Merchant of Venice Act 2:

Act Two, Scene One

1. We have watched racial and religious tensions at work in A1S3. The Prince of Morocco opens A2S1 with another sensitive issue. What is it? He dosent want people to judge him on his race and wants people to accept him.
2. If Antonio loses his gamble, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. What must Portia’s suitors give up if they fail to win her? Can't talk about marriage to any other women.
3. What is Portia’s opinion of the Prince of Morocco- give examples. Agrees that he is right and people should accept him for who he is and dont judge him because of his race.

Act Two, Scene Two

1. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking. Launcelot feels like Shylock does not feed him enough because he can fit his finger in between his ribs.
2. Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont?

In lines 114-142... He thinks Gratiano will drink too much

3. Launcelot and his father are very anxious to find Launcelot a new job. They both want to impress Bassanio. This leads to

a. frequent interruptions-He hath a great infection sir, as one would say, to serve-

b. contradictions- Here's my son sir, a poorboy- Not a poor boy sir, but the rich Jew's son.

Act Two, Scene Three

1. What does Jessica think of her life at home? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking. She thinks it''s hell.
2. Which of Bassanio’s friends is Jessica planning to marry? Lorenzo

Act Two, Scene Four

1. How does Jessica get a message to her lover? Sends a note
2. How will she be disguised for the elopement? Wear a page (Man's suit)

Act Two, Scene Five

1. Why is Shylock uneasy about going out for the evening? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking. He has a feeling that something bad is going to happen. He says: And they have conspired together, There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest, for I did dream of money bags tonight.

Act Two, Scene Six

1. How does Launcelot manage to tell Jessica that Lorenzo will be there that evening? From the note
2. What does Jessica throw down to Lorenzo? A casket
3. Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano? Gratiano said he wants to come with them.

Act Two, Scene Seven

1. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia’s portrait. Use evidence of the text to justify your answer. Gold beause he thought that was the richest. "He unlocks the golden casket"
2. How is Portia feeling in A2S7 -at the beginning, -while the Prince is making his choice, at the end. Nervous because she dosent want to marry him and at the end revealed
3. What was Portia's father trying to achieve by the use of the caskets. Does this seem to be working? To try to impress Portia, Not Really working because she dosent like any of them

Act Two, Scene Eight

1. What double disaster has struck Shylock? His daughter ran away with a Christian and She stole his money and jewels.
2. Where did Shylock think Lorenzo & Jessica might be? On Bassanio's ship
3. How did Bassanio and Antonio part? Antonio's ship
4. What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio? Find a quote that tells you this. His boats sunk at sea with all of his money on them "I thought upon Antonio when he told me, And wished in silence that it were not his"

Act Two, Scene Nine

1. What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets? To teach people a lesson.
2. Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden caskets. What does his interpretation of the inscription tell us about his character? Because he wants what he deserves, Greedy.
3. What is Portia’s reaction to Bassanio’s arrival? Surprised, Happy, Excited.