Merchant of Venice

ACT 1 1.1 1. What is the tone of Antonio's first speech (1.1.1-7)? What explanations do Salerio and Solanio come up with (and what do they tell us about Antonio)? How does Antonio respond to their suggestions? How does he see his position in the world (1.1.77-79)?

2. Why has Bassanio asked to meet Antonio (1.1.119-21)? What does he start talking about instead (1.1.122-134)? How do these two topics come together? How does he describe Portia and his quest for her (and her wealth)? (See 1.1.161-176.) Why can't Antonio give him the money he needs now? What will he do about it?

1.2 1. In reading the play, we know from the stage direction that Portia enters at the beginning of 2.1, but an audience in the theatre doesn't know that. How soon might an audience know that it is Portia who is talking to Nerissa? Based on Bassanio's description of Portia at the end of 1.1, what might first identify her as Portia?

2. How does Portia feel at the beginning of the scene? How does this compare to the beginning of 1.1? 3. How does Portia talk about "law" in 1.2.15-18? How does "law" apply to her (1.2.18-23)? How has her father controlled her choice of a husband even after his death (1.2.24-28)? Given the "roll call" of the suitors in 1.2.28-93, what do Portia's prospects look like? But what changes in 1.2.94-101?

1.3 1. How would you describe the relations between Christians and Jews in Venice as represented by 1.3? What seems to be the main difference between the Jews and the Christians, at least the merchants? (See 1.3.36-47.) What Biblical story does Shylock use to justify his taking of interest? How does Shylock respond to the Christians' methods of making money? (See 1.3.13-23.)

2. How has Antonio treated Shylock in the past, and what does Antonio think about that?

3. What agreement does Antonio reach with Shylock for the three thousand ducats Antonio will give to Bassanio? Does Antonio expect to have any problem paying back the money? Why or why not?