The Merchant of Venice || Act 4

Act Four, Scene One
1. What does the Duke believe Antonio intends to do? (Black Pg. 147, Blue Pg.85) 

- The duke thinks that Shylock was acting cruelly and Antonio will change his act and will show mercy to

2. What does Shylock intend to do?

- He intends to get the pound of flesh of Antonio.

3. Finish this quote that tells us why ‘You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh than to receive three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that, but to say it is my humour, is it answered?’ (Black Pg. 149, Blue Pg.86) 

4. What two loopholes does Portia find in the wording of the contract? (Black Pg. 165-167, Blue Pg.95-96) 

- Firstly, he can't take more or less a pound of flesh, secondly, if he cut a pound of flesh he cannot shed one drop of Christian blood.

5. Shylock now has to pay penalties. Complete this quotes that tell us what the penalties are: ‘I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it, For half thy wealth, it is Antonio's, the other half comes to the general state’ (Black Pg. 169, Blue Pg.97) 

6. Are the penalties fair? Why/why not.

-Not really, because in the contract says that Shylock could cut a pound of flesh out of Antonio.

7. How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?

- Shylock will leave all his property to his son-in-law and his daughter when he dies.

8. What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?

-She claims the ring because of Bassanio promise that he will never take it off.

9. 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 ((Black Pg. 157-159, Blue Pg.91-92) )
- She will pay him any amount of money just to save Antonio.

Act Four, Scene Two
1. What invitation does Portia refuse and why?

- She refuses the invitation of Bassanio offers to have dinner with her because Bassanio will find out that she disguises as a man and they will leave tonight before their husband gets back.

2. What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?

- She is planning to see if she can get her husband's ring. It's important because she wants to see if her husband will take it off or sell it.

3. Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel. Use examples to support your thinking. 

- I admire Portia because she is willing to help her husband's friend from trouble.