Merchant of Venice Act II Scene i-iv

Answer the following questions about Act II scene I-IV and again posting individually on blog

1.     The Prince of Morocco quickly tries to explain his color difference and that he should not be judged by it. Why does he do this? What does this imply about his character and how does it affect Portias view on him?

2.     Launcelot and old Gobbo have a comedic moment. Explain this.

3.     Launcelot and Jessica share common feelings about Shylock, what are they? And why do they have this certain feeling toward him.

4.     What are the big plans that Jessica and Lorenzo have at the end of scene iii and during scene iv?

5.     When is the last time you thought of escaping out of a relationship? Why did you feel this way? How did you act upon it?

Merchant of Venice Act I

Discuss the following questions in critique groups. But individually post questions and answers on blog. Again this is an individual assignment but you can discuss as a group if you want. This should only take 20-25 minutes.  Please be as thorough and complete as you possibly can in your answers.

1.     What is the setting of the story? What are the people like, the culture etc.?

2.     We meet Antonio in the first scene, who exactly is he and what is his worries that he faces early on?

3.     We also meet Bassanio a friend of Antonio, what does he ask of Antonio? Explain.

4.     Portia worries about finding a husband, so what does she decide to do that she thinks will be best solution to her problem? Explain.

Once done finish reading Act I Scene III.

1. Revisiting the Portia situation, why is the choosing of a man suitable for her out of her hands.
2. Who is Shylock? What is his importance in the story thus far?
3. What is the agreement Shylock and Antonio come to terms with?
4. Why is Shylock so hesistant of this agreement with Antonio? While answering this question you should also explain their history and relationship between each other.
5. Would you trust Antonio? Why or why not.

Reflection question: Many times people say friends don't make good business partners, or you should never live with your best friends. Why do you think this is so? Is it smart that Antonio and Shylock are doing business together?

Merchant of Venice Partner Work

After you are done with first part, get with a partner and answer the following questions. Please list who your partner is. Your answers need to be in complete sentences and a reflection of what you and your partner discussed. PROVIDE AT LEAST A PARAGRAPH PER ASNWER. 

1.)   The play opens with Antonio, the merchant, admitting that he is sad, but not knowing why.  Think of times when you’ve been sad.  Have you always understood exactly why, or has your sadness sometimes seemed strange to you?  Explain.

2.)   In Shakespeare’s time, lending money for interest was called “usury” and was generally considered immoral.  How have attitudes changed since then?

3.)   Think of the recent banking crisis and the state of today’s economy.  Do you think it’s all right to lend someone a large amount of money based on their word and reputation even though they may not have any concrete evidence of being able to pay you back?

4.)   This play includes romantic love stories and also ethnic and religious conflict.  How well do you expect these elements to blend?

PLEASE POST ANSWERS AS A COMMENT TO THIS POST.  DUE AT END OF CLASS OF PERIOD. 

Merchant of Venice Anticipation Guide

Before we begin reading The "Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare, take a moment to look
over these statements. Decide whether you agree or disagree with each statement listed below. First write if you agree or disagree. Then write three sentences  after the statement describing why you agree or disagree. Also use a  personal experience to support your opinion.

• Don’t rely on outward appearances when making judgments. 
• Justice is always blind.
• A brotherly love between two friends can be just as strong as an intimate love between a man and a woman.
• You can break a promise as long as you have a good excuse
• Love is blind.
• Stereotypes are often right.
• An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is a good motto to live by.