The Merchant of Venice: Portia's Legal Tactics and Extract Analysis

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Questions and Answers

Where are Lorenzo and Portia at this time?

Lorenzo and Portia are at Belmont at this time.

What 'fair commands' are given to Lorenzo?

The 'fair commands' given to Lorenzo are to obey all fair commands from Portia.

Why does Portia speak about mercy in the extract?

Portia speaks about mercy to emphasize the importance of mercy in the administration of justice.

How does Lorenzo describe Portia in the beginning of the scene?

Lorenzo describes Portia as having a heart that is enshrined with the attributes of mercy and as someone who embodies the concept of mercy. Signup and view all the answers

Give the meaning of the following: 'But Mercy is above this sceptred sway, It is enthroned in the hearts of kings.'

The meaning of the line is that mercy holds a higher authority than the power of kings and is deeply embedded in the hearts of rulers. Signup and view all the answers

Who else had appealed for mercy earlier? What was the outcome of the appeal?

Antonio had appealed for mercy earlier, and the outcome of the appeal was that he was granted a reprieve from the penalty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Portia say to Lorenzo about the place where she is going? Where is she actually going and why?

Portia tells Lorenzo that she is going to a monastery, but she is actually planning to disguise herself as a male lawyer and go to Venice to save Antonio, as instructed by her husband Bassanio. Signup and view all the answers