Merchant Of Venice: Shylock Character Study

Shylock Character Study #1- 
Make a list of the insults and names Shylock has been called in the text so far. 
Devil
Inexecrable dog (Disgusting dog)
Unfeeling man (Heartless)
An inhuman wretch


Find lines/quotes in the text that show Shylock’s hurt, his rage, his loneliness.
"He hath disgraced me and hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies—and what’s his reason? I am a Jew."
“Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last; You spurned me such a day; another time. You called me ’dog'—and for these courtesies. I’ll lend you thus much moneys?”

Do you think he cares more about losing the ducats or his daughter? Give evidence to support your thinking.
The ducats, as he states he would rather have Jessica dead at his feet with the jewels she has than have both gone. 

Shylock is powerless to get back his daughter or his ducats but Antonio is now in his power. Find the first mention of revenge. Do you think his thoughts of revenge are justified, give reasons?
The first mention of revenge is in Shylocks "If you prick us" speech. Yes, I believe his thoughts are justified, as he is right in saying that if a Christian is wronged by a Jew then serves revenge, a Jew wronged by a Christian should be able to as well.

A3S1 lines 54-62. What sentiment is Shylock trying to express here, do you find sympathy for him here?
He is trying to get his anger across. I do feel sympathy for him as he has been treated like absolute crap by Antonio. Only because he believes in something different.

Choose one ‘Hath not..’ quote and explain it. 

"Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions" Does a Jew not have eyes? Does a Jew not have hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? He's saying how a Jew is no different to a Christian. 

Shylock Character Study #2

Shylock makes his last appearance in A4S1

How does he behave when he thinks he is winning?
Smug, very smug. 

Is his behaviour what you expected of him based on the story so far, look carefully at his one-ine answers, as well as at his longer speeches. Look too at his reply to Gratiano L 139-142.
Yes, very

Why do lines 40-46 offer a particularly chilling comparison? What is Shylock saying? Compare L67.

How does Shylock react when he becomes the victim?

Shylock Character Study #3
Many characters hold antisemitic views, but in places Shakespeare lets Shylock speak from the heart and suddenly see him as a human, not stereotype.
Find scenes and speeches where Shakespeare does this, take note of the act, scene, lines and quotes.


In A1S3 when Shylock offers to lend money without interest some argue that he is being kind, discuss your thoughts.
In A3S1 Shylock suffers great losses. Look for suggestions of his sorrow, loneliness and feelings for his dead wife.
In A4S1 when Shylock is sentences, we again feel pity for him. Why is this an achievement for Shakespeare (consider his audience)
The Merchant of Venice is considered a comedy, however the character of Shylock makes it feel more of a tragi-comedy. Do you feel he is portrayed more as a villain or victim. Write a paragraph explaining your thoughts with supporting evidence from the play.
It has been argued that the play should be renamed ‘The Jew of Venice’. Why do you think this is? Would it change your initial view of the play? Would it be a more suitable name?

That Time Portia Threatened To Be A Strumpet

The last act! I can't believe we've finished this already! Time to answer some questions then watch the film!

1. Why do Lorenzo and Jessica remind each of the stories of classical lovers?
   Because they ran away, they eloped together, like most classical lovers.
2. What are Portia's feelings as she approaches the house?
   She's feeling quite happy and positive, I believe she might be feeling a bit smug because of the whole ring situation. 
3. What is the first argument to break out?
   Gratantio giving away his ring to Nerissa or “the judge’s clerk”
4. How do Gratiano and Bassanio try to justify parting with the rings, are they successful?
   They try to justify it by saying it’s all the judge would take and they did deserve the rings. Does it work, though? Not really, Portia and Nerissa are still partly upset and still make them feel guilty.
5. Was Bassanio right to give away the ring, give reasons for your thinking?
   No, he wasn’t. He swore to Portia he’d never take the ring off, let alone give it away.
6. How can the newly-weds threaten to sleep with the men who took their rings- and mean it?
   Because they know they won't actually be sleeping with anyone but themselves, as they have the rings. 
7. What effect do these arguments have on Antonio?
   They make him feel uncomfortable and guilty, as he was the reason why the men gave away their rings
8. Portia and Nerissa have the rings. What does this prove to Antonio, Gratiano and Bassanio?
   That Portia and Nerissa were the judges and judges clerk. It proves they were set up.
9. How do Antonio, Lorenzo and Jessica benefit from news that Portia brings?
   Antonio gets his boats back, Jessica and Lorenzo gain half of Shylock's stuff and they are all gaining some sort of riches.

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.

That Time A Jewish Man Might Actually Get The Pound Of Flesh

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That Time A Ladies Marriage Was Determined By Boxes

This period we started reading Act Two of The Merchant Of Venice.

So far, this act has entailed a meeting with the Prince of Morocco and Portia. In previous parts, we find out that Portia is to get married to the person who selects the correct casket from the ones her father left. She has no choice from her suitors though she dislikes them all.

1. We have watched racial and religious tensions at work in A1S3. The Prince of Morocco opens A2S1 with another sensitive issue. What is it? Racism. He says "Mislike me not for my complexion," Meaning, "don't hate me for the colour of my skin," which is brown. We know that because he says "The shadowed livery of the burnished sun.To whom I am a neighbour and near bred." He believes that Portia won't like him due to the colour of his skin
2. If Antonio loses his gamble, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. What must Portia’s suitors give up if they fail to win her? Their hand in marriage to any women."If you choose wrong. Never to speak to lady afterward In way of marriage. Therefore be advised."
3. Shylock practices ‘usury’. What is this? Lending money with intrest
4. Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other? Because of their difference in religions and values. On top of the fact that Antonio has teased and picked on Shylock for these same reasons.
5. What is Portia’s opinion of the Prince of Morocco- give examples. She thinks as highly of him as she does her other suiters "Yourself, renownèd Prince, then stood as fair As any comer I have looked on yet For my affection." Meaning, "then you’d have had as good a chance to marry me as any of the suitors I’ve met so far, prince."

