44 « Complete COWSe” he conspired. In ven to the man against whom pi additi to be gh of life and death over him. When Shylock is Hu the p, Duke, be 1 the court that he would prefer death rat doneg ke iN he owns. Antonio gives Shylock’s property back oe toby will bequeath his entire estate to Lore; Khim wigy 8 ‘convert to Christianity. N20 and 4 th 8 ,cognizes his disguised wife, and offers she denies, but after his continuous pera Tewarg him for his ring and Antonio's dlonsston the parts with his gloves without a second thought, but Bassanio give, loves, Anta a after much persuasion from Antonio, as earlier in the play he pri ‘Ss the Ting No, never to lose, sell or give away his bond of love. Nerissa, as i Omised hy, Only, also succeeds in likewise retrieving her ring from Gratiano, who ie lawyer's me recognize her disguise. is also una le At Belmont, Portia and Nerissa taunt, and pretend to acct to hefore revealing their disguise as the lawyer and his clerk use thelr hushen Isgui: ds Antonio learns from Portia that eee Is €€ of is the other characters make amends, ships were not stranded and have safely returned from the sea. and he must also Bassanio does not re supposed lawyer Initially, token of gratitude, Portia requests eoACT 1 (SCENE 1) Summary The play starts with Antonio, a rich merchant of Venice, complaining to his friends about a melancholy that he cannot find any reasons for, his friends feel that it could be because of the worry regarding the safety of his merchant ships that may be threatened by storms or sea pirates. Antonio denies this by saying that his merchandise is widely distributed and does not depends upon those ships only. Solanio says that it may be due to love, but Antony dissents this and states that, he hates falling in love. So his friends attribute the melancholy to his 'strange' nature. After the departure of these two friends, Bassanio, Gratiano and Lorenzo arrives. Gratiano teases Antonio by suggesting that he is too much bothered about the opinion of the world or he wants to appear as a wise man. Antonio replies that he treats the world ‘but as the stage', a stage every man has to doa role and his is a sad one. Gratiano immediately responds, and says that he is not the one willing to be sad, he wants to enjoy his youth before the age descends upon him. He departs by advicing Antonio to overcome his sadness and not to be its victim. When he is left alone with Bassanio, he asks his friend about his visit to a lady. Bassanio then confesses that he is in love with a rich lady from Belmont, but without any money, because of his extravagant nature, he'll not find a chance to woo the lady. He will be at a disadvantage as compared with the other rich suitors. He requested Antonio to lend him sufficient money, but Antonio does not have any ready cash as his ‘fortunes are at sea’ but offers to stand as a guarantee for a credit to raise the money. Word-Meanings in sooth — truly, want-wit — a dull fellow, argosies - merchant ships, signiors — gentlemen, portly - stately, burghers — citizens, pageants — decorated floats, overpeer - look over the heads of, petty traffickers — small commercial boats, reverence — respect, woven wings — canvas sails, broth — soup, shallows and of flats — shallow waters and sandbanks, Andrew — common name for big ships, dock'd - run ashore, bechanced — happened, Janus - a Roman God at doors who has two faces-one frowning and the other smiling, vinegar aspect — bitter nature, Nestor — an old and wise Greek General who would not laugh at silly jokes, marvelously — considerably, let my liver — a liver environed by wine will produce rich blood that will enliven one's disposition, mortifying - miserable, alabaster - marble white stone used in making statues, jaundice - sickly and complaining, profound conceit - deep thought, ope — open, gudgeon — a small foolish fish easily caught, exhortation — good advice, a neat's tongue dried - an ox-tongue, preserved and ready to be eaten, prodigal — extravagant, aged — irJlete Course in Lh Es! r 16+ Con utmost capacity or resources, shaft _ 2. debt, extremest pan - wool, Jasons - adventurous sailors, ret, hazard — second a fitable success, rack'd - stretched. Preg, . aun STRUCTURED QUESTIONS know not why I'm so sad : It wearles me; you say it weartes you; But how I caught tt, found it, or came by tt, What stuff ‘tis made of, whereof it ts born, Tam to learn; and such a want-wit sadness makes of me, That I have much ado to know myself. Q. 1. To whom are these words addressed? Where are the characters at These words are addressed to Salerio and Solanio, friends of ae ‘The characters are on a street in Venice. : Q. 2. Explain: ‘And such a want-wit sadness makes of me, That I have much ado to know myself’. Ans. Antonio means that his sadness has made him act in a foolish He finds it difficult to recognize himself in this present mood and claims the ignorant of the source of his woe. Q. 3. Explain the meaning of the given extract. Ans. Antonio, the merchant feels sad but he doesn't know the reason for his sadness. It makes him melancholic, but he doesn't know from where he Got it, what it consists of or of what origin it is! The sadness makes him such an idiot that he has trouble in recognizing himself. Q. 4. What reasons does his friend give for Antonio's state of mind? Ans. Antonio's friends think that he is feeling depressed because he is worried about his ships laden with Precious cargo floating in the sea. He is anxious about the safety of his ships. 