Literary Devices in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best defines prejudice?

A reasoned opinion based on extensive knowledge and experience.

An unfair or unreasonable opinion formed without proper knowledge or experience. (correct)

A positive feeling towards a person or group based on shared experiences.

A neutral assessment of a person or group's characteristics.

What is the central idea behind Tupac Shakur's 'THUG LIFE' as it relates to the novel The Hate U Give?

Personal responsibility is the only way to overcome societal challenges.

Systemic racism and hate harm not only those targeted, but everyone. (correct)

Only those directly targeted by hate and racism are affected.

Individual acts of violence are the primary cause of societal problems.

What is 'code switching' as exemplified in The Hate U Give?

The ability to speak multiple languages fluently.

The use of secret codes to communicate with gang members.

Altering one's behavior, speech, or expression depending on the environment or social context. (correct)

Strictly adhering to one's cultural identity regardless of the situation.

In The Stolen Party, what action best conveys Rosaura's perceived social position by the wealthy family?

Rosaura is given money instead of a party favor. Signup and view all the answers

How did Teddy's uncle exercise power inappropriately in The Fall of a City?

He laughed at Teddy's kingdom and dismissed his dreams, calling him a girl. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conflicts is represented by Batman fighting the Joker?

Character vs. Character Signup and view all the answers

What does Starr's internal conflict in The Hate U Give primarily revolve around?

Navigating her identity between Garden Heights and Williamson Prep. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Khalil's hairbrush as described in The Hate U Give?

It represents the distrust and prejudice minorities face, particularly from law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What does Maverick's rose garden symbolize in The Hate U Give?

His values as a parent and devotion to his family. Signup and view all the answers

How are racism and police brutality reflected in The Hate U Give?

They are central themes, with the story beginning with Khalil's shooting by a police officer. Signup and view all the answers

How does the teacher's action in How to Pronounce Knife relate to power and privilege?

The teacher dismisses immigrant students struggles and doesn't provide extra help. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the conflict of Character vs. Supernatural?

A character up against aliens, ghosts, or mythical monsters. Signup and view all the answers

How does the novel The Hate U Give relate to the ideologies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.?

The novel explores how both perspectives influence Starr and the community in dealing with Khalil’s death. Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between power, privilege, and characters in stories?

It is about who has advantages or control and its effects on interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a major theme explored in The Hate U Give?

The importance of education Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device is exemplified in the phrase, "The wind whispered secrets through the trees?"

Personification Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best example of an oxymoron?

Deafening silence Signup and view all the answers

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers' is an example of which literary device?

Alliteration Signup and view all the answers

In The Merchant of Venice, which character is generally considered the antagonist?

Shylock Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is Antonio known for in The Merchant of Venice?

His wealth and willingness to help his friend. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Portia's character in The Merchant of Venice?

She is cunning and resourceful, using her intelligence to resolve conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following quotes from Shylock best demonstrates the discrimination he faces?

"Hath not a Jew eyes?" Signup and view all the answers

What is the genre of Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice?

A combination of comedy and tragedy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literary Devices/ Figurative Language

Simile: Comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as." Example: "Her eyes are like an ocean."
Hyperbole: An extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point. Example: "I could eat a horse."
Alliteration: Repeating the same letter or sound. Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
Metaphor: Comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as." Example: "He's a lion when he fights."
Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things. Example: "The angry water floods the house."
Onomatopoeia: Words that sound like their meaning. Example: "Zoom, boom, pow."
Oxymoron: Contradictory terms used together. Example: "Jumbo shrimp."

Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

Protagonist(s): Antonio
Antagonist(s): Shylock
Characterization: Describing a character's personality through the text.
- Antonio: A rich and troubled man, risking his life for others. Example: "In sooth, I know not why I am so sad."
- Shylock: A Jewish moneylender who experiences discrimination. Example: "Hath not a Jew eyes?"
- Bassanio: In love with Portia, reliant on Antonio for money. Example: "To you, Antonio, I owe the most in money and in love."
- Portia: Rich, beautiful, and intelligent. Example: Portia trapping Shylock (see text for full quote, which defines her cleverness and the rules of Venice).
Genre: Comedy/Tragedy
Major Themes: Wealth, power vs privilege, love, prejudice

Prejudice and Anti-Semitism

Prejudice: An unfair judgment of a person or group without proper knowledge.
Anti-Semitism: Discrimination against Jewish people.

Symbols in The Merchant of Venice (4 Examples to be added)

Short Stories (How to Pronounce Knife, The Fall of a City, The Stolen Party)

Plot Structure: Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.
Tone/Atmosphere: The writer's attitude or feeling.
Types of Conflict:
Character vs. Character: Conflict between characters.
Character vs. Self: Internal conflict.
Character vs. Supernatural: Conflict with supernatural forces.
Character vs. Society: Conflict with societal norms or expectations.
Character vs. Technology: Conflict with technology.
Character vs. Nature: Conflict with natural forces.

Power and Privilege in the Short Stories

Concept: Power and privilege are about advantages or control.
- The Stolen Party: Rosaura, given money instead of a party favor, shows she isn't valued as an equal.
- The Fall of a City: Teddy's uncle depreciates his kingdom and dreams.
- How to Pronounce Knife: The teacher's treatment of the immigrant student demonstrates the lack of consideration for students' challenges.

Novel Study: The Hate U Give

Title Inspiration: The title "The Hate U Give" refers to the phrase "THUG LIFE", coined by Tupac Shakur. It emphasizes the idea that systemic racism and hate harm everyone.
Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Both fought for racial justice, but Malcolm emphasized self-defense, while King focused on nonviolence.
- Connection to the novel: Starr's choices mirror both approaches in the protests and demonstrations.
Code Switching: Changing behavior to fit different audiences.
- Examples: Starr adjusting her language and actions to fit her school environment, hiding aspects of her background, or displaying a different style at home.
Major Symbols:
- Chris’s Rolls Royce: Represents his privilege and racial advantage
- Khalil’s hairbrush: Represents the distrust and stereotypes of police towards minorities.
- Maverick's rose garden: Represents values like caring for his children and the importance of communication.
Major Themes:
- Racism and Police Brutality: Central to the novel, driven by Khalil’s death at the hands of police.
- Identity and Code Switching: Starr's struggles between her two identities (at Williamson Prep vs. Garden Heights.)
- The Power of Voice and Activism: Starr speaking out for Khalil and her community; her role in protest movements, and ultimately her willingness to testify.

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Description

This quiz explores key literary devices used throughout Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. Test your understanding of techniques such as simile, metaphor, and personification, and see how they enhance the characters and themes in the play. Perfect for students looking to deepen their literary analysis skills.