Scene Two

1. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking. Because of their different values. Another reason is that Shylock treats Launcelot very poorly. We know this because he says, “the very truth is that the Jew, having done me wrong,”  which means, “the truth is that the Jew has done me wrong.” 
2. Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont? Because Bassanio is afraid that Gratiano will do something stupid or idiotic and the blame will fall on Bassanio. In lines 114-142...
3. Launcelot and his father are very anxious to find Launcelot a new job. They both want to impress Bassanio. This leads to
   a. frequent interruptions.
   b. contradictions
   c. misuse of words to impress.
   Find examples of each of these in the text.
   A. Many times in this scene this sort of thing happens: LAUNCELOT To be brief, the very truth is that the Jew, having done me wrong, doth cause me, as my father, being, I hope, an old man, shall frutify unto you— GOBBO I have here a dish of doves that I would bestow upon your worship, and my suit is— B. GOBBO Here’s my son, sir, a poor boy- LAUNCELOT Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew’s man that would, sir, as my father shall specify— (Their words go against each others) C. Not exactly sure of this one..

Scene Three

1. What does Jessica think of her life at home? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking. She hates it, she believes it’s a hell hole. She says “Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,” Meaning “It’s hell in our house, and you helped cheer it up, like a funny devil”
2. Which of Bassanio’s friends is Jessica planning to marry? Lorenzo

Scene Four

1. How does Jessica get a message to her lover? Through Launcelot, she gave him a letter to give to Lorenzo
2. How will she be disguised for the elopement? She will be dressed a page boy

Scene Five

1. Why is Shylock uneasy about going out for the evening? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking. Launcelot told him they've been plotting things ("And they have conspired together.") and that there is going to be a masque he wasn't aware of. Also because he dreamed of money bags the past night, which was thought to be a sign of things not going your way ("There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest, for I did dream of money bags tonight.")

Scene Six

1. How does Launcelot manage to tell Jessica that Lorenzo will be there that evening? Through vague messages. He says to Jessica "Mistress, look out at window, for all this. There will come a Christian by will be worth a Jewess' eye." In short, that means, there will be a christian worth your viewing, referencing Lorenzo
2. What does Jessica throw down to Lorenzo?
   A box/casket thing with gold ducats inside.
3. Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano?
   To tell him that the masque has been canceled

Act Two Discussion Questions:

1. In A2S2, Launcelot deceives his father. In A2S6, Jessica deceives hers, What does each of them hope to achieve? Revenge and Freedom
2. In A2S5 Lines 11-18 & 28-39. In both speeches Shylock is speaking to his daughter, Jessica. What is his attitude to her? Give supporting examples from the text. 
3. Trusting but nervous and worried, “I am bid forth to supper, Jessica. There are my keys.—” " Hear you me, Jessica. Lock up my doors,”
4. In A2S5 Lines 11-18 & 28-39. What do Launcelot and the audience know, that Shylock does not? How does this show dramatic irony. We, the audience, and Launcelot know that Jessica is planning on eloping.The dramatic irony is that while Shylock is concerned with his valuable possessions, it is his daughter that he is going to lose, and it’s her that he’s trusted his stuff with.

Scene Seven

1. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia’s portrait. Use evidence of the text to justify your answer. The gold one. He says “One of these three contains her heavenly picture. Is ’t like that lead contains her? 'Twere damnation To think so base a thought. It were too gross To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave. Or shall I think in silver she’s immured, Being ten times undervalued to tried gold? O sinful thought!” Meaning that thinking that the lead and silver caskets were worthy of having Portia’s portrait in them was a really bad thing.
2. How is Portia feeling in A2S7 -at the beginning, -while the Prince is making his choice, at the end
   At the beginning she’s partly nervous, while he’s making his choice, she’s annoyed with the process. At the end, she’s relieved.
3. What was Portia’s father trying to achieve by the use of the caskets. Does this seem to be working?
   To see who is worthy of Portia. It’s not really working, because Portia doesn’t like any of them...

Scene Eight

1. What double disaster has struck Shylock? His daughter ran away, with a christian, and took some of his money and jewels.
2. Where did Shylock think Lorenzo & Jessica might be? On Bassanio’s ship. (The villain Jew with outcries raised the Duke, Who went with him to search Bassanio’s ship.)
3. How did Bassanio and Antonio part? With a short conversation and an affectionate handshake
4. What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio? Find a quote that tells you this. Salarino says “in the narrow seas that part the French and English, there miscarried a vessel of our country richly fraught. I thought upon Antonio when he told me, And wished in silence that it were not his.” This means there was a sunken boat from Venice and he hopes it wasn’t Antonio’s

Scene Nine

1. What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets?
   To make fun of and mock the choices of the suitors.
2. Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden caskets. What does his interpretation of the inscription tell us about his character?
   Because it says “He who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire.” He believes that it may be that some people are as foolish as to not see past looks, the expensive look of the gold.
3. What is Portia’s reaction to Bassanio’s arrival?
   She doesn’t realise it’s him, she believes it’s the messengers relative because of how highly they think of him

Want to read the play yourself? Click here for the original play along with the modernised version of it. and here for the audio book version.

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.