The Merchant Of Venice: Act 3

Act Three, Scene One

1. Why does Shylock assume Solanio and Salerio know of Jessica’s flight? Because Jessica ran away with Lorenzo
2. What is the second suggestion of misfortune for Antonio- find a quote. Do you hear whether Antonio have had any loss at sea or no?
3. Who has been looking for Lorenzo and Jessica, how do we know. Shylock, he wants his money and jewels back
4. Where do Shylock and Tubal arrange to meet and with what purpose? Meet at a Synagogue

Act Three, Scene Two

1. Why does Portia want Bassanio to delay his choice? So he dosent get it wrong
2. What makes Bassanio choose lead over the silver and gold caskets?, find the quotes in the text to support your thinking. Gold had been taken and silver is what coins are made out of
3. What does Portia’s speech A3S2 L166-174 reveal about the expected roles of a woman in marriage. The men own the women
4. What did Gratiano’s and Nerissa’s wish to marry depend on? Love
5. How does Portia know that the letter contains bad news? Bassanoio's face goes white
6. What help does Portia offer straightaway? Willing to pay double or even triple the amount
7. Why do we not expect this help to be successful? Shylock wants money from Antonio
8. Do you think Portia would still be in love with Bassanio if she knew he had lied about his wealth? Yes

Can Do Task:

• Vocabulary Find the meanings of the following words: Incision, Renowned, Casket, Fiend, Impertinent, Tedious, Prodigal & Garnish
• Incision-A surgical cut made in skin or flesh
• Renowned- Known or talked about by many people:famous
• Casket-a small ornamental box or chest for holding jewels, letters, or other valued objects.
• Fiend-an evil spirit or demon.
• Impertinent-not showing proper respect; rude.
• Tedious-too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.
• Prodigal-spending money or using resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
• Garnish-decorate or embellish (something, especially food).

Act Three, Scene Three:

1. Antonio is now convinced that he knows the reason for Shylock’s insistence on claiming his bond. What is it, use quote from the text to support your answer. "He seeks my life,for reasons I know well,I oft delivered from his forfeitures many that have at times made moan to me; therefore he hates me"
2. Why can the Duke not ‘deny the course of law’ according to Antonio? Because the commodity that strangers have with you in Venice
3. What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate. What two important realisations is this based on? Use lines 8, 21-24, 26-31 to help you. He has given money to people that are unable to repay him back
4. Do you think Antonio’s feelings towards Bassanio have changed since the beginning, why? Hes emotional and blinded for his love
5. Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy, but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas:

• Is mercy the same as forgiveness?
• Is it easier to show mercy or look for revenge?
• Is justice the same as fairness?
• Is true justice possible in this case?

Act Three, Scene Four

1. What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio? He said, But if you knew of whom you show this honor, how true a gentleman you send relief"
2. What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do? Going back to the Nunnery until her husband gets back
3. What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why? Look after the house in Belmont
4. Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike? There both men?
5. Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men? Women aren't allowed to go and don;t want to be recognized.
6. In A3S4 L 60-78, how does Portia describe the behavior and attitudes of young men. "Like fine bragging youth, and tell quaint lies, how Honorable ladies feel sick and died"
7. Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected  behavior of a wife? No because she has more money so she thinks shes in charge.

Act Three, Scene Five

1. In his jokey conversation with Jessica, why is Launcelot against the conversion of Jews to Christianity? The price of pork will rise
2. What is Jessica’s opinion of Portia? She dosent like her