The Merchant of Venice Act 1

What source or sources do Salarino and Solanio suggest are the cause of Antonio’s sadness?

• • His antisemitism and cruelty

• His wisdom

• Worries about reputation

• • Commercial concerns and love

What aspect of Gratiano does Bassanio joke about after Gratiano has left?

• His small stature

• • His empty speech

• His social status

• His physical appearance

At Belmont, what reason does Portia give Nerissa for being weary of the world?

• • Her inheritance is gone

• Her father has died

• • Can’t choose her husband

• Has to get married

According to Portia, what is a character fault of the English suitor who came to guess the correct casket?

• • Poor language skills

• Drunkenness

• Overly serious

• An obsession with horses

What did each of Portia’s suitors do before leaving in Scene 2?

• • Opened the caskets

• • 
    Had dinner with Portia

• • Refused to choose caskets

• Chose the wrong casket

In an aside, what does Shylock confess in Scene 3?

• he hates Antonio

• He hates his daughter

• He hates Bassanio

• He hates Venice

What is it that Antonio criticizes and that Shylock does as a regular business practice?

• Bribery

• Loans

• Usury

• Advertising his services

What does Shylock say that Antonio has done to him in the past?

• Failed to repay him

• Told him good jokes

• Spat on him

• Been a great friend

In what capacity does Antonio insist Shylock lend him the money?

• As a friend

• As a business parter

• As a shareholder

• As an enemy

How does Bassanio feel about the arrangement and the conditions of the loan?

• Grateful

• Suspicious

• Indifferent

• Angry