1. What is the setting of the story? What are the people like, the culture etc.?
The story takes place in the 1600s in Venice, Italy. The people are very polite and there are arranged marriages. Their language sounds complicated and very mannered.
2. We meet Antonio in the first scene, who exactly is he and what his worries that he faces early on?
Antonio is a merchant of venice and he starts off the story by being depressed and sad. Antonio does not know the reason why he is sad. Therefore he is confused about his worries. He is wondering if he is sad and worried because of his loans.
3. We also meet Bassanio a friend of Antonio, what does he ask of Antonio? Explain.
Bassanio asked Antonio for a loan because of a girl named Portia. Bassanio fell in love with her and therefor he needs the money to be successful to make himself a rival.
4. Portia worries about finding a husband, so what does she decide to do that she thinks will be best solution to her problem? Explain.
She decided to make a test for her bachelors. So there were three boxes- one of gold, one of sliver, and one of lead, the bachelor who chooses the box with gold in it gets to marry portia.
Act 1 Scene III questions
1. Revisiting the Portia situation, why is the choosing of a man suitable for her out of her hands.
Portia's father left a will for Portia stating that she has to marry a man with wealth. The will of Portia is thwarted by the will of her dead father.
2. Who is Shylock? What is his importance in the story this far?
Shylock is Jewish merchant that is lending Bassanio money.
3. What is the agreement Shylock and Antonio come to terms with?
Bassanio wants to borrow 3,000 ducats aka gold coins, with Antonio's credit, and the promise that he will pay him back in three months. Shylock will not charge Bassanio and Antonio interest if both of them sign a contract agreeing to pay Shylock back on a specific date. If they fail to comply the deal Shylock could have a pound of flesh off of both o their bodies from wherever he chooses.
4. Why is Shylock so hesitant of this agreement with Antonio? Explain their history and relationship.
Shylock is hesitant of the agreement because he hates Antonio because he is a Christian. Also Antonio humbly lends out money free of charge bringing down the interest rate at Venice. Antonio has berated Shylock about moneylending and Shylock has always shrugged it off. But now Antonio needs Shylock's help. Antonio spat on his beard and kicked him as he would a strange dog out of a house.
5. Would you trust Antonio? Why or why not.
I would not trust Antonio because despite his credit he seems like a mean person that depends on his status. He looks down on people like Jews and comes back begging for help when he needs it.
Act 1 Scene III questions
1. Revisiting the Portia situation, why is the choosing of a man suitable for her out of her hands.
Portia's father left a will for Portia stating that she has to marry a man with wealth. The will of Portia is thwarted by the will of her dead father.
2. Who is Shylock? What is his importance in the story this far?
Shylock is Jewish merchant that is lending Bassanio money.
3. What is the agreement Shylock and Antonio come to terms with?
Bassanio wants to borrow 3,000 ducats aka gold coins, with Antonio's credit, and the promise that he will pay him back in three months. Shylock will not charge Bassanio and Antonio interest if both of them sign a contract agreeing to pay Shylock back on a specific date. If they fail to comply the deal Shylock could have a pound of flesh off of both o their bodies from wherever he chooses.
4. Why is Shylock so hesitant of this agreement with Antonio? Explain their history and relationship.
Shylock is hesitant of the agreement because he hates Antonio because he is a Christian. Also Antonio humbly lends out money free of charge bringing down the interest rate at Venice. Antonio has berated Shylock about moneylending and Shylock has always shrugged it off. But now Antonio needs Shylock's help. Antonio spat on his beard and kicked him as he would a strange dog out of a house.
5. Would you trust Antonio? Why or why not.
I would not trust Antonio because despite his credit he seems like a mean person that depends on his status. He looks down on people like Jews and comes back begging for help when he needs it.
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