TIPS FOR THE MERCHANT RESPONSE PAPER… You need to write a response paper that focused on one of the three prompts/questions… As always, your papers need to do the following: 1. Have cited/quoted evidence from the play (you will use page numbers because of our text book). 2. Push a thoughtful introduction and conclusion; this is a more traditional/analytical response paper. 3. Use MLA header and write a 3-4 pages response, skip lines, etc.

PROMPTS You have three different prompts to choose from: In Act IV, Shylock’s exit is pretty short and abrupt. If you could give Shylock one final speech, what would it be? Include the actual speech with consideration of Shakespeare’s language. Then, explain the speech, how and why you created it, etc. This is a play that often flirts with the line of comedy and tragedy—in fact, one could argue that there is/are crucial parts of this play where Shakespeare could have made it a tragedy instead. Where do you think this change could take place? And/or why do you think Shakespeare kept it a comedy instead? Gender, race, and religion have always created conflicts in Shakespeare’s plays (and in many other literary pieces). Some people argue Shakespeare tries to break down the common clichés and prejudices with the way he portrays his characters. Do you think Shakespeare was challenging the racial lines and barriers (like anti-Semitic, female inequality) of that time? Why or why not?

PROMPT #1 My tips and notes… This prompt allows you to be creative and embrace your inner Shakespearean voice! This prompt will focus on characterization and your analysis of Shylock. It is also a great opportunity for you to discuss if Shylock is a villain or someone who deserves sympathy… Food for thought: How does Shakespeare write and can you recreate that yourself? Did Shakespeare want people to feel for Shylock and the Jews at the time? Do you think Shylock was a defeated man? Or was his exit humble? Did Shylock grow or evolve? Or is he a flat character?

PROMPT #2 My tips and notes… This prompt allows you to compare and contrast Shakespeare’s comedies vs. tragedies. This prompt will focus on plot structure and your analysis of the overall play’s tone and design. It is also a great opportunity for you to think about the mentor text we read on comedy vs. tragedy and where the play could have taken a turn…for the worse. Food for thought: How does the comedy play into this story? How does Shakespeare intertwine comedy and tragedy…and why? Are there any words, writing techniques, characters, settings that influence the comedy feel? Or flirt with tragedy instead?

PROMPT #3 My tips and notes… This prompt allows you to discuss Shakespeare and his messages or purposes behind his plays. This prompt will focus on message, theme, and Shakespeare himself.. Use this as a chance to critique who Shakespeare is and if his plays show racism, sexism… Food for thought: Does Shakespeare create some stand out characters that challenge the traditional clichés and prejudices that plague society, even today? Do you think Shakespeare’s conflicts were meant as intentional political statements? What are audiences suppose to learn? Why did Shakespeare write on these topics, and with these characters, conflicts and setting?

FINAL NOTES You might notice some of your discussion will overlap from one prompt to another (for example: Prompt #3—is Shakespeare’s racist might include heavy discussion of Shylock, which is the focus in Prompt #1). Do you want a copy of this power point? Ask me to print or look it up on my website! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at my Google account: rutana@apps.harpercreek.net DID YOU READ AND REVIEW THE RUBRIC??