Merchant Of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 Questions And Answers
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Act 3 Scene 2 Merchant Of Venice Workbook Important Questions and Answers
Passage – 1 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 7-20)
Paraphrase :
PORTIA : I would keep you here for a month or two Before you gamble for me. I could teach you . How to choose right, but then I’m breaking my. oath; I’ll never do that; you may not win me; And if you don’t, you’ll make me wish I had sinned, That I had broken my oath. Curse your eyes, They have looked me over and divided me: One half of me is yours, the other half is also yours, My own love, I would say; but if my love, then yours, And so-everything yours. Oh! these wicked times , Put up bars between the owners and their rights; l’ And so, though I am yours, I am not yours.
Word Meaning With Annotation
I am forsworn : I would have committed a breach of faith, miss me : lose me by making the wrong choice, wish a sin, that I had been forsworn : she will then wish that she had committed a sin, and had informed Bassanio which casket was the right one to choose. Beshrew your eyes : means “Curse you!” though the expression is always used in a humorous and light-hearted manner, where a curse is not intended, overlook’d : the evil eye. these naughty times put bars between the owners and their rights : “the evil times we live in put obstacles between men and their rightful property.” Portia refers to the compulsory choice between the caskets, as a barrier to be surmounted before Bassanio can possess himself of what is already his own by right, – herself. There is also a reference to the artificial barriers which society raises between lovers of high position.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
In what way does Portia show that she is more fond of Bassanio than the other two suitors who had attempted the choice of caskets.
Answer:
Portia’s treatment of Bassanio as a suitor is different from her treatment of other suitors. She was unemotional and business like while talking to the Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon. She was glad to find that they made the wrong choice. Their failure was her satisfaction. But not so in case of Bassanio.
First, she wants Bassanio to wait for some time before exercising his choice. In case he chose wrongly, she would lose his company. This is a clear confession of Portia’s personal interest in Bassanio. One of the conditions of the lottery of caskets is that a suitor who is so passionately inclined towards Bassanio, is afraid that in the event of Bassanio’s wrong choice. He would have leave Belmont immediately. This would deprive her of his sweet company.
Question 2.
How, and what risk Antonio helped Bassanio and at what risk?
Answer:
Antonio has helped Bassanio to raise a loan of three thousand ducats from Shylock. The money-lender has imposed a dreadful condition that if the money is not repaid within three months, he would have the right to cut of a pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body. Thus, Antonio has secured the loan at the risk of his own life.
Question 3.
What does Portia means by, “I would detain you here some month or two/Before you venture for me”? Why does she speak in this manner?
Answer:
Portia tells Bassanio to desist from making the choice of the casket. She wishes to detain him there for a month or two before allowing him to take the final plunge. Earlier in a line she talked of detaining him for a ‘day or two’. This time has lengthened to a ‘month or two’. The style is clearly indicative of a maiden’s unexpressed love which she is finding hard to conceal.
Question 4.
What does “I am forsworn” mean? To what does Portia refer by this expression?
Answer:
Portia could very easily teach Bassanio how to choose the right casket. But she is bound to honour the will of her father. If she discloses the secret, it would mean the breach of faith and the breaking of an oath.
Question 5.
What is the ‘sin’ referred to in the extract? Why does Portia feel she can sin?
Answer:
Portia says that if Bassanio chooses wrongly he will have to leave Belmont at once. She would be filled with remorse, wishing that she had rather broken the oath and helped him to win by choosing correctly. In case of such a failure she would have entertained such a sinful wish. Portia does not want to break the wish either, nor does she want to lose Bassanio. She tries to remain non-committed but her attitude deceives no one.
Question 6.
How can you conclude at this point of the play that Portia has already fallen in love with Bassanio?
Answer:
At this point of the play, we can easily conclude that Portia has already fallen in love with Bassanio. From her cautious confessions and nervous style, we can surely conclude that she is passionately in love with the handsome suitor.
Portia speaks the language of a romantic lover when she says that Bassanio’s eyes have bewitched and divided her. One half of her already belongs to Bassanio. The other half which belongs to her too belongs to Bassanio. So she wholly belongs to him. She is no longer a mistress of herself. These are the symptoms of the disease called love.
Passage – 2 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 40-62)
Paraphrase :
PORTIA : Away, then! I am locked in one of them: If you do love me, you will find me out. Nerissa and the rest, stand away; Let music sound while he makes his choice; Then, if he loses, he will die as a swan, Fading in music: so that the comparison May be extended, my eyes shall be the stream And watery deathbed for him. He may win; And what is music then? Then music is Sounds as the trumpets when true subjects bow To a new-crowned king; music is Those sweet sounds at sunrise That creep into the dreaming bridegroom’s ear And summon him to marriage. Now he goes, With no less confidence, but with much more love, Than young Alcides went to redeem The sacrifice of young women made by howling Troy To the sea-monster: I stand for sacrifice; The rest aloof are the Dardanian wives, With tear-stained faces coming out to view The outcome of the event. Go, Hercules! If you live, I live. I view the fight with much, much more sadness than you that are fighting.