1. Antonio: In sooth, I Manner, Riven to ct 5. What purpose does Shakespeare achieve by beginning the play in Your mind ts tossing on the Ocean, There where your Like signiors and— Act I (Scene 1) * 17 Q. 1. Who is being addressed? Apart from the two characters, who else is there with them? ‘Ans. Salerio is addressing Antonio. Apart from these two characters, Solanio is also there. Q. 2. To what remarks of the listener, does Salerio make these com- ments? To what are the ships compared? How do the shops move? What is meant by ‘petty traffickers’? What do they do when they see the argosies? Ans. Antonio talks about a vague sadness that troubles his mind. He says it makes him a dull-wit, making him difficult to understand himself. To this, salerio replies that it may be due to his anxiety about the safety of his precious cargo in his ships tossed about by the unpredictable seas. The ships are comparable to gentlemen and rich citizens who walk in a stately manner overlooking the commoners. Q. 3. Give the meanings of : (a) Argosies of Portly sail (b) Pageants of the sea (c) Woven Wings Ans. (a) Argosies of Portly sail - the phrase means merchant ships loaded with rich cargos sailing majestically on the seas. (b) Pageants of the sea - pageants are decorated floats moving in a procession. (c) Woven wings — canvas sails. Q. 4. How would have Solanio behaved if he had such Argosies on the sea? What would have made him sad? ‘Ans. Solanio would have been so concerned about his business ventures on the sea that he will be holding-up a grass to know the direction of the wind, looking over the maps for ports and channels. He would be scared to look at any object that would remind him of the risks at sea. Q. 5. Do you think these are the reasons which make Antonio sad? Give reasons. Ans. Antonio is not sad thinking about the safety of his cargo. In fact he is rather confident as his cargo is distributed in various ships. His fate is not dependent on the fate of a one ship or in one place. Q. 6. Explain briefly as to what Salerio has tried to convey in the last five lines. Ans. Salerio presented a beautiful image of the richly-laden ships of Antonio. Those ships were referred as to the nobleman who tower above the smaller trading merchants, similarly large vessel ships would surpass the smaller merchant ship which would bow before them due to respect. Antonio's ship would pass the small vessels at a high speed because their sails were like the wings which enable birds to fly through the air.ie reader gets abou lay? | Pp the reader gets to know that Anto, 0 _ "He has several merchant shipg R hae It oa on the ocean, it seems a roya] Broa, t a his ee vamon people. bow in front of royal ea like that Antony 1S the titular hero, who Tang 4, showing and fail to settle the bond with Shylogy te i) of highlights of the play. thy th, : hen I thought 3, salerio® ould blow ret might do at sea. What See the sandy hourglass run {shou id nunk of shallows and of fats, Bulls thy Andrew dock’d in sand ets high-top lower than her ribs her burial. og. wt wuld ete feng of the speaker if he saw the wing cay, ing his broth? that if his business ventures are in the sea, he Would by Ste henghts would travel to them at every point of time as if ie, Sed i hot soup with his breath. He would be worried about the Power otal may make the ships lose direction and would make him tremble in the same way as he is suffering from high fever trembles. Q. 2. What is meant by ‘sandy hour-glass'? How would the speaker feel he saw the hour glass? Ans. In ancient days a glass full of sand was to indicate the passing of time, i The sight of the sand in the hour glass would remind him of danger of hidden sand banks and shallow water. The danger of the ship getting stuck in the sand where the water is not sufficiently deep for a ship to sail over it smoothly. Q. 3. Give the meanings of : (a) Ague (b) Shallows and flats (c) Wealthy Andrew ‘Ans. (a) Ague ~ fever that makes one tremble. (0) Shallows and flats — shallow waters and sand banks. (c) Wealthy Andrew = _ Tichly laden ship. : 8.4. What is referred ‘ to as ‘Wealthy Andrew"? Wh; Ans. W y is it s0? ig pt spas means ship carrying expensive cargo, The richly lade! Jow into the veteran ' The ship might over turn with its top-sls © 8.Bow does Antonio reply eo a the sand. Ans, Y to his speech? does neg eo Says he fs not ¢ epend on o », Worrled about losing his money as his fort! : ne ship; he has Many ships going in diferent direction it Antonio's financiay , tayAct I (Scene I) + 19 and even if something happens to one ship other ships are there to compensate for the loss. 4. Salerio: Should I go to church And see the holy edifice of stone, And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks, Which touching but my gentle vessel's side Would scatter all her spices on the stream, Enrobe the roaring waters with my silks; And, in a word, but even now worth this, And now worth nothing ? Q. 1. How would Salerio feel if he goes to a church? Ans. Salerio says that if he goes to church seeing the stone building, he would be reminded of the rocks in the sea which might touch the sides of his gentle ships and make holes in them, and then all his rich spices, silks and other valueable material would be scattered in the ocean. Q. 2. Bring out the context of the extract. Ans. In the opening scene, we see Antonio in a sad state of mind. His friends Salerio and Solanio ask him for the reasons behind his sadness. Antonio is unable to figure out his sadness. So the friends feel it may be because of the anxiety for his precious cargo tossing on the ocean. Salerio says that if he had een in Antonio's place, he would start getting frightened if he saw the church suilding. The stone edifice would remind him of the rocks in the sea that might 1arm his ships making the entire cargo float in the sea. It is like owning so nuch in one minute and losing everything in the next moment. Q. 3. What is the ‘holy edifice’? What will it signify to him ? What is the ymbolic meaning of the comparison drawn? Ans. The holy edifice is the stone building of the church. It would remind im of the dangerous rocks in the sea, which might cause immense damage to is imaginary ship. The symbolic meaning is that life is so unpredictable. We uild-up expectations but what happens the next minute is nobodys prediction. There is many a slip between the cup and the lip”. Q. 4. Explain the following : ‘but even now worth this and now worth othing’. Ans. Just before an imaginary disaster Salerio's imaginary ship 'Andrew' ould be worth a fortune, but after its wreckage, it would worth nothing. All its ich merchandise would be washed away by the waves of the sea. Q. 5. What would be the feelings of Solanio, if his argosies had been out a the sea? Ans. Solanio says that if his cargo is in the sea, then he will be everytime nxious about its safety. He will be holding the grass to determine the direction f the wind and looking over the maps to study sea ports and channels and very object that might suggest misfortune to