The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the Prince of Morocco attribute his dark skin to?

A mark of nobility

Genetics and ancestry

A curse placed on him

The effects of the burning sun (correct)

What does Portia imply about her feelings towards marriage when she speaks to Morocco?

She feels obligated to marry him.

She is unhappy with her father’s wishes regarding marriage. (correct)

She is eager to marry him.

She is indifferent to marriage.

Which concept does Launcelot struggle with while making his decision?

Wealth versus poverty

Love versus hatred

Duty versus personal desire (correct)

Loyalty versus betrayal

What task does Morocco request from Portia at the end of their interaction?

To lead him to the boxes to try his fortune Signup and view all the answers

How does Launcelot feel about his master?

He believes he is a villain. Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Portia give to Morocco regarding the marriage topic?

To never ask her about marriage again if he chooses incorrectly. Signup and view all the answers

Which character does Launcelot encounter after deciding to leave his master?

His father, Old Gobbo Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Morocco express during his conversation with Portia?

Fearful of losing Signup and view all the answers

What prompts Launcelot to seek employment with Bassanio?

He is encouraged by his father to leave Shylock. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bassanio react to Launcelot's request to serve him?

He is surprised that Launcelot wants to leave Shylock. Signup and view all the answers

What does Launcelot's statement about fortune suggest about his character?

He has a positive and optimistic outlook. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Gobbo's demeanor when speaking to Bassanio?

Nervous and hesitant. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bassanio ask his second servant after Launcelot leaves?

To ensure everything is ready for dinner with his best friend. Signup and view all the answers

What does Launcelot mean by stating he has a 'luckier hand'?

He believes he has a prosperous future ahead. Signup and view all the answers

What does Launcelot want to leave behind in order to serve Bassanio?

A tyrannical master. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bassanio's instruction regarding Launcelot's attire?

Make sure he wears clothing that stands out. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bassanio request Gratiano to do for their visit to Belmont?

Control his noisy behavior and act politely Signup and view all the answers

How does Gratiano plan to appear different when they go to Belmont?

By dressing plainly and pretending to be shy Signup and view all the answers

What is Jessica's feeling towards her father as she speaks with Launcelot?

She feels disdain for his character Signup and view all the answers

What gift does Jessica give to Launcelot as he leaves?

A letter for Lorenzo and a coin Signup and view all the answers

What disguise do Lorenzo and his friends plan to use during their dinner outing?

Masks to conceal their identities Signup and view all the answers

What does Gratiano suggest he will do to appear more pious?

Carry religious books and look downward Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jessica wish to become a Christian?

To gain Lorenzo's love and marry him Signup and view all the answers

What reaction does Launcelot have when he bids farewell to Jessica?

He cries and expresses his affection for her Signup and view all the answers

What is Shylock's initial attitude towards attending the masked party?

He has no interest and believes something bad will happen. Signup and view all the answers

What instructions does Shylock give to Jessica before he leaves?

To lock the doors and shut all the windows. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jessica feel about her situation with Shylock?

Angry and wishing for freedom from her father. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Gratiano use when discussing the nature of desire?

The birds of love that fly faster to new love. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lorenzo imply about the relationship between love and time?

New love is often pursued more urgently than enduring love. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jessica's disguise when she speaks to Lorenzo?

A boy. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does Shylock express about Launcelot when he speaks to Jessica?

He considers Launcelot to be lazy and foolish. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase does Lorenzo use to refer to the relationship timeline of lovers?

Chased with great enthusiasm but enjoyed less. Signup and view all the answers

What does the silver box promise to provide to men?

Whatever they deserve Signup and view all the answers

How does Arragon react upon opening the silver box?

He is surprised to find a fool's head. Signup and view all the answers

What does Portia comment on the behavior of those who choose blindly?

They usually end up regretting their choices. Signup and view all the answers

What is Arragon's initial feeling about the contents of the silver box?

Disappointment Signup and view all the answers

Who speaks the lines about destiny deciding love or death?

Nerissa Signup and view all the answers

What does the servant provide to the Prince of Arragon?

The key to the silver box Signup and view all the answers

What does Portia suggest about the choices made by fools?

They should not choose at all. Signup and view all the answers

What is Portia's emotional response to the news of a young man arriving from Venice?

Disinterest Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Antonio's character as described in the interactions?

He shows generosity and encourages Bassanio to pursue happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What three vows does the Prince of Arragon make before choosing a box?

He will not tell which box he chose, will not seek another woman if he fails, and will leave without complaint. Signup and view all the answers

What does the lead box indicate about choice and consequences?

A person could lose all if they select this box. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn from Portia's statement about the Prince of Arragon's promises?