Word Meaning With Annotation
If you do love me : Portia seems to think that the test of the casket is indeed a test of true love, a swan-like end, fading in music : An old superstition that the swan, usually mute, sings a beautiful song just before its death, my eye shall be the stream, and watery death-bed for him : Portia says to him that, just as the stream on which it floats is the death-bed of the dying swan, so her tear-filled eyes will be the death-bed of Bassanio if he fails, dulcet: from Latin dulcis, sweet. Alcides : another name for Hercules; Cp. II, I, 35. bleared visages : tear-stained faces, issue of the exploit : the result of his achievement. Go, Hercules : she fancifully addresses Bassanio as her Hercules. Live thou, I live : “if you are successful, I shall live in happiness.”
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
What does Portia tell to Bassanio?
Answer:
Portia tells Bassanio to make his choice of the three caskets. Her picture is shut in one of these caskets. If he really loves her, he will find it.
Question 2.
What instructions does Portia give before the choice is made?
Answer:
She instructs Nerissa and others to stand apart. Music should be played when Bassanio is making the choice.
Question 3.
What role the music will play if in case Bassanio succeeds?
Answer:
If Bassanio succeeds in his choice of the casket, music will be like the sound of trumpet at the coronation of a king. Or it will be like the sweet sound of the dawn that steals into the ears of the sleeping bridegroom.
Question 4.
In what way Bassanio looks like young Hercules?
Answer:
Bassanio looks like young Hercules who saved the life of Virgin Hesione from being sacrificed to the sea-monster. Portia’s fate is similar to her. Nerissa and others standing nearby represent the women of Troy.
Question 5.
What is Portia’s anxiety?
Answer:
Portia is more anxious about the contest than Bassanio who is actually making the choice.
Passage – 3 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 73-91)
Paraphrase :
BASSANIO : These chests may not be what they seem outside: The world is still tricked by ornament. In law, what plea is so tainted and corrupt That, being delivered with a gracious voice, Obscures the evil underneath? In religion, What damned error is there that some sober face Will bless it, and approve it with a text, Hiding the grossness with a beautiful ornament? There is no vice so simple that it takes on Some mark of virtue on outside. How many cowards, whose hearts are all as false As stairs of sand, still wear the beards of Hercules and frowning Mars on their chins, Who, if searched inside, would have livers as white as milk; And the only thing these men do to look fear fulls to put on velvet clothes Look on beauty And you shall see it’s bought by the pound: Which works a miracle in nature, Making them who wear most of it look the lightest.
Word Meaning With Annotation
So may he the outward shows be least themselves : The sense here is that the outward appearances of things may differ greatly from their real natures, still : continually; always. In law, what pleirso tainted and corrupt, but, being season’d with a gracious voice, obscures the show of evil : Bassanio reflects that a dishonest case in law may be made to appear just, by the eloquence of a clever lawyer. In religion,what damned error, but some sober brow will bless it, and approve it with a text, hiding the grossness with fair ornament : similarly in religion it is possible for some wicked doctrine to appear fair and true if expounded by a serious priest, and concluded by a text from the Bible.simple : plain; unmistakable, stairs of sand : these would indeed be very untrustworthy and unreliable steps to walk upon. The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars : men who are cowards, yet wear beards like Hercules, the god of strength, and wear a frowning expression which might suit Mars, the god of war. livers white as milk : a man having a brave heart, as if the heart was the seat of physical courage, valour’s excrement : an outward growth as a beard is. purchas’d by the weight : the beautiful colours and complexion of women’s faces have been bought (in the form of cosmetics) in chemist’s shops. Moreover, there is the case of beautiful hair, which is often an artificial wig which has been purchased. Making them lightest that wear most of it : Women who wear the greatest amount of artificial aids to beauty are the lightest (in morals) whereas we would expect to find them heaviest.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
What is meant by ornament in the passage?
Answer:
It means external show or decoration.
Question 2.
How can we obscure the show of evil in law?
Answer:
The show of evil in law can be obscured if the legal argument is seasoned by the pleasing voice of an advocate.
Question 3.
How can an error in religion be approved?
Answer:
It can be approved by the authority of a holy quotation.
Question 4.
How do some cowards try to show themselves to be brave?
Answer:
They try to look brave by wearing beards like Hercules or Mars. But actually such people are chicken-hearted.
Question 5.
What is Bassanio’s opinion about beautiful looking women?
Answer:
Bassanio thinks that women use beauty aids or cosmetics to look beautiful. Their beauty is artificial. Those women who make a very good use of cosmetics look superficial although outwardly they may look beautiful.