his business schemes will depress im. |20 © Complete Course in ICSE English-I, IX&X Q. 6. Give meanings of: (a) My gentle vessel's side / (b) Enrobe the roaring waters nntle vessel's side-gentle vessel is Antonio's m jed thinking whether the rugged. Toes Ship , Sn the hk he gt Ans. (a) My g¢ icin aker says Antonio is wal strike against the sleek sides of the ship. (b) Enrobe the roaring waters-cover the sea with the Tich cargo spices and silks. of Cost, 5. Salerio: Now, by two-headed Janus, Nature hath fram’d strange fellows in her time : Some that will evermore peep through their eyes, And laugh like parrots at a bag-piper; And other of such vinegar aspect That they'll not show their teeth in way of smile, Though Nestor swear the jest be laughable. Q. 1. Explain the comparison drawn out with Janus? Ans. When Antonio says that the cause of his sadness is not the about his ships, nor love, Salerio swears by the Roman God, the two hediy Janus, who sports a smiling face and a sad face. It implies that there are a opposite kinds of men. Some always look out through half closed eyes as they are always laughing without any reason, even at the sound of the bagpipers, Others have a sour expression that they will not open their lips to smile even ‘t a very pleasing joke or an amusing joke. | Q. 2. Who is Nestor? Why is he mentioned here? y Anxiety Ans. Nestor was an old and the wise Greek General who fought in the Trojan War. A joke had to be extremely funny to make him laugh. Here he is mentionei_ to show that there are such people with sour disposition that they will not laugh at any point of time. Q. 3. Explain ; (a) Laugh like parrots at a bag piper (b) Vinegar aspect cousin a Laugh like parrots at a bag piper - the music of a bagp!per "3 woeful which should bring on tears not laughter. The parrot is 4 bir believed to be foolish and laughs at everything even in a mournful tune. (b) Vinegar ich a gloor gar aspect - sour expression. There are human beings who have s ee that they would not show their teeth by smiling at a joke- ; —- ee does Salerio come with the sadness of ‘Anton ' are of such disposition thet aa is unhappy as he is not happy; certa!? P ey are unhappy without any reason.1 ae ‘Act 1 (Scene 1) * 21 g. 5. Comment on the parting remark of ee ‘can bake ‘Ans. Salerio says that he would have stayed longer with Antonio tyne to walt ‘adness and felt merry if worthier friends like Bass: a Ot il enloy bin hat time. He is sure that they are better company an' ee elie with eth He and Solanio will meet Antonio at leisure when time pe their business 1s over. Gratiano: Let m the fool : 6. o e play tl With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come. And let my liver rather heat with wine Than my heart cool with mortifying groans. Why should a man, whose blood is warm within, Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster, Sleep when he wakes, and creep into the Jaundice By being peevish ? Q. 1. What observation had Gratiano earlier made regarding he correct in his observation? Ans. Gratiano had remarked that Antonio? Is Antonio didn't seem well. He felt that Antonio was too concerned with the worldly affairs. He advises him that people lose everything when they worry over their business. According to him, Antonio has changed a lot. He is not correct as far as the reason for Antonio's sadness is concerned. Antonio is suffering from a melancholy but not because of anxiety over his business. Q. 2. To what comment made by Antonio does Gratiano give this reply? Who else are there with Gratiano at this moment? Ans. Antonio replied to Gratiano's words by saying that he gives as much importance to worldly affairs as required. According to him, the world is a stage where every man has to play a role. His role is a sad one. It is to this comment Gratiano makes this reply. Bassanio and Lorenzo are with him. Q. 3. What does the speaker prefer to do? What does it depicts about his character? Ans. The speaker prefers to have wrinkles made with laughter on his face. He wants to be merry and play the fool rather is a victim of sadness. This shows that Gratiano has a positive approach to life. He sees the brighter side of things and does not worry too much about worldly affairs. Q. 4. Give the meaning of : And let my liver --------------groans. Ans. Gratian ina 10 says that he would not mind to drink wine heavily even if his mb a ee He doesn't want to starve his heart with fun and feel worried out death. In other words, trivielhaitecs, ords, he believes in enjoying life rather than wallow in Q. 5. Explain : ‘grandsire cut in alal . ibaster' by being peevish’. a Ans. should n and ‘creep into the jaundice Se believes that a man with warm blood flowing through him ‘€ an expressionless and motionless statue of his grandfather'sin mp + comlete Course n his bt it raundlce- ethan pelief abou! x ish- lt, K& IC op Bnglis! by €0 aning: Neither ne should Se weaken BIS HO ritated manner 2 oneh he ts sup ot ve t and beba jaundice? ce was caused because of that a oes a close connection betjeg, t belli fn Ans. an er the bo asort of men whose visages mand mantle like @ standing pond, ae ipful stillness entertain, . eae to be dress ‘d in an opinion . nel gravity. profound ell As who should say, ‘Tam Sir Oracle, ‘And when I ope mY lips, let no dog bark ! to Gratiano why is he speaking in such a stern g. 1. According peing addressed to? ‘To whom are these for Antonio makes him speak in this manner. He doesn} 's love a ue eek a victim of melancholy. These words are being addres. wanl sed to Antonio. Q. 2. What sorts of men are described here? How do they look? ‘Ans, Men who refuse to smile, who sport an expressionless face are descr. bed here. Their faces look like the motionless waters of the lakes whose surface is covered with scum. Q. 3. Explain- “Do cream and mantle like a standing pool”. Ans. Still waters in a pool or lake are covered with scum preventing any movement. In the same way some people wear an artificial layer of expression 0 seriousness to earn a reputation of wisdom. nity? Ans. According to Gratian: that they are wise and mat only wisdom. Actually, itis Q. 5. Later on he Q. 4. According to the speaker why do some men put on an air of solet ‘0, some people put on an air of solemnity to sho" ure. They put on an air of 'Sir Oracle’ who speals to escape from being branded fools. Tefe What opinion do you cvs to gudgeon. In what context is he referred 1 Say later about oti © throw the feel Gy ic bait t Phlosenh Speaks a lot by © catch the cheap fish called popularity. him? St of Gratiano from this scene? What does Lo’ nis @ small unwo, r melancholic rthy fish easily caught. Gratiano asks Ant is ut Sives good Sine, a he says has a lot of meaning. Tim with ls witty emt Mo: Moreover, he loves Antoni? 