The Merchant of Venice - Act 3

Act Three, Scene One

Why does Shylock assume Solanio and Salerio know of Jessica’s flight? because they are friends
What is the second suggestion of misfortune for Antonio? The rumour is that Antonio ships with all his money and valuable things were in a ship wreak
Who has been looking for Lorenzo and Jessica, how do we know? Shylock because he wants his money back
Where do Shylock and Tubal arrange to meet and with what purpose? they arrange to meet at the synagogue and so they can arrest him

Act Three, Scene Two

Why does Portia want Bassanio to delay his choice? so if he is wrong she would have at least spent some time with him

What makes Bassanio choose lead over the silver and gold caskets? Because he doesn't want to judge a book by its cover

What does Portia’s speech A3S2 L166-174 reveal about the expected roles of a woman in marriage.

What did Gratiano’s and Nerissa’s wish to marry depend on? if Bassanio chose the right casket

How does Portia know that the letter contains bad news? Because it is making Bassanio turn pale

What help does Portia offer straightaway? twice as much money as they owe him

Why do we not expect this help to be successful? Because Jessica (Shylocks daughter) over heard him say that even if he was offered 21 times as many ducats he would still take a pound flesh

Do you think Portia would still be in love with Bassanio if she knew he had lied about his wealth? yes because she likes him better that any of the other men

Act Three, Scene Three:

Antonio is now convinced that he knows the reason for Shylock’s insistence on claiming his bond. What is it? Because money doesn't matter to him anymore as long as he get the pound of flesh
Why can the Duke not ‘deny the course of law’ according to Antonio? because it will be a threat about how people make money
What does Antonio seem resigned to his fate. What two important realisations is this based on? Because Shylock really wants the pound of flesh and money doesn;t seem to matter to him anymore
Do you think Antonio’s feelings towards Bassanio have changed since the beginning, why? No because they still seem to be best friends still
Shylock refuses to consider the idea of Mercy, but demands Justice. Consider the following ideas:

Is mercy the same as forgiveness? No
Is it easier to show mercy or look for revenge? For me it is easier to show mercy as you get a better result out of it
Is justice the same as fairness? no just because their is justice does not mean that it is fair
Is true justice possible in this case? Justice is possible for some people but not to all

Act Three, Scene Four
What is Lorenzo’s opinion of Antonio? he admires him
What does Portia tell Lorenzo she intends to do? Go and be a Nun
What does she ask Lorenzo and Jessica to do for her and why? Look after her house and because she trust them and she wants to go save her husband
Why does Portia think Antonio and Bassanio must be alike? Because she belives since they are best friends they mjust be alright
Why do Portia and Nerissa intend to travel dressed as men? Because woman can't get into court
In A3S4 L 60-78, how does Portia describe the behaviour and attitudes of young men.
Does it seem likely that Portia is going to follow the expected  behaviour of a wife? no

Act Three, Scene Five
In his jokey conversation with Jessica, why is Launcelot against the conversion of Jews to Christianity? he thinks that the prices of pork will go up
What is Jessica’s opinion of Portia? I think that Jessica seem to respect her

Can dos:

Tainted: To contaminate or pollute something

Ecstasy: An overwhelming feeling of happiness or excitement

Converted: change the form or function or something

Vantage: A place or position affording a good view

Oration: A formal speech

Constitution: The composition of something

Envious: A feeling or showing envy (Jealous)

Forfeit: A penalty of wrong doing