Unit19 The Merchant of Venice

William Shakespeare William Shakespeare(1564-1616)was born in Stratford-upon-Avon,England.He began to write for the stage in the late 1580. He first came to notice in 1592 as a playwright in London.In 1599 he became a part owner of the Globe Theatre in London and finally retired to his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon,in1613.He wrote 37 plays.Apart from the plays,he is identified as the author of four large poems and a book of sonnets.

Quiz Pick out the plays written by Shakespeare Twelfth Night ; Henry V ; Cymbeline; The Lost necklace ; Love’s Labours Lost; The Millionaire;The Merchant of Venice; Hamlet ; The Tempest ; Measure for Measure

Introduction of the charaters in the play Antonio A Venetian merchant of huge wealth.he makes his money from trade,much liked by his friends. He is always ready to help others.

Introduction of the charaters in the play Shylock A successful Jewish moneylender.He lends the 3,000 ducats to Antonio.He asks Antonio to pay with one pound of his flesh if the debt is not repaid on time.

Introduction of the charaters in the play Bassanio The romantic lead of this play.He is Antonio’s friend.He marries Portia.He borrows a lot of money from Antonio.

Introduction of the charaters in the play Portia The heroine of this play.Portia is a wealthy and beautiful woman who is desired by many men. She also possesses a sharp mind,which saves Antonio from doom at the hands of Shylock.

Introduction of the charaters in the play As judge over the court case between Shylock and Antonia,he has the power to pardon a death sentence.In the play,he is put in a difficult position by Shylock;he doesn’t want Antonio to die,but to ignore Shylock’s legal rights would be to place all of Venice in disrepute as a place to conduct business. The Duke Of Venice

Reading Comprehension Parts of the story Description Antonio and Bassanio borrow 3,000 ducats from Shylock.However,there is a catch:if the debt is not repaid on time,Antonio as security will pay with one pound of his flesh. background problem Antonio and Bassanio are not able to pay offthe debt.Antonio’s ships are lost.Shylock starts demanding his pound of flesh. The Duke tells Shylock to have mercy on Antonio.Bassanio promises to pay twice or even ten times the money that Antonio has borrowed.Portia tells Shylock to be merciful,but Shylock insists on having his pound of flesh. Rising action Portia declares Shylock may have a pound of flesh to be cut nearest to Antonio’s heart,no more,no less.And if Shylock lets one drop of Antonio’s blood fall,he will lose all his land and money climax outcome Shylock begs for mercy.He is punished,though not killed.

Questions 1.What is your opinion of Portia? 2.What is your opinion of Shylock? 3.Why do you think Shylock prefers to take his pound of flesh instead of the money from Bassanio? 4.What are the two meanings of “I’ll pay him back with all my heart? 5.A classical balance is often used as a symbol for The merchant of Venice. (1).What is usually weighed with a balance? What goes into the scales left and right? (2).Why does Portia ask Shylock whether he brought a balance? (3).What is the deeper meaning of the balance? What is weighed in Portia’s court of law?

Discussion (Post-reading) Self-interest versus love Mercy versus Revenge The law Cross-dressing(穿着异性服装） The pound of flesh

The End Thank You Very Much 乐东中学 孙发泉制作