4 he never gets a. 2K Later on, Lorenzo savs that ¥!Act I (Scene 1) * 23 Q. 6. How does Gratiano prefer to have wrinkles? Why? Give another instance where he reveals his preference for enjoying life. What does he say about grandfather cut in alabaster? Ans. Gratiano prefers to have wrinkles with mirth and laughter. He is. basically a jolly good fellow who wants to spread cheer among his friends. He also says that he would rather heat his liver with wine than cool his heart with miserable groans. Alabaster is a kind of clay or stone of which statues are made up. Gratiano wonders why anybody with warm blood in him sits like the statue of his grandfather cut in marble, and appear sleeping in the morning hours when he has to be active and cheerful. Q. 7. Explain: (a) ‘I am Sir Oracle’ (b) Let no dog bark Ans. (a) ‘I am Sir Oracle’- Sir Oracle is the wisest and most respected person, who can prophesy the future. A person, in fear of revealing his ignorance, can behave like sir Oracle and keep silent and pretend like a wise man. Sir Oracle seems to say that when he speaks in all his wisdom, other common people should remain quiet. (b) Let no dog bark- They are the dogs that should stop barking. Q. 8. What was Gratiano’s advice to Antonio in the end of his speech? Brief it. Ans. Gratiano advise Antonio to give up his serious and melancholic expression. He should not behave like some fake people, who pretend wise to cover up their ignorance. He should be more communicative and share his feelings with his friends. He asks him to cheer up and not tot go around looking so glum. : 8. Bassanio: ‘Tis not unknown to you, Antonio, How much I have disabled mine estate, By something showing a more swelling port Than my faint means would grant continuance : Nor do I now make moan to be abridg’d From such a noble rate. Q. 1. To what inquiry of Antonio does the speaker make this reply? What details do you get about the lady later in this scene? Ans. Antonio inquires about the lady to whom Bassanio has decided to pay a visit secretly. Later in the scene, Bassanio informs that there is a rich lady from Belmont who is fairer than the word beautiful. She has great virtues. Her name is Portia and is as worthy as Cato's daughter and Brutus’ wife. The whole world is aware of her worth. Many suitors are on their way to win her hand, but since she has given him silent messages through her lovely eyes, Bassanio is hopeful of wooing her.7" CGE Engr - . igigabled mine estate’? W, oe AD sa py ‘is Y og y 2 state passanio means that he has wag, \ estate perm he ba een living In 2 way more lavish in 4 ty e. He $4) : ms, on ner term 'to i. a bridged? hs se 70" spridged”? DOSE he feel sorry for it? What aoq?\ } 10 is Le jailed. Bassanio was { bis + means ‘to be curt e rs ‘realm maintain bi6 high standard of living yy, toy use he does not feel SOTTY for It. This «8 mn ss ces. He * : a ce see .s and is ready to take the by, Shop, coming: is al ly clear off : - as inet priority now is € honorably his debt ang ay nt. Jy to visit Belo rate Antonio in ies ). tow mach does Bassa “ friend. He has c asiders Antonio as his trie onfiden, - NG ca shar th him all his thoughts and worries. He can rd a to him. He is sure Antonio op pores: mney and affection. g. 5. What opinions have you formed about the sp Se a ‘Ans. Bassanio initially comes across as a spoilt brat who has squander away all his money in living a lavish lifestyle. He shamelessly asks Antonios help to enable him to woo @ rich lady with a promising fortune. But later on, ve find that he is not such an irresponsible and uncaring person. He wa reassuring Antonio that he would be returning the money once his mission is accomplished. He is frank in confessing about his shortcomings. Also the scent reveals that he has an optimistic enthusiasm which motivates him to search fa a fortune rather than waiting for the fortune to come to him. 9. Bassanio: In my school-days, when I had lost one shaft, I shot his fellow of the self-same, flight The self-same way with more advised watch, Tofind the other forth; and by adventuring both, Toft found both. Q. 1. In what context does Bassanio speak these words? Ans. Bassani eeleeate pes these words to Antonio in order to reveal his sess ‘bitline, But he thax a alan that his wayward living has made him I ‘sc Antonio's help. plan to make his life better. For whichhe 74 Q. 2. Bring out th ‘0 establish with this childhood ext cae the extract. What does he wast 2 . Ans. In the above extract, Bas whet 1M metimes shot an arrow from his sc talks about his school day5 “geri and then could not find it. $0: #9 =Act 1 (Scene 1) * 25 locate that arrow, he used to shoot another one having same size, weight and capacity to travel through the air in the same direction. This time he used to maintain a greater alertness as to the point at which it was likely to fall. Then he used to search for both the arrows and often find both of them. With this childhood example, he wants to convince Antonio for lending him a second loan so that he may be able to recover even the money which was lent earlier to him by Antonio. Q. 3. What aspect of the speaker's personality is revealed here ? Ans. The speaker's words shows his boyish belief. He is pinning his hope on a childhood example but the very determination in his voice proves that he is not ready to cry over the losses but is ready to make an attempt and try to compensate his losses. — Q. 4. What assurance does the speaker give here? Ans. The speaker assures Antonio that he need not worry about the loan: he'll definitely get enough money to pay. Q. 5. How does Antonio respond to these words? Ans. Antonio says that he doesn't have to waste his time by confessing his love. In fact, he wrongs him by doubting his readiness to help him