/Lorenzo Family FamilyShylock/Jessica “motivated” “love” “motivated” “love” Prince Arragon or Price of Morocco

Themes - Love Significant couples – their motivations, obstacles, impact on other characters, etc. Which, if any, violate promises to each other? Which do not? Antonio/BassanioBassanio/PortiaNerissa/GratianoJessica/LorenzoShylock/Jessica Prince Arragon or Price of Morocco

Themes Love What does each casket represent and say about love? Gold Chest Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire. ( II.vii.5) All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold But my outside do behold: Gilded tombs do worms infold. (II. Vii ) Prince of Morocco chooses it. What does this say about his love for Portia?

Themes Love What does each casket represent and say about love? Silver Chest Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves. ( II.vii.7) The fire seven times tried this; Seven times tried that judgment is That did never choose amiss. Some there be that shadows kiss; Such have but a shadow’s bliss. There be fools alive,iwis, Silvered o’er – and so was this. Take what wife you will to bed, I will ever be your head So begone; you are sped. (II. ix ) Prince of Arragon chooses it. What does this say about his love for Portia?

Themes Love What does each casket represent and say about love? Lead Chest Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath. ( II.vii.11) You that choosse not by the view Chance as fair and choose as true. Since this fortune falls to you, Be content and seek no new. If you be well pleased by this And hold your fortune for your bliss, Turn you where your lady is And claim her with a loving kiss. (III. ii ) Bassanio chooses it. What does this say about his love for Portia?

Themes – Anti-semitism What are the Elizabethan attitudes towards usury? (info found at In 1270, King Edward I ordered that Jews had to wear a yellow star to identify themselves in public because of accusations that they had killed high officials. Many heads of jewish households were also imprisoned and executed. In 1290, King Edward I banished Jews from England. This ban was lifted in Elizabethan England considered Jews to be heretics, and as a result were killed. Jews were also blamed for the spread of the Bubonic plague. (Although most Elizabethans probably would never have met a jew.) Jews had been restricted to money lending and peddling (selling items). Some Jews still lived in various cities, although generally would publicaly adhere to Christianity. The Merchant of Venice was written sometime between , during the height of this anti-semitic era.

Themes – Anti-semitism What actions and rhetoric in the play are arguably anti-semitic? Why might we interpret it as anti-semitism? How did they describe Shylock? How did they describe Shylock? Antonio when he asked to borrow money from Shylock During the trial scene How did they feel towards moneylending? How did they feel towards moneylending? Jessica’s betrayal Jessica’s betrayal The forced conversion The forced conversion

Themes – Anti-semitism Are there any elements of hypocrisy? What are the “Christian” values enumerated in the play? Who best embodies them?

Themes - Setting What are the two settings? What kinds of actions occur in each? What does each location represent? How is that significant to the play? Who are the major players in each location? How does the setting complement and develop their character?