Passage – 4 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 92 to 107)
Paraphrase :
So are those crisp, snaky, golden locks Which are playing games with the wind, On made-up beauty, often known Actually to be wigs of human hair, The head that bred them is in the tomb. Thus decoration is only the deceived shore To a most dangerous sea; the beautiful scarf Veiling an Indian beauty; in a word, The seeming truth which skillful times dress in To fool the wisest men. So, you gaudy gold, Hard food for Midas, I don’t anything from you; And not from you either, you pale and common exchange Between man and man: but you, you lowly lead, Which threatens rather than promises anything, Your plainness moves me more than any speech, And I choose you: joy be the result!
Word Meaning With Annotation
crisped : curled. Upon supposed fairness : upon the head of a lady who has a reputation for beauty, undeserved because the hair is not really her own, but has been cut from the head of some other person who is now dead and in the grave, dowry : possession, guiled : a shore which is dangerous to shipping, he beauteous scarf Veiling an Indian beauty : thought of the negroes of the West Indies as “Indians”. The idea here is that of a beautiful cloth covering the thick lips and flat nose of a negress, a fair outward appearance concealing ugliness, seeming truth : a false appearance of truth, hard food for Midas : Midas was an ancient king who was allowed to ask a certain favour from the gods. Midas was very avaricious and asked that whatever he touched might turn to gold. His request was granted. Then he found that when he attempted to eat, his food was at once turned to gold. So he was in danger of starving to death, and had to pray to the gods to withdraw their gift, thou pale and common drudge : Silver is called a pale and common servant, passing from man to man (i.e., in the form of silver coins), meagre lead : unattractive lead, in comparison with gold and silver.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
What is Bassanio’s opinion about the golden locks of women?
Answer:
Bassanio thinks that the golden locks of the women are other’s property. They had grown on the head of some other woman who is dead.
Question 2.
How does Bassanio describe ornament?
Answer:
Bassanio compares ornament to a deceptive sea-shore which leads a ship into a dangerous sea. It might also be compared to the beautiful scarf covering an ugly Indian woman. It could further be compared to the seeming truth which people put on the deceive even the wisest persons.
Question 3.
Why does Bassanio reject gaudy gold? Who was Midas?
Answer:
He rejects gold on the ground that it could not serve as food in the case of Midas. Midas was a miserly king. Some divine power gave him the power of turning whatever he touched into gold. Thus it became impossible for him to eat anything.
Question 4.
What is Bassanio impression of silver?
Answer:
Bassanio thinks that silver is only a common means of exchange among human beings.
Question 5.
Why does he choose the leaden casket?
Answer:
He chooses the leaden casket because he is impressed more by its simplicity than the appeal of showy gold.
Passage – 5 (Act III, Sc.II, 101-112)
Paraphrase :
So, you gaudy gold, Hard food for Midas, I don’t anything from you; And not from you either, you pale and common exchange Between man and man: but you, you lowly lead, Which threatens rather than promises anything, Your plainness moves me more than any speech, And I choose you: joy be the result!
PORTIA : How all the other passions fly to the air, As doubtful thoughts, and rash-embraced despair, And shuddering fear, and green-eyed jealousy! Oh, love! behave; hold back your thrills; Be happy slowly; limit this excess; I feel your blessing too much; make it less, Because I’m afraid of having too much joy!
Word Meaning With Annotation
Hard food for Midas : Midas was an ancient king who was allowed to ask a certain favour from the gods. Midas was very avaricious and asked that whatever he touched might turn to gold. His request was granted. Then he found that when he attempted to eat, his food was at once turned to gold. So he was in danger of starving to death, and had to pray to the gods to withdraw their gift, meagre lead : unattractive lead, in comparison with gold and silver, all the other passions fleet to air : how every passion except love vanishes like thin air. green-eyed jealousy : jealousy is personified here, and said to be a monster with green eyes. In Hamlet too, Shakespeare describes jealousy as ‘the green-eyed monster.” In measure rein the joy : some editors read “rein” i.e. restrain. Others have “rain” in the sense of “scatter down the joy.” surfeit : to sicken of a thing from having too much of it.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
Who is ‘Midas’. Why is gold said to be hard food for Midas?
Answer:
Midas was a king who got the power of turning whatever he touched, into gold. As a result, even the food, which he touched, changed into gold, thus making it impossible to eat. It became hard ‘ for that greedy king who wanted to have all gold in his life.
This legendary king touched his own daughter, and she turned into gold. Then he repented, and his power of turning things into gold was taken back from him. He learnt the lesson that other things in life were far more important than gold.
Question 2.
Why is gold referred to as ‘gaudy’? Explain why Bassanio rejects the gold casket.
Answer:
Gold is referred to as ‘gaudy’ which means that it is showy with no real worth of its own. On the strength of arguments he has so far advanced against the falsity of outward appearance, Bassanio rejects gold with its glittering look. It is the hard food which Midas, the greedy king got as punishment for his greed. Bassanio would not have anything to do with it. That’s why he rejects the golden casket.
Question 3.
What is the meaning of ‘thou pale and common drudge/Tween man and man.” What is referred to as pale and common drudge? Why is it said to be a ‘common drudge’ Tween man and man”?
