That Time A Women Dressed As A Man And Ruled The Court

We're almost there! We're only one act away from the end of the story!

Act Four Scene One 

1. What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do?
   He believes that Shylock will keep up his tough boy act until the last second, then show mercy.
2. What does Shylock intend to do, and what reasons does he give for his decision?
   He wants to get the flesh. In his own words, he says "But say it is my humour. Is it answered?" He's basically saying "Because I can, is that enough of an answer?"
3. Why must the law be allowed to stand (why can’t the judge dismiss this case)
   They need to uphold a precedent.
   
4. Shylock is very clear about the restrictions in the wording of the deed, how does Portia use these loopholes?By saying that Shylock may only take his pound of flesh. No more. No less. Not a single drop of blood. 
5. What penalties does Shylock now have to pay? Are they fair? Why/why not.
   He now has to give his daughter half of his belongings, the state the other half and convert to Christianity. I don't think this is exactly fair considering Shylock just wanted the flesh. He liked the idea of killing Antonio but that wasn't exactly what he set out to do. 
6. How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?
   They get half of Shylocks belongings.
7. What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?
   Bassanio's ring, the one she gave him and made him swear to not sell, loose, or give away.
8. Portia tells Shylock ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’. How does she try to persuade Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to show him (line 345-362)
   Portia's guilt tripping him in a way. She's turning the tables on him. She's willing him to show as much mercy as he begs for.
9. A4S1 L 70-80. Antonio gives us three short images of how useless any attempt by Bassanio to save his life will be
   What are they? - Telling the ocean to get smaller, Asking a wolf why he killed a lamb and made its mother cry, telling the pine trees on the mountain to stop when the wind blows through themWhat do they tell us about one of Shakespeare's interests -He has an interest in things to do with the Christian Bible
   Do you think this is an effective way of demonstrating the problem? -
   Yes, he's comparing the situations quite well.Each example is an extreme and impossible, what influence does this have on how you expect the rest of the scene to develop.
   You expect Antonio to be right, you expect everything to play out in Shylocks favour.
10. A4S1 L90-100, Shylock uses vivid comparisons when he wants to make a point.
    What example does he use to illustrate the fact that the pound of flesh is his: ‘tis mine and I will have it’
    Slaves. He uses slaves. He's saying that he's rightfully got that pound of flesh.It is much longer comparison than the three used by Antonio but do you think it is more striking/effective/convincing?
    I think it's about the same. Both have very good points and comparisons. 

Act Four Scene Two

1. What invitation does Portia refuse and why?
   An invitation to dinner. Portia and Nerissa need to get home that night so they're home before the men
2. What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?
   Gratanio's ring she gave him. She wants to see if Gratanio will do the same as Bassanio
3. Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel? Use examples to support your thinking.
   A bit of both. I mainly admire her because how powerful she comes through in this scene. She uses her knowledge to get what she wants and what she think is right.