with money. He just has to tell him what he wants and he will be obliged to do it. 10. Bassanio: Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, For the four winds blow in.from every coast Renowned suitors; and her sunny locks Hang on her temples like a golden fleece; Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchis’ strand, And many Jasons come in quest of her. O my Antonio, had I but the means To hold a rival place with one of them, T have a mind presages me such thrift That I should questionless be fortunate. Q. 1. Who is the lady being talked about? Why is the speaker talking about her at this time? Ans. The lady being talked about here is Portia, a rich and a beautiful lady, whom Bassanio met at Belmont. Bassanio is talking about her at this time because he wants to woo her and win her hand but as he has no money, he asks Antonio to lend him some more money which he promises to repay after his marriage. Q. 2. Explain the meaning of ‘Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, For the four winds blow in from every coast Renowned suitors’. To whom this lady has been compared in the extract and in what way? Ans. Bassanio says that the whole world knows about the worth of Portia and famous suitors from every coast are sailing towards Belmont with the desire of marrying her. This lady has been compared to a golden fleece in the extract as her golden locks of hair hang on both sides of her face.nglishlb Ke cance of ‘golden fleece’, 'Colchog Strang } ed to the soft halt is compar’ golden ag Jason a Greek hero who ne P rack Sea £0 get the fleece. It was a difficyy hy f Medea. ‘who was 10 love with him, t Jo nn pis friend to do? How will ty, ie bay nis friend Antonio to help him financially, g, Ass. eine e worthy lady. From this action he i 3 ‘ x Ur ar At that he will return the first and the second loan after ure with bis wile's money: me 5. How does to this request? Ans. Ant tall his money 1s invested in his ships which gea. They should see nis credit can do in Venice. He will ih ae resources to the maximum so that Bassanio has enough money ich Belmont. The money cal be mobilized either on his credit or personal surg ° vu request of Basanso gn v0 Stott rial takes credit on personal surety to arrange money f the clutches of Shylock, the usurer who hates for by for all the insults they have showered wee rt of law for justice and al s the cou! compense. Thus, Antonio has tp train and imprisonment due to this request. demands @ undergo a lot of mental s “ACT 1 (SCENE 2) ————— Summary The location of the scene is now at Belmont. From the masculine commercial world of Venice we are taken to a romantic, feminine world of Belmont. The plot unfolds through the conversation of Portia and Nerissa. Like Antonio, Portia is also sad; but there is a reason for her sadness. At the time of death, her father had willed that Portia's husband should be chosen by a lottery. The suitor has to choose one of the three caskets displayed. They are made of gold, silver and lead with cryptic inscriptions on each. The one who chooses the right casket with the portrait of Portia will win her hand. The person who chooses the wrong casket should take an oath never to marry or reveal what is written on the casket. There is an interesting conversation between the two ladies regarding the suitors. Portia wittily find out faults within each suitor who has come to try their luck. There is a Neopolitan prince who only talks about horses, a Palatine who does nothing but frown, Monsieur Le Bon has no character of his own, someone is a drunkard, the other one is strangely dressed and so on. Fortunately, for Portia all of them decide to leave without taking any risk. The lady 1s highly relieved. The real reason is that she is attracted to Bassanio whom she had met earlier on some occasion. Nerissa informs Portia that 'a Venetian, scholar and soldier’ has arrived. Portia remembers the man as 'the best deserving of a fair lady’. This kindles the curiosity of the audience to meet the young man who has captured the fair lady's imagination. Word-Meanings troth ~ faith, aweary — tired, aught - anything, surfeit — having too much, superfluity — state of having too much, divine — Preacher, madness (the youth) ~ high spirits of the youth, Skip o'er - jump over, meshes — nets, cripple — hurt, reasoning — wise talk, curbed — restrained, virtuous — hay good qualities like wisdom, inspirations — divine guidance, at the ear, vilely — badly, fell - happen, make shift ls ~ Manage, Rhenish wine — white wine made in Rhine valley, contrary — wrong, timpeattion - will, Sibylla — an old woman, wooers — suitors, fore. . , fore-runner - messenger, - sins and grant forgiveness. ene tSCSE EM sein ICSE PS .) QUESTIONS 5 TR am, if your miseries were in 5 fortunes are : and yet, for aught; © 4 u vr 1, Neriss® bunaace 8 fel with too much as they that ee a k i neat ness therefore, tO be seated in the le ‘a thing. ss sooner by white hairs, but competency tings "* ty dam? Where are the ge Igy g. 1. Whom ees py the ober person does the speaker met To what comm hy as Madam, one of the main charag Portia. ddressing FOC" etmont, ina room in Portia’s hous na e, rg are NOW the comment made by Portia that her little bo i Th ssa is a tel the play: ‘The chara eas gave this reply : this t world. tired with greal ve Necisse, WAY is the body of the other person ‘a 9.2. too _ ‘ ‘what is Nerissa's relationship with the other erin doubtful about her future decause rissa, Portia is rissa is Portia's maid but she ig father’s will. Ne e says some people are tired of their extrem, q ch of wealth. try to cheer Portia? What yw, Ans. ‘According to Nei strange provisions of her friend and confidante too. Shi while others due to too mut g. 3. Earlier, in what way did Nerissa Portia's reaction to what Nerissa had said? ‘Ans. When Portia says that she is weary, Nerissa comforts Portia by saying that she would have been really weary, if her miseries were in the san Je who suffer from too much tiredness emanat. abundance as her fortunes. Peopl ing out of boredom are just as those who suffer from starvation. It is better tobe placed in the middle. Those who have too much, age sooner. Those who hare just enough, live longer. But Portia is placed in the middle, so she should noi feel sad. Portia reacted by saying that they were good words. She compliments Nerissa by saying that the speech was well-spoken. Q. 4. Where does happiness lie, according to the extrac have you formed of Nerissa, from this extract? Ans, Happiness is ‘seated in the mean’. It means, happiness is placed in the mae between poverty and riches. Although Nerissa is a maid, she has @ lot! om. She isa philosopher and this is the reason, Portia considers ber a friend and close companion. 