Answer:
Bassanio then turns to the silver casket. He calls it merely pale and common drudge between man and man. Silver is the medium of exchange between man and man through silver coins. ‘Drudge’ actually means a hard-worked slave. With reference to silver, its coins are of a very busy common currency.
Question 4.
Why Bassanio choose the lead casket?
Answer:
Bassanio chooses the lead casket with its unassuming appearance which does not make attractive promises. Lead threatens rather than promises anything. So it has the intrinsic unassuming worth. Its paleness proves more attractive, finally, than the bright appearance of other two metals.
It may be said that the inscription on the leaden casket appeals to Bassanio’s gambling and adventurous spirit. He is prepared to risk all for love. For this he could put his friend’s life into danger.
Question 5.
What was the reaction of Portia to the choice made by Bassanio?
Answer:
Portia stands watching anxiously which casket Bassanio is going to fix upon. From what she has seen of the choice by Morocco and Arragon, she knows that the leaden casket is the right casket to choose. When Portia sees Bassanio inclining towards that casket she bursts into a mood of extreme joy which is hard to contain.
Portia heart was troubled by mixed emotions. There were the doubts of success and the feelings of hopelessness which made her tremble with fear of a possible failure. But all these emotions vanish at the sight of Bassanio making the right choice. She is not only relieved of tense feelings, but she is overwhelmed with a rapturous joy.
Question 6.
Explain briefly how the theme of appearance and reality is referred to in this extract.
Answer:
Before making his choice. Bassanio dwells in detail on the theme of appearance and reality. He knows that the world is cheated by external decoration. In a law case, for example, very unworthy and corrupt arguments concealed their wickedness if these are delivered in a pleasing voice. In religion, damnable errors and sins, if supported with a quotation from the scripture, look like good deeds.
Bassanio refers to other examples to explain his point. So many cowards whose hearts are altogether weak, hide their cowardice by carrying a ferocious look on their faces. As for beautiful women, they adopt artificial means to look attractive. Outward show of beauty is the deceitful shore, which might attract a sailor, but the sea ahead of it is dangerous.
Passage – 6 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 114-124)
Paraphrase :
BASSANIO : What do I find here? Beautiful Portia’s picture! What minor god Has come so near to making a woman? Do these eyes move? Or do they seem to be moving Because they are riding on my eyeballs? Here are parted lips, with sugar breath; so sweet a bar Should tear such sweet friends apart. Here The painter plays the spider in her hair, and has woven A golden mesh to capture the hearts of men Faster than gnats are caught in cobwebs.
Word Meaning With Annotation
counterfeit : something made exactly the same as another, what demi-god hath come so near creation : a demi-god is a half-divine person. Bassanio says that the portrait is so near to being alive that the artist has almost created life.’or whether, riding on the balls of mine, seem they in motion : or is it the fact that their image is taken up by my own eyeballs, which seem to impart motion to them? here are sever’d lips, parted with sugar breath : her lips are slightly parted by the sweet perfumed breath which passes in and out.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
What does he find in the leaden casket?
Answer:
Bassanio finds the portrait of Portia in the leaden casket.
Question 2.
What is Bassanio’s impression about the creator of the picture of Portia?
Answer:
Bassanio thinks that only a supernatural being and not a human hand could have painted such a life-like picture.
Question 3.
What are Bassanio’s observations about the eyes of Portia in the picture?
Answer:
He thinks that the eyes of the picture move. Or they appear to be moving because they are reflected in his eyes.
Question 4.
What is the sweet bar between the lips of Portia.
Answer:
Her sweet breath is the bar between the lips of Portia.
Question 5.
What was the painter’s object in painting the spider in Portia’s hairs?
Answer:
The object was to capture the hearts of men.
Passage – 7 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 124-138)
Paraphrase :
BASSANIO : but her eyes! How could he see to do them? Having made one eye, I think it should have power to steal both his, And leave itself poor: yet look, how far The body of my praise insults this shadow By valuing it less, so far this shadow Limps behind the substance. Here’s the scroll, The world and summary of my luck.” You that choose not by looks, Gamble as fair and choose as true! Since this fortune falls to you, Be content and seek no other new one. If you are well pleased with this, And hold your fortune for your bliss, Turn to where your lady is And claim her with a loving kiss.”
Word Meaning With Annotation
But her eyes, how could he see to do them? having made one, me thinks it should have power to steal both his, and leave itself unfurnish’d : says that it surprises him that the painter was able to finish the second eye of the portrait, because the beauty of the first eye should have absolutely dazzled the artist, so that he could not see to complete the second one. Thus the first should have been left without its companion eye (unfumish’d = unaccompanied), doth limp behind the substance : moves like a lame person (limp) in an unsuccessful effort to keep up with the original, continent : that which contains; the container, you that choose not by the view : the whole principle on which the choice of the caskets is founded is expressed in this line, namely that men should not choose by outward appearances, but should look deeply for the real meaning of things.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
What according to Bassanio, were the dangers encountered by the painter while painting the eyes of Portia?
