1. What is the setting of the story? What are the people like, the culture etc.?
The story takes place in Italy 1600's. The culture had a mix of of English and Italian, with polite and trusting people.
2. We meet Antonio in the first scene, who exactly is he and what is his worries that he faces early on?
Antonio is an Italian merchant in Venice who is depressed and doesn't know why. He's worried about his investments.
3. We also meet Bassanio a friend of Antonio, what does he ask of Antonio? Explain.
He asked Antonio for a loan so that he can bug something for Portia.
4. Portia worries about finding a husband, so what does she decide to do that she thinks will be best solution to her problem? Explain.
She decides to give a test to the suitors by making them choose out of three caskets to find one with gold. The one who gets the gold will be her husband.
Act I Scene III Questions
Revisiting the Portia situation, why is the choosing of a man suitable for her out of her hands?
Her father had decided the casket test, which she had no say in.
Who is Shylock? What is his importance in the story thus far?
Shylock is a Jewish man who confirmed a loan with Bassanio and made a deal with Antonio to pay back the loan in three months.
What is the agreement Shylock and Antonio come to terms with?
Shylock will cancel interest on Antonio, but if he fails to make his pay in time, Shylock can take a pound of flesh from him from any part of the body he chooses.
Why is Shylock so hesistant of this agreement with Antonio? While answering this question you should also explain their history and relationship between each other.
Shylock is hesitant to agree due to his reputation for having usury and making a deal with a Christian, whom he hates.
Would you trust Antonio? Why or why not.
No, because the deal he made was quickly thought with no second thought, so he may have made promises he'd regret to keep.
Reflection question: Many times people say friends don't make good business partners, or you should never live with your best friends. Why do you think this is so? Is it smart that Antonio and Shylock are doing business together?
People probably say that because when they made business choices, they would either fight over which decision should be made, or they would willingly choose the option their friend decides regardless of how they feel of it.
It probably isn't a good idea for Antonio and Shylock to work together due to their history, how they perceive each other, and their ideas on what is better.
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