5. Gi " ia petty eta of 'they are as sick as that surfeit pas es sooner by white hairs, but competency lives . The ne Loe ae that the people with too much money and auch of everything age Hina . ones who are poor. In fact people navini ut who have just enough live longer- 7? What opinion with so pouch onset: eAct I (Scene 2) + 29 Q. 6. In the light of what happens later, why do you think, the 'Madam' is unhappy? Ans. Portia is unhappy because her father had willed that her marriage should take place by lottery. Portia, being independent personality would i e 7 make her own choices. She is attracted to Bassanio. She feels restricted an anxious because her fate depends on who chooses the right casket. 2. Portia: If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches, and poor men’s cottages princes’ palaces. It is a good divine that follows his own instructions : I can easter teach twenty what were good to be done, than be one of the to follow mine own teaching. The brain may devise laws for the blood, but a hot temper leaps o'er a cold decree: such a hare is madness (the youth), to skip o’er the meshes of good counsel (the cripple).But this reasoning ts not in the fashion to choose me a husband. O me, the word ‘choose’. I may nelther choose who I would nor refuse who I dislike; so is the will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father. Q. 1. Where are Portia and Nerissa at this moment? Why are they there? Ans. Portia and Nerissa are in a room of Portia's house at Belmont. They are there waiting for the various suitors to make their choice of the caskets. Q. 2. Give the meaning of ‘If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches, and Poor men's cottages princes’ palaces’. Explain the allusion to the ‘good divine’. Ans. The lines mean that if doing good is as easy to know what is good. The chapels would be churches and poor men's house will be like royal palaces. If the priest is able to follow what he preaches, he is a good preacher. This alludes to the difficulty in following instructions, even if it is good. Q. 3. Why does Portia say that she finds it difficult to follow than to preach? Ans. Portia wants to follow her hear t. She doesn't have any desire to marry according to what her father has mentioned in the will. She says it is easy to give advice to twenty people as compared to follow her own teachings. The brain may make laws for the blood but the heat of the blood overpowers the dictates of such dry laws, Q. 4. What does the im comparison here. Ans, heed to i People. Q. 5. Later the Speaker says. 'O me, such anguish? pulse of youth makes one do? Explain the The madness of youth can leap across §00d advice without paying any {. They are like a hare avoiding the trap of good advice of experienced the word choose’. Why is it said in i —30 + Complete Course in ICSE English-Il, IX&A brought up in such q . Portia is a spirited woman a ake net own decisions. When it comes to the most important the fe of choosing her husband, she finds herself restricted by her g ects has to depend on lottery to choose her husband and tt make ath r , what reason; | . 6. Immediately after this extract, m7 8 does onto justify ‘the will of a dead father'? Do you th TNertaag ny tion proved correct? Give reasons for your answer. t th, i Or a What answer does Nerissa give in reply to these words 2 Ans. Nerissa tells Portia that she should not despair of her fath, was a pious and wise man. Moreover dying people get divine inspect’ wy makes them do what is right, so Portia will get the right Person wy Aton Hh her. This actually proved true as Bassanio who is a true lover choo, uly i caskets while others due to their self-love and vanity fail to win hey Ses the Q. 7. State in your own words what Portia means by daughter curbed by the will of a dead father'. Ans. Portia means that her dead father's will is taking away he, choose a husband on her own. Her wishes in life are being contrel ery, wishes of a dead father. ed by 4, ‘the will of a dead father’. What does she say? From what she _ opinion do you form of her? Ans. Portia feels that even if she lives like Sybil who has been er eternal life, she prefers to die a virgin like Diana. There is no option for ro to abide by her father's will, if at all she has to marry. One hope is that q suitors are very reasonable and are planning to go back as they don't watt abide by the conditions of the will. This shows that Portia is an intelligent ja who has a mind of her own. She has not liked any of the suitors and ts glai: their departure. She is willing to wait for a man who'll be after her own heart, 3. Nerissa : How say you by the French lord, Monsteur Le Bon ? Portia : God made him, and therefore let him pass for a man. In truth, I kno: it is a sin to be mocker; but, he! why, he hath a horse better tha the Neapolitan’s, a better bad habit of frowning than the Cou Palatine; he is every man in no man; if a throstle sing, he fol straight a-capering; he will fence with his own shadow. If I shall, marry him, I should marry twenty husbands : if he would desps me, I would forgive him, for if he loves me to madness, I shall neve: requite him. Q. 1. Bring out the context of the passage. Ans. At Belmont, Portia and Nerissa were discussing the sui come to marry Portia by the lottery of caskets. Portia is weary as she docst her father's stipulation at all. In order to entertain her, Nerissa asks 2D" oy: of the suitors and Portia wittily describes each one of them much” | entertainment. Here, they are talking about the French Lord, Le Bo?