She is skeptical as everyone makes the same promises. Signup and view all the answers

What is the emotional tone of Antonio's farewell to Bassanio?

Sad and wistful. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Prince of Arragon perceive the golden box according to his thoughts?

It may appeal to those who judge by appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme does Antonio's character and his situation suggest?

Friendship and love take precedence over financial obligations. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scene imply about the nature of choices presented to the suitors of Portia?

Choices are often deceptive, leading to unintended consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Act 2 The Three Boxes

Setting: A large room in Portia's house, Belmont. Guests are present, including the Prince of Morocco.
Characters: Portia, Nerissa, servants, the Prince of Morocco
Prince of Morocco's opening: Morocco rejects superficial beauty, emphasizing inner worth and bravery. He wants to win Portia's heart, but is aware of fate's role in her choosing.
Portia's response: Portia refuses to base her choice on external factors and states that she is bound by her father's wishes. She offers Morocco equal opportunity as any other suitor.
Morocco's decision: Morocco agrees to the test of fortune, wanting to avoid a loss of honor/hope, but acknowledging that luck could be against him.
Portia's advice: Portia warns Morocco to choose wisely as marriage is conditional on not upsetting her in the future.

Scene 2 A street in Venice

Characters: Launcelot Gobbo, Old Gobbo
Launcelot's internal conflict: Launcelot worries about duty versus his own desires.
Launcelot's decision: Launcelot escapes from his cruel master and seeks out his father.
Gobbo's identification: Gobbo is blinded, failing to recognize Launcelot.
Launcelot's plan: Launcelot confuses Gobbo to avoid his master's harshness.
Launcelot's self-awareness: Launcelot views himself as a trickster willing to mislead his father and master.
Conversation with Gobbo: Launcelot informs Gobbo of Master Launcelot's role.
Gobbo's desire to see Launcelot: Gobbo expresses a paternal desire to see his son.

Scene 3

Characters: Launcelot Gobbo, Old Gobbo
Launcelot's revelation: Launcelot reveals his true identity to his father.
Gobbo's recognition: Gobbo recognizes his son.
Emotional reunion: There's a powerful moment of recognition and emotion between father and son.
Discussion of Launcelot's life: Gobbo shows genuine interest in his son's well-being and asks questions about Launcelot's life and master.
Launcelot presents a gift and a request: Launcelot reveals more of his life to his father and asks his father for help to leave his master.

Scene 4

Meeting with Bassanio: Old Gobbo and Launcelot meet Bassanio, discussing work and family.
Launcelot's plan to leave his master: Launcelot requests assistance with a better position/new master.
Bassanio's promise to Launcelot: Bassanio agrees to help.

Scene 5

Characters: Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, Solanio.
Gratiano's character: Gratiano is portrayed showing his youthful exuberance and social awareness
Bassanio's perspective: Bassanio desires a calm social environment with a close knit group of friends
Bassanio and Gratiano's discussion: Gratiano expresses concern for Bassanio and others.
Bassanio's advice to Gratiano: Bassanio provides advice for correct behaviour/conduct.
Gratiano's concerns and promises: Gratiano agrees to act appropriately.

Scene 6

Jessica's departure: Jessica leaves her father's house
Character interactions/relationships: Lorenzo and Jessica leave the house together.
Lorenzo's preparations: Lorenzo plans for a secret meeting with his beloved.
Lorenzo and Gratiano's preparations: Lorenzo and Gratiano make preparations for arrival.

Scene 7

Setting: A room in Portia's house. The Prince of Aragon is present.
Portia's words/statement: Portia describes the conditions of marriage and the task of choice ahead of the Prince.
Aragon's willingness to accept the conditions: Aragon agrees to her terms and conditions.

Scene 8

Characters: Salerio, Solanio, Bassanio
Bassanio's departure: Bassanio is seen leaving for Portia's house.
Shylock's disappointment: Shylock expresses his disappointment at Jessica's actions.
A cautionary/negative message from Shylock: Shylock's anger is directed at his losses.

Scene 9

Setting: A room at Portia's house. The Prince of Arragon is present;
Aragon's choice and reaction: Aragon makes a decision regarding the box choice;
Portia's reaction: Portia reacts to Aragon's decision.

Messenger

Messenger's arrival: A messenger arrives, announcing the arrival of Bassanio.
Portia's concerns: Portia expresses her uncertainty/apprehension toward the relationship being formed.

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Description

Explore the intriguing interactions and character developments in Act 2 of 'The Merchant of Venice'. This quiz covers the important moments between Portia, the Prince of Morocco, and Launcelot, highlighting themes of choice, fate, and inner worth. Test your knowledge on this classic Shakespearean play.