12 Questions
Why is the Duke sorry for Antonio?
Because Antonio is facing a stubborn adversary who lacks mercy.
What does Antonio say he will do in response to his adversary's tyranny and rage?
Oppose with patience and suffer quietly.
What does the Duke instruct one of the men to do?
To inform the Jew to come to the court.
What is the Duke's opinion of Antonio's adversary?
Stony and void of mercy.
How does Antonio describe his state of readiness?
Ready and willing.
What is one reason given by Antonio for his inability to escape his adversary?
No lawful means can carry him out of his adversary's reach.
What does the Duke expect from Shylock?
To show mercy and forgiveness
What is the consequence if the Duke does not grant Shylock the bond's forfeit?
The danger will threaten the city's freedom
Why does Shylock prefer a pound of Antonio's flesh over three thousand ducats?
Because it satisfies his desire for revenge
According to Shylock, why does he choose to demand the pound of flesh?
Because it is his peculiar preference
How does Shylock respond to the Duke's expectation of mercy?
He brushes off the expectation as mere sentiment
In what way does Shylock compare his desire for Antonio's flesh to other peculiar preferences?
By equating it with individuals reacting strangely to certain sounds
Study Notes
- The scene involves the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, and others in a court setting.
- The Duke expresses sympathy towards Antonio, who is facing a merciless adversary named Shylock.
- Antonio acknowledges the Duke's efforts to help but resigns to facing Shylock's cruelty with patience.
- The Duke calls for Shylock to enter the court, expecting him to show mercy and forgiveness towards Antonio.
- Shylock, unmoved by pleas for mercy, insists on enforcing the bond he holds with Antonio, emphasizing his right to do so under the law.
Explore your knowledge of a key scene from William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice', where the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, and others discuss the impending trial. Test your understanding of the characters and events in Act 4, Scene 1.
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