- ‘the win, i hy YS, why tors who hit est awee ——————— ‘Act I (Scene 2) ° 34 erefore let him pas® de him; ing that since God ma\ aa ¢ ombination of al] men. and no politan prince a= Count Jain, ‘God made him and th f Le Bon by ‘Ans. Portia ts making fun of have to consider him a man. Otherwise, he is a individuality to boast about. g. 3. In what way has Palatine? Ans. According to Portia, the Neapolitan prince is 4 young horse. He talks about nothing but horses cease vianineation that he can shoe his own horse. Se une, a bce st q oe have had a love affair with a blacksmith. Co ee nape thin; he cares little whi but frown as though to say pts Coe oe act. Fle hears good stories without a smile, and will prove a philosop! er a pefore he is old. Since he is such a gloomy man, Portia would rather marry th. skeleton with a bone in tts mou! Q. 4. Why does she say, "af 1 should marry him, I should marry twenty husbands? n is more attached to the horse than the Ans. Portia feels that Le Boi = Neapolitan frown more than Count Palatine. He has every man's fault, but is not aman at all. Marrying him will be like marrying twenty different men. Q. 5. What does Portia say about Falconbridge? Ans. Portia says that Falconbridge, the young Baron does not understand her just ike she doesn't understand him. He doesn't know any language and his grasp of English is very poor. He is a fine figure of a man but who can hold a conversation by means of signs. He dresses incongruously in different styles, and borrows manners from everywhere. 4. Portia: Therefore, for fear of the worst, I pray thee, seta deep glass of Rhenish wine on the contrary casket, for, if the devil be within and } that temptation with-out, I know he will choose tt. I will do any- thing, Nerissa, ere I will be married to a sponge. Q. 1. In what context does Portia speak these words? Ans. Portia and Nerissa are talking about the suitors who have come to seek the Portia's hand in marriage. When Portia is asked whether she has any preference for any one of these, she tells Nerissa to overname them and she'll Fann her ee her opinion. From the description, Nerissa can make her own a ley are now talking about a young German, the Duke of Saxony's Q. 2. How ai . low does Portia describe the character talked about in the g. 2. Exp! Portia described Nea! as immature and rash a5 @ Ans. Portia says that the youn, ig German does not have a good di the morning when he is sober he is bad but in the noon when he ania ne becomes worse. When he n he ts at his be: he is at his worst he is like a beast, ‘st he is a miserable type of man, and when a ee ee es ee432, « Complete Course in ICSE English-I1, IK &X g. 3. why does she ask Nerissa to keep the wine on the wron, Ans. Portia does not want to marry this young drunkard, bi wine on the top of the wrong casket. So that at keep the Rhenish eveaarin’ i inside the casket, he would not be able to resist the temptation to drink ace "a i choose that casket. i g. 4. How does Nerissa comfort Portia just after this? ed not worry if she has . Nerissa says that Portia ne not liked an, ore ‘as all these suitors have informed their desire to go back on, the choosing the caskets for fear of wrong choice as no one is read: ‘out. 01 ly to rem, unmarried according to the condition put forward. They are ri tot luck if there is another way other than choosing the caskets. thei juc pitoatey talks about Sybilla and Diana, soon after this. Why does avons n is talked about at the end of the scene? % Portia ly says that ultimateh 5 half playfully and half seriously say: y none of th tore will agree to the lottery of the caskets and she'll have to remain an oid si inster like Sybil who got eternal life but not youth or Diana, the moon Goddess who chose to remain unmarried. Bassanio, who visited Belmont at the time of Portia's father, is talked about at the end of the scene. E Caskey. and tells Ne,ACT 1 (SCENE 3) jummary on . ‘Again, the scene shifts to a public place in Venice. The eo 7 babes fo h d hard talk. Shylock, one 0! pack to the world of business ant 05" ctes the .d here. The scene comp! ters in English Literature, 1s introduce; ; Seaton that started with the bond story when Antonio agrees to Shylock's demand of a pound of flesh. Bassanio meets Shylock Antonio's credit. Shylock cons! of the sea, he's 'a good man' and if fortune wills, when Bassanio invites him to dine with Antonio, Shylo principle not to dine with Christians. Antonio makes his appearance and at the very sight of the merchant Shylock is filled with loath. Antonio has always criticized him for taking interest on the money lent. Many a time Antonio has insulted the Jew, spat on him and called him a dog. Shylock considers it as a good opportunity to take his revenge against the Christians. So he says, he wants Antonio's friendship and will advance the money without interest. But he wants to make the transaction a ‘merry sport’ and a penalty clause is to be inserted by way of a bond. If Antonio is unable to repay the borrowed money, Shylock would cut a pound of flesh from any part of his body. Bassanio is worried about Shylock’s intentions, but ‘Antonio expresses his happiness as the usurer is turning into a Christian. Antonio is confident that his ship's cargo will be sold by that time, and he will be able to settle the debt. Word-Meanings ducats — Venetian gold coins, be bound - will stand as guarantee, stead — supply, imputation - allegation, in supposition - at risk, argosy - merchant ship, Rialto - Venetian Stock Exchange, squandered - scattered lavishly, bethink - think it over, fawning - servile, publican — tax collector, gratis — free of interest, sacred nation - Jewish tribe, rails — abuses, congregate — gather bargains — business deals, debating - calculating, present store — ready money, gross - full amount, Hebrew — Jew, furnish — supply, albeit — although, excess — interest, ripe - pressing, wrought — schemed, third possessor — third in line of Possession, compromis'd - agreed, eanlings - new born lambs, streak'd and pied ~ with fleeces of two colours, thrive — succeed, thrift — proft, swayed and anes ~ controlled and shaped, holy witness — biblical arguments, goodly — Bleasant, beholding ~ indebted, rated - abused, usances - money deals, ou ice — long suffering, badge - characteristic, gabardine — loose cloak, bi ieee aa am - oe cur - stray dog, bondman's key - like a bond man in ve, bated breath — holding breath in a suppressed manner, and asks for a loan of three thousand ducats on iders that since Antonio's riches are at the mercy he can make some money. ck refuses as it's his a A Sn SN34 © Complete Course in ICSE English-II, IX & X Sy exact - take, doit - interest, notary ta —rejected. 