Answer:
Portia’s eyes were so magical that the painter should have become blind after the painting only of the eyes.
Question 2.
What, according to Bassanio, was the experience of the painter after he had painted one eye of Portia’s picture?
Answer:
According to Bassanio, the painter should have lost both of his own eyes and thus have been unable to complete the eyes in his painting.
Question 3.
Do you think Bassanio is satisfied by his praise of Portia’s beauty?
Answer:
Bassanio feels that he has not been able to describe the beauty of Portia.
Question 4.
What does the scroll say about a person who does not choose by the external qualities?
Answer:
The scroll says that such a person may make his choice as wisely as he may be very lucky.
Question 5.
What does the scroll advise Bassanio to do since he has been lucky to choose the right casket?
Answer:
It advises him to be satisfied and not to run after anything new.
Passage – 8 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 140-148)
Paraphrase :
I come off to the side, to give and to receive. Like one of two contenders for a prize, That thinks he has done well in people’s eyes, Hearing applause and universal shout, Giddy in spirit, still gazing in a. doubt Whether those peals of praise are his or not; So, three times beautiful lady, I stand I, even like this, As doubtful of whether what I see is true, Until it is confirmed, signed, and ratified by you.
Word Meaning With Annotation
By note : according to this instruction, contending in a prize : the simile is that of two wrestlers, or similar athletes, competing for a prize.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
Who is’the speaker of these words? On what occasion are these words spoken? What has the speaker come “to give and to receive”?
Answer:
These words are spoken by Bassanio and are addressed to Portia. He has just chosen the right casket. Inside, he finds Portia’s portrait, at which he falls into a great ecstasy-of praise. Then he reads the scroll in which there is a blessing for him that he may be always lucky just as he has been there.
Bassanio turns to Portia to give and receive love. As a token of this expression he kisses his lady love and expects a kiss from her. This is done in accordance with the instructions given in the scroll.
Question 2.
What prize has the Bassanio won? Briefly state the reasons which made the speaker to choose the casket in order to win the prize.
Answer:
The speaker has won the hand of fair Portia by choosing the right casket. He has proved to be the luckiest of all the suitors who came for taking part in the game of lottery. He will have the fortune of marrying this beautiful rich lady.
Bassanio was able to choose the right casket simply because he had the wisdom of interpreting the inscriptions on the three caskets. He was not led by appearance. He rejected the golden and the silver caskets inspite of their showy appearances. He was prepared to risk everything for the sake of love. So he chose the dull-coloured leaden casket which challenged him to dare something for love.
Question 3.
To whom does the speaker compare himself ? Explain clearly the points of comparison.
Answer:
Bassanio compares himself to one of the two competitors contesting for a prize. He is not sure whether the cheers of the audience are meant for him or his rival. So he stands puzzled, looking anxiously at the crowds.
Bassanio is both thrilled and puzzled. He has won a victory, but he is not sure of himself. He has yet the absorb the overwhelming quality of his emotion.
Question 4.
Give the meaning of :
(a) peals of praise
(b) until confirmed, signed, ratified by you.
Answer:
(a) peals of praise means shouts of acclaim by spectators on winning a prize.
(b) until it is confirmed, approved and attested by Portia. Bassanio cannot believe that he has won until Portia Confirms this fact.
Question 5.
Why is the speaker doubtful whether what he sees is true? In what mood is the speaker at this point of time? Give evidence from the extract to show that he is in such a mood.
Answer:
The splendid success which followed Bassanio’s choice of the right casket is too good to be believed by him. This is why he is doubtful of his success even when it has been achieved.
Bassanio refers in the text to his being in a ‘giddy spirit’ after having performed what looks like a miracle. He hears the “universal shout” but he cannot right now believe if this applause is meant for him or not.
Question 6.
State in your own words how the fortune of the Bassanio changes after he wins the prize.
Answer:
Bassanio’s fortune changes incredibly after he wins the prize. He not only gets a beautiful, intelligent wife, but also almost inherits, through her, a great property. The person who did not have money enough to arrange a journey from Venice to Belmont, has now enough to repay his loan many times the principal amount.
Such is the nature of his would-be-wife (Portia) that in all humility she places herself as well as all her wealth at the disposal of this young man, who was a pauper before coming to her and who will be rich like a lord after marriage.
Passage – 9 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 148-161)
Paraphrase :
PORTIA : You see me, Lord Bassanio, where I stand, Such as I am: though for myself alone I would not be ambitious in my wish To wish myself much better luck. Still, for you, I would be three times twenty times myself, A thousand times more beautiful, ten thousand times More rich; If only to stand high in your account, I might exceed making a count of virtues, beauties, Livings, friends. But the full sum of me Is the sum of something which, in general, is an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpracticed; Happy in this state, she is not too old To learn;
Word Meaning With Annotation
Account : estimation, livings : property; possessions, exceed account : surpass all reckoning, but the full sum of me, is sum of nothing : but the sum total of all my virtues amounts actually to nothing at all.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
“You see me Lord Bassanio where I stand, Such as I am:” What does Portia want to say in above words?
