That Time A Jewish Man Wanted To Cut A Pound Of Flesh From A Christian Man

The Merchant Of Venice, by William Shakespeare. 

What do I think is going to happen in the story?

I know the basic storyline. But what else do I think will happen?
I feel like there will be a few... sorry, a lot of arguments.
Rumours, other than ships sinking, might spread about whats going on?
Some... discrimination about religions, which was something I picked up from the
trailer

Something I am interested in/wondering about after watching these videos: (This one and this one)

What actually happens to Shylock after court? What happens to the others?
What are their lives like afterwards? Is it complete happily ever afters for everyone,
other than Shylock? Or do some things go wrong?

Something I think will be challenging about this subject:

Definitely understanding what is going on and what is being said.
I will obviously be able to ask for help from classmates/the teacher or even go to
Google for that one, though.


Questions:

Scene 1:
1. Antonio is depressed without knowing why? What two possible reasons do his
friends suggest?
He's in love or he's worried his boast sunk.
2. Do you think that Gratonio's contributions help Antonio's mood?
Not really, he seemed to be nagging him rather than helping him.
3. What are your first impressions of Bassanio
He's broke and innocent
4. Is he in love
Yes, with Portia
5. Why does he need to borrow money again now?
To impress Portia.

Scene 2:
6. How do Portia's first words compare with Antonio's?
She seems to be more whiney than sad.
7. What is the reason for her mood
She's fed up with her suitors not meeting her expectations 8. Do you think Nerissa is a help to her
A little bit but not a lot. She's "laying" out Portia's options for her.
9. Sum up in one word or phrase, Portia's attitude towards the suitors
Malicious

Scene 3

1.Shylock is a moneylender. Does he seem eager to do business with Bassanio?
How do you know?
No. Because Bassanio, going through Antonio, isn't confident he's able to pay it back
in time, or at all.

2.Which does Shylock think is safe, his business or Antonio’s? Why?
His business, Antonio doesn't have the money on hand and his boats could sink
at any second

3.Why doesn’t Shylock want to dine with Bassanio and Antonio?
Because of their religions. Bassanio and Antonio would most likely have food that
Shylock isn't allowed to eat, due to religion

4.What strict principal of his is Antonio breaking to help Bassanio?
Never lend or borrow money with interest.

5.Shylock tells a bible story to prove that the taking of profit is blessed,
as long as thieving is not involved. Does he convince Antonio? Give evidence.
No. Antonio says "This was a venture, sir, that Jacob served for— A thing not in his
power to bring to pass But swayed and fashioned by the hand of heaven.
Was this inserted to make interest good? Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams?"
Which basically means, "No, he had no control over what actually happened and
was going by luck. God made that happen, not him. Are you saying that this story
means taking interest is okay? Are your interest's Jacobs sheep?"

6.Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole catalogue of nastiness. How does
Antonio answer the charges?
Antonio admits to them and basically says that he has done it once, he will do it
again.

7.How does Bassanio react to the proposed bond?
Bassanio doesn't like it, he thinks it's stupid. He doesn't want Antonio to take it for
him because he can find another way.