4 spurn'd - rele ted - named, forfeiture ~ penalty, adi, awyer for dra , nomine enue. pleasant joke. unthrifty knave - irresponsible servant oe ment reason for anxiety. . ismay Y STRUCTURED QUESTIONS 1. Bassanio : Be assured you may. . Shylock : J will be assured I may; and, thatI may be Reshoea y! think me. May I speak with Antonio? Twin i Bassanio : Jfit please you to dine with us. Shylock + Yes; to smell pork; to eat of the habitation which your Nazarite conjured the devil into. I will buy with yo, Prophet the you, talk with you walk with you, and so following; but 1 yn if eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you, What Will not the Rialto? Who is he comes here? news on Q. 1. Where is Shylock and Bassanio at this time? What is the Pl of their meeting? Urpose Ans. The characters are in a public place in Venice. Bassanio has come to ask Shylock whether he will lend three thousand ducats for which Antonio will stand as security, or not. Q. 2. Why does Bassanio say, “Be assured you may?” What has Shylock said earlier about Antonio's ventures? Ans. Bassanio approaches Shylock to lend him three thousand ducats, for which Antonio will stand as a surety. Shylock says that since Antonio's merchandise is in various ships, and anything may happen to the ships, Shylock is hesitant, and Bassanio assures him that he can take the bond from Antonio; he won't stand to lose. Q. 3. Why is Shylock invited to dinner? Why was the invitation not accepted? Ans. Shylock is invited for dinner to meet Antonio who will stand as a credit for the loan taken. The invitation was not accepted as it is the Jew’s principle, to not to dine with the Christians. They eat pork which Is forbidden for Jews. Q. 4. Explain the reference to Nazarite. Ans. Jesus of Nazarite released the devils from a possessed man to inhabit the bodies of a herd of pigs. Q. 5. What all Shylock would not do with Christians? What is the one thing he would do? To whom does the last line refer to? Ans. Shylock would not eat, drink or pray with a Christian but he could talk with them, walk with them and do business with them. The last line of the | extract refers to Antonio who has come to meet them. scons What does Shylock say ‘aside’ about Antonio when he enters the \e" Ans. Shylock hates Antonio and says in an aside that he looks like a fawnin& tax-collector. He hates him because he is a Christian and also because he |‘Act 1 (Scene 3) * 35 e business of others in by affecting th st noid of ‘Antonio, if he fails to pay the ney without ta chance to catch hol foolishly lends mo: venice. He will ge porrowed money in time. g.7. Explain: (a) Rialto (b) Conjured (c) habitation ‘Ans. (a) Rialto is the market place or stoc ‘p refers to the incident in vil from the body of the possessed pers « exchange of Venice. which Jesus of Nazarite, by magic. 0 Sel the de on, into the body of transferred the de igs. an Habitation refers to the body of the pig, the home of the de he'll not eat pork or pig as Jews consider it as a sin. 2. Antonio: This wasa venture, sir, that Jacob serv’d for; A thing not in his power to bring to pass, But sway'd and fashion’d by the hand of heaven. Was this inserted to make interest good ? Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams ? Q. 1. What makes Antonio refer to Jacob? ‘Ans. Shylock cltesa biblical story of Jacob and Uncle Leban to prove that an interest. In response to this, Antonio there is nothing wrong in charging refers to Jacob in order to prove that he became prosperous not because he had the power to arrange the birth of streaked and spotted lambs but because of God's will who decided and directed the whole thing. Q. 2. Which story form the Bible is being referred by Shylock? Why does he do that? Ans. Shylock narrates a biblical story, which says that when Jacob the prophet went to look after the sheep of his uncle Leban, an agreement was made between the two. It was decided. that Jacob would receive all the lambs born with spots and stripes. During breeding season, Jacob placed wooden rods on the ground, so that their shadows would fall on the sheep. Almost all the lambs were born with spots and stripes and Jacob profited by his trick. He did this in order to justify his practice of charging interest. Q. 3. According to the extract, what was hace onan swayed and fashioned by the Ans. According to the extract, the birth of lamb: . s with spots and stri . swayed (controlled) and fashioned (shaped) by the will of God. Stripes was Q. 4. With what are ewes and ram: ; Antonio. when he refers to them? is compared? What is the tone of Ans. The ewes and rams eariaetic when tatleaits ce, oe compared to gold and silver coins. Antonio is his ech mn whether Shylock mentioned the ewes and rams to justify taking ferest. Did he expect the coins to multiply like the animals. vil. He says" urse in ICSE English-II, IX & X De 36 + Complete Cou g. 5. What does Antonio tell about Shylock, when he talks to p, just after this extract? A88ani, i ‘Ans. Antonio calls Shylock a devil and says that the villain can : scriptures to justify his evil purpose. A bad man producing holy argum, Wot, like a villain with a smiling face. He is like a fine looking apple, all rotten ents Falsehood does have a fine appearance. Insta 3. Shylock : Signior Antonio, many & time and oft In the Rialto you have rated me About my moneys and my usances : ‘Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, } For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. | You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, And all for use of that which is mine own. Q. 1. Bring out the meaning of the extract. Ans. When Antonio asks whether, Shylock would oblige him with three thousand ducats, Shylock gets an opportunity to vent out his feelings. He says that Antonio had abused him jn Rialto about his money and his money-lending practices. He had endured the insults patiently as endurance is the characteris- alled him a non-believer, murderous dog, spat on tic of his race. Antonio had ci his cloak, all because he used his money to ad) Antonio is in need of the same