Answer:
After choosing the right casket, Bassanio comes forward to claim beautiful Portia as his future wife. This he does by kissing her. Portia offers herself humbly by saying that she stands before him with whatever shortcomings and merits she has.
Question 2.
How is Portia unambitious in her wishes for herself?
Answer:
Portia tells Bassanio that for her ownself she would be quite contented to be what she is. She was satisfied with her lot. She has everything in life she needs.
Question 3.
What does she wish to be for the sake of Bassanio? Why does she want to be so?
Answer:
But for the sake of Bassanio, she wishes to be many times richer than what she is so that he might love her and prize her highly. She wishes to be rich beyond reckoning in point of virtue, beauty, wealth and friendship. All these possessions she wants in order to be rated high in Bassanio’s opinion.
Question 4.
What does Portia claim to be. Is she really an unlessoned girl?
Answer:
Portia claims to be a humble girl. She says that the total value of all her qualities is very little. In actual terms, this total is an uneducated girl, lacking in guidance and experience.
In saying this, Portia is undervaluing herself. This is in keeping with her essential character as a dignified lady. Her worth is yet to reveal itself in her brilliant interpretation of law while defending Antonio in the law court.
Question 5.
What is the source of her satisfaction at this stage?
Answer:
Portia humbly states that she has no accomplishment and no experience to boast of. But she is happy that she is not yet so old and rigid that she cannot learn. She is happier still that she has the aptitude to learn. She is pleased to surrender herself to Bassanio, to be guided by him.
Question 6.
What is your assessment of Portia?
Answer:
Portia’s words belie her real worth and yet they reveal her character. With noble courage and grace she speaks openly of that which any woman less sincere or less wise would have tried to pass over. She disparages her wealth, and wishes it to be ten times as great it is at present for the sake of Bassanio.
Portia says that a short while ago, she was the mistress of that beautiful palace, with all its servants. But in a moment everything belongs to Bassanio. It will be seen how nobly, and yet modestly, she ratifies the decision of the lottery. She accepts Bassanio, the man much after her heart, as her husband and places herself and all that she possesses at his disposal,
Passage – 10 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 156-174)
Paraphrase :
PORTIA : I might exceed making a count of virtues, beauties, Livings, friends. But the full sum of me Is the sum of something which, in general, Is an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpracticed; Happy in this state, she is not too old To learn; happier than this state, She is not bom so dull that she cannot learn; Happiest of all is that her gentle spirit Commits itself to you to be directed, As by her lord, her governor, her king. I and what is mine is now converted to you and yours, However, now I was the lord Of this beautiful mansion*!” master of my servants, Queen over myself; and even now, but now, This house, these servants; and I, Are yours- my lord’s. I give them with this ring, Which, if you part from it, lose it, or. give it away, Let it predict the ruin of your love J And be my opportunity to cry out against you!
Word Meaning With Annotation
Happier than this : and a happier circumstance than that is etc. to you and yours is now converted!– now pass to you, and become part of your property. lord : used as “owner” without regard to sex. and even now, but now : and just now, at this very moment etc. I give them with this ring; which when you part from, lose, or give away, let it presage the ruin of your love, and be my vantage to- exclaim on you : this gift of the ring, which looks no more than a pretty action on Portia’s part, is. really the commencement of an important subsidiary action in the latter stages of the play, presage, foretell.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
In what way Portia sums up her qualities?
Answer:
Portia admits that she is as a whole nothing better than an ignorant girl having no training or experience of life. Still is happy because she is not too old to learn.
Question 2.
Why does Portia think herself fortunate?
Answer:
She is fortunate because she is not dull by nature and can learn things. The most fortunate thing is that she is surrendering her humble self to the guidance and control of her husband.
Question 3.
How does she submit herself to Bassanio?
Answer:
She accepts Bassanio as her master, lord, governor and king.
Question 4.
Who is the owner of her estates now?
Answer:
A moment ago she was the mistress of this beautiful house. Now all these things-servants and herself belong to Bassanio. He is the lord of all.
Question 5.
What promise she takes from Bassanio after giving him the ring?
Answer:
She transfers ail these things to Bassanio with a ring. She takes a promise from him not that Bassanio will part with this, lose it or give it to anybody.
Passage – 11 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 197-207)
Paraphrase :
GRATIANO : I thank you sir, you have gotten me one. My eyes, my lord, can look as quickly as yours: You saw the mistress, I saw the maid; You loved, I loved, because a rest Doesn’t pertain any more to me, my lord, than to you. Your fortune stood on the chests there, And so did mine, as it works out; Because courting here until I worked up a sweat, And swearing promises until my mouth was dry With oaths of love, at last, if her promise lasts, I got a promise of this beautiful one here To have her love, provided that you were Lucky enough to get her mistress.
Word Meaning With Annotation
For intermission, no more pertains to me, my lord, than you : for delay in seizing an opportunity is no more a fault in my nature than it is in yours, as the matter fall : as things turn out. for wooing here, until I sweat again : Gratiano says that his love suit was hard and difficult matter, and compares it to bard labour’Which makes a man perspire, swearing : making declarations of his love, if promise last : if her promise still holds good.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
Who is the speaker of these lines? Whom does he address as ‘your lordship’?
Answer:
These lines are spoken by Gratiano and he addressed to Bassanio, whom he calls ‘your lordship’.
Question 2.
Who are the other persons present there? What is the situation?
Answer:
Others present on the scene are Portia and Nerissa. Bassanio has just chosen the right casket.Inside he has found Portia’s portrait and a scroll announcing his success. Bassanio and Portia have expressed their love and commitment to each other.
Portia has presented a ring to Bassanio, extracting a promise from him that he will not lose it. It was a token of Portia’s love and remembrance and if it was ever lost, it will mean the end of their love. After all this is said, Nerissa wishes good luck to the couple. It is here that Gratiano has his turn to speak.
Question 3.
“You have got me one”. What has the other person got the speaker one?
Answer:
Gratiano congratulates Bassanio and Portia. He then springs a surprise by expressing his wish to , get (married. He seeks Bassanio’s permission that when they celebrate their marriage, he too may be allowed to marry. Bassanio heartily welcomes the suggestion and grants Gratiano’s request provided he can find a wife.
Gratiano informs Bassanio that he himself has got him (Gratiano) a wife. Bassanio gets portia as his wife. This also indirectly has given Gratiano his wife in Nerissa. In this manner, Bassanio has got Gratiano a wife.
Question 4.
Explain …. “Intermission no more pertains to me my Lord than you.”
Answer:
Gratiano proves that he is no less smart and quick than his master, Bassanio. When Bassanio saw ^ lady Portia, Gratiano saw her maid, Nerissa. Bassanio fell in love with the lady while Gratiano lost his heart to Nerissa. In short, to neglect an opportunity is against his nature as it is against ‘ Bassanio’s nature. He caught the time by the forelock, and he has achieved success.
Question 5.
How did the fortune of two persons stand on the caskets there?
Answer:
The fortune of both Bassanio and Gratiano depended upon the right choice of the casket. Bassanio/ has the wisdom and good luck to choose the leaden casket which contained Portia’s portrait. His : effort has been rewarded with success. He is going to marry Portia, the beautiful rich lady. Thus, Bassanio’s luck is shining. It is only after the result of Bassanio’s choice is known that Gratiano discloses the agreement he and Nerissa had reached regarding their own marriage. They too would marry if the right casket was chosen.
Question 6.
Explain how the lottery of caskets won by someone but the speaker got the benefit into the bargain.
Answer:
Gratiano had been quick in wooing the maid while his master was busy in going through the fonnalities of choosing the casket. He had to try hard with his oaths of love to win Nerissa’s heart. At last, he was able to secure the promise that Nerissa would marry Gratiano if Bassanio won the hand of Portia. Thus, when Bassanio won, victory came to Gratiano as well. Gratiano got the benefit into the bargain.
Passage – 12 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 250-269)
Paraphrase :
Here are a few of the most unpleasant words That were ever written on paper. Gentle lady, When I first gave my love to you, I freely told you that all the wealth that I had Ran in my veins, I was a gentleman; And then I told you the truth. And yet, dear lady, Even rating myself as zero, you shall see How much I was bragging. When I told you That I had nothing, I should have told you then That I had less than nothing, because indeed I have indebted myself to a dear friend, Indebted my friend to his notorious enemy, To feed my needs. Here is a letter, lady, The paper is like the body of my friend, And every word in it, a gaping wound Bleeding heavily. But is it true, Salenio? Have all his ventures failed? What, not one came in? From Tripolis, from Mexico, and England, From Lisbon, Barbary, and India? ‘ And not one vessel escaped the dreadful touch Of the rocks that can break a merchant?
Word Meaning With Annotation
All the wealth I had, Ran in my veins : that I possessed no riches except noble blood, rating myself at nothing : when I estimated my possessions at nothing, was a braggart : I was actually boasting and over estimating, mere enemy : one who was his complete or absolute enemy, feed my means : increase my resources, issuing life-blood : discharging his life-blood. What, not one hit : What! Has not a single one attained its object? merchant-marring rocks : rocks, which ruin merchant by wrecking their ships.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
What did Bassanio say about his wealth when he first told Portia of his love?
Answer:
He told Portia that all his wealth flowed in his blood. That is all his wealth consisted in his noble birth.
Question 2.
What was Bassanio’s actual financial position according to his own confession?
Answer:
His financial position was worse than nothing. All the wealth that he had ran in his veins.
Question 3.
How did Bassanio manage money?
Answer:
He managed money through his friend who signed a bond with his enemy and got the money.
Question 4.
How does he compare the words written in the letter?
Answer:
The words in the letter stand for wounds on the body of his friend. And blood is flowing from those wounds.
Question 5.
What informations does the passage give about the losses of Antonio?
Answer:
The passage tells us that some damage has been done to Antonio, His ships at sea are supposed to have been ruined.
Passage – 13 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 270-289)
Paraphrase :
SALARINO : Not one, my lord.Besides, it seems that, even if he had The money right now to pay the Jew, He wouldn’t take it. Never did I know A creature that was shaped like a man, So eager and greedy to destroy a man completely. He petitions the Duke morning and night, And challenges the freedom of the courts, If they deny him justice. Twenty merchants, The Duke himself, and the noblemen of greatest reputation, have all tried to persuade him; But no one can drive him from the envious plea of default, of justice, and his promise to pay.
JESSICA : When I was with him, I heard him swear To Tubal and to Chus, his countrymen, That he would rather have Antonio’s flesh Than twenty times the value of the sum That he owed him; and I know, my lord, If law, authority, and power, don’t deny him, It will go hard with poor Antonio.
Word Meaning With Annotation
If he had the present money : if he had the money at the present time, confound : ruin; reduce to beggary, plies : continues to approach; presses, and doth impeach the freedom of the ‘state : to “impeach” in legal language, meant “to bring an accusation against.” Shylock brings the charge that Venice is denying him his legal rights, and therefore is violating the free rights which foreigners were supposed to enjoy, magnificoes of greatest : port, the greatest nobles of Venice were termed “Magnifici”, the Hoble-minded or magnificent ones “Of greatest port” may be rendered as “of the most noble carriage”, when I was with him, I have heard him swear : this is an indication of the passage of time showing that Jessica is speaking of things by no means recent. It also shows Jessica’s character, and some might fancy that this betrayal of her father’s confidential talk is not an admirable trait.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
Where are the speakers at this moment?
Answer:
The speakers are at Belmont at this time.
Question 2.
About whom is SALARINO talking and to whom?
Answer:
SALARINO is talking about Shylock, and he is talking to Bassanio though a few other persons including Portia are also present.
Question 3.
In what light does SALARINO depict the person he is talking about?
Answer:
SALARINO depicts Shylock as a villain who is determined to demand a pound of Antonio’s flesh because Antonio has forfeited the bond. SALARINO speaks of Shylock’s inflexible resolve in this matter. Nobody in Venice has been able to dissuade the Jew from his purpose. Shylock, according to SALARINO, is a greedy and revengeful man who wants to destroy Antonio.
Question 4.
To what extent do you agree with SALARINO’s assessment of that person?
Answer:
SALARINO’s assessment of Shylock is perfectly correct; and we agree with it though we also know that Antonio too had been ill-treating Shylock and had even been spuming and denouncing him for his greed and usury.
Question 5.
Does it really go hard with poor Antonio?
Answer:
Yes, it really goes hard with Antonio for a time. Shylock succeeds in making Antonio feel miserable because of his demand for a pound of Antonio’s flesh. Not only Antonio but his friends also feel deeply distressed over the sad fate which threatens Antonio. However, ultimately Antonio is rescued from the Jew’s clutches by Portia’s ingenuity.
Passage – 14 (Act III, Sc.II, Lines 297-310)
Paraphrase :
PORTIA : What! Is that all? Pay him six thousand, and destroy the promise to pay; Double six thousand, and then treble that, Before a friend of this description Loses a hair because of Bassanio. First go with me to church and marry me, And then go away to Venice to your friend; Because you shall never lie by Portia’s side With an uneasy soul. You shall have gold To pay the little debt twenty times over: When it is paid, bring your true friend back with you. My maid Nerissa and I will live as maids and widows In the meantime. Come, let’s go! Because you shall go away on your wedding day, Bid your friends welcome, show a happy face; Since you are bought so dearly, I’ll love you dearly. But let me hear the letter of your friend.
Word Meaning With Annotation
First go with me to church, and call me wife : to have the legal ceremony of marriage performed by the priest, since you are dear bought, I will love you dear : “Since you have cost your friend Antonio so dear a price, I shall hold you equally dear in my estimation.” miscarried, failed.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions
Question 1.
How much money is Portia willing to give to have the bond defaced?
Answer:
Portia is willing to give thirty-six thousand ducats.
Question 2.
What does Portia want Bassanio to do before going to Venice?
Answer:
She wants him to go to the church with her and legally make her his wife.
Question 3.
What would Portia do if Bassanio did not go to Venice?
Answer:
She would not let him lie by her side with a disturbed mind.
Question 4.
What do Portia and Nerissa plan to do in the absence of Bassanio?
Answer:
They plan to live like unmarried girls or like widows (woman whose husbands are away from them).
Question 5.
Why does Portia want to love Bassanio dearly?
Answer:
She wants to love him dearly because she has paid heavy price for him.
Merchant of Venice Workbook Questions and Answers
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