Merchant of Venice Analysis Quiz

Portia reflects on Bassanio's qualities, finding him a suitable match, despite some initially negative observations.

Portia conveys her negative opinions regarding several potential suitors based on their perceived flaws and behaviors.

Bassanio is a young man from Venice who is a key figure in the play, and his choice of a casket is crucial to the plot.

Portia expresses her desire to remain unmarried unless a suitable match is found.

A crucial part of the plot involves choosing a casket containing the correct proposal of marriage, a vital event in the story.

The potential suitors are preparing to leave, likely after unsuccessful attempts to win Portia's affection.

Portia doesn't want to marry anyone unless the casket is right.

Portia recalls a prior interaction with Bassanio, a young man from Venice, highlighting a remembered connection.

Launcelot decides to leave his wealthy employer for Bassanio, valuing Bassanio's character more than money.

Bassanio asks Launcelot to join him, and asks him to be well-dressed and behave well.

Gratiano pledges to behave politely for Bassanio's benefit at Belmont.

Bassanio and Gratiano both intend to make a visit to Belmont or another location.

Bassanio emphasizes the need for proper behavior in public, particularly at Belmont.

Bassanio is a kind and considerate person, evident in his concern for his companions.

Gratiano makes a commitment to improve his public image for Bassanio's success.

Bassanio stresses the importance of appropriately behaving with guests, implying manners

Launcelot, a servant, leaves Shylock's house, bidding farewell to Jessica, who is about to leave too.

Jessica decides to leave her father's house and join Lorenzo, a man she intends to marry, expressing a desire for change.

Jessica reveals conflicting emotions, acknowledging her father's blood but contrasting her behaviour, suggesting a desire for a different life.

Lorenzo promises to keep his word to Jessica, implying a commitment to marry her and potentially convert her to Christianity.

Lorenzo and his friends plan to leave quietly for the night wearing masks.

A point of contention is who will carry the torches during the masked departure.

Launcelot delivers a letter to Lorenzo, aware of its importance by the handwriting, implying a message of love.

Launcelot delivers a coin to Jessica, suggesting he delivers a message to her from Lorenzo, carrying a commitment.

The first casket is made of gold, and the inscription promises the chooser whatever they desire.

The second casket is made of silver, and the inscription promises the chooser whatever they deserve.

The third casket is made of lead, and the inscription warns the chooser of potential loss.

The inscription on the gold casket promises the chooser "whatever they desire."

The inscription on the silver casket promises the chooser "whatever they deserve."

The inscription on the lead casket warns the chooser that "he might lose everything if he chooses this box."

Inside the gold casket, the Prince finds the bones of a dead man’s head with a message in one of its empty eyes.

The Prince considers all three caskets, thinking about the meaning of each inscription and the potential consequences of choosing each one.

Arragon, a suitor for Portia's hand, chooses the wrong casket and is presented with a picture of a fool's head as his reward. This signifies his poor judgement and lack of understanding.

Arragon is disappointed because the chosen casket does not contain the portrait of Portia, but rather a representation of a fool, highlighting his poor selection.

Portia suggests that Arragon's fate is self-inflicted, implying that his choices are responsible for the outcome. She equates his decision with a bird burning its wings.

Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, learns that his daughter, Jessica, has left his home and taken valuable possessions with her, expressing his anger and distress.

The Messenger delivers news that a young man from Venice, bringing gifts from his master, has arrived at Portia's doorstep, suggesting a potential suitor.

Shylock's daughter, Jessica, is described as a bird leaving its nest, conveying the image of youthfulness, freedom, and perhaps rebellion.

Shylock is upset that his daughter has left him and expresses his anger towards those he believes are responsible for her actions, demonstrating his possessive nature.

There are reports that a ship belonging to Antonio, a merchant, has been lost at sea. This creates worry for his financial stability and well-being.

Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, insists on collecting a pound of Antonio's flesh as agreed upon in their bond, defying pleas for mercy and forgiveness.

Shylock reveals he hates Antonio and wants to see him suffer, explaining this as his personal reason for demanding the flesh.

Antonio calmly accepts Shylock's demand, showing resignation and willingness to face the consequences of his actions.

Bassanio argues that Shylock's cruelty is excessive and unreasonable, highlighting the disparity between the bond's value and the punishment.

Shylock defends his actions by comparing his desire for revenge to natural aversion to certain things like pig's heads or cats.

The Duke and others present hope for a gentler outcome, believing Shylock will be merciful and forgive Antonio rather than demand his flesh.

Shylock remains firm in his desire to see the bond fulfilled, showing no sign of relenting to pleas for mercy or forgiveness.

Antonio tells Bassanio his attempts to reason with Shylock are futile, comparing him to trying to argue with nature's forces.