The Merchant of Venice || Act 2

Act Two, Scene One

1. This scene opens with the words ‘Mislike me not for my complexion’ Why does the Prince think Portia will have a problem with the colour of his skin?

- Because the Prince of Morroco's skin is dark and he is scared that she won't like him. 

2. What must Portia’s suitors give up if they try and fail to win her? 
- He will never be allowed to marry a woman.

‘You must take your chance, and either not attempt to choose at all, or swear before you choose, if you choose wrong never to speak to a lady afterward in way of marriage’ A2S1 Line 37-42 (Black P.41)

3. Portia tells the Prince of Morocco- ‘Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair as any comer I have looked on yet for my affection’ What does this mean? (if you’re unsure check SparkNotes translation)
- He has a chance to marry Portia as any of the suitors she has met so far.

Act Two, Scene Two

1. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Complete these 2 quotes from the text to support your thinking. A2S2 Line 26- ‘Certainly the Jew is the very devil incarnation’

- Because sometimes Shylock is bad but sometimes his nice and he treats Launcelot really badly.

2. Line 102 ‘I am famished in his service, you may tell every finger I have with my ribs.

3. Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont?

- Because Gratiano is very loud, gets wild and rude when he gets drunk and Bassaniano is worried that he might embarrass him and he will get the wrong impression.

In lines 114-142...

4. 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. ‘He hath a great infection sir, as one would say, to serve- Indeed the short and the long is…’ Line 120-123

b. Contradictions ‘Here’s my son sir, a poor boy- Not a poor boy sir, but   

                                    the rich Jew’s son.

Act Two, Scene Three

1. What does Jessica think of her life at home? 

She thinks that their house is hell.

Complete these quotes:

A- ‘Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil’ (Black Pg. 59, Blue Pg.45).

2. Which of Bassanio’s friends is Jessica planning to marry?

She is marrying Lorenzo

Act Two, Scene Four

1. How does Jessica get a message to her lover?
She gave a letter to Launcelot and he went to Lorenzo and gave the letter to him.
2. How will she be disguised for the elopement?
As a man wearing the page's uniform(errand)
3. Complete this quote ‘What page's suit she hath in readiness’ (Black Pg. 63, Blue Pg.47).’

Act Two, Scene Five
1. How does Shylock feel about going out for the evening? 
He doesn't want to go and with the Christians, and he thinks something is not gonna go well because he dreamed of money bags.

Complete these quotes: 

"And they have conspired together." (Black Pg. 65, Blue Pg.48).
"There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest, for I did dream of money bags tonight."
(Black Pg. 65, Blue Pg.48)

Act Two, Scene Six

1. Complete this quote that tells us what Jessica threw down to Lorenzo. ‘Here, catch this casket, it is worth the pains’ A2S6 (Black Pg. 69, Blue Pg.31)

2. Jessica says ‘I am glad tis night, you do not look on me, For I am much asham’d of my exchange’ A2S6 (Black Pg. 69, Blue Pg.31). Why doesn’t Jessica want Lorenzo to see her?

- Because she is dressed up as a boy.

3. Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano? (Black Pg. 71, Blue Pg.52)

- Because they are going to Belmont with a ship and they almost left behind.

Act Two, Scene Seven

1. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia’s portrait?
He thinks the gold casket is worthy to contain Portia's portrait because it will be a sin if they put Portia's portrait in the lowest casket.

2. Complete this quote ‘Is’t like that lead contains her; ‘Twere damnation to think so base a thought’ (Black Pg. 79, Blue Pg.54)

3. Portia’s father uses the casket test to find her the most suitable husband. Do you think his test is working?

It's working because they are finding out who is worthy for Portia but at the same time it's not because Portia doesn't want her suitors.

Act Two, Scene Eight

4. What two disasters have happened to Shylock?
Firstly, his daughter runs away with a Christian. Secondly, his daughter stoles all her ducats and jewels.

5. Complete this quote that tells where Shylock thinks Lorenzo & Jessica have gone? ‘The villain in Jew with outcrises raised the duke, who went with him to search Bassanio's ship’ (Black Pg. 81, Blue Pg.55)

6. How did Bassanio and Antonio leave Venice?
On Antonio's ship.

7. ‘In the narrow seas that part the French and English, there miscarried a vessel of our country richly fraught’ (Black P. 83, Blue P.56) What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio? 
His ship might be sunk.

Act Two, Scene Nine

1. What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets?

- To make fun of the choices of the suitors.

2. Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden casket?

- He thinks that most people are fools and choose by whatever is flashy or expensive.

3. Complete this quote from the golden casket  ‘He who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire’ (Black Pg. 87, Blue Pg.58)

4. Finish this quote that shows us Portia’s reaction to Bassanio’s arrival ‘Come, come, Nerissa; for I long to see quick Cupids post that comes so mannerly’ (Black Pg. 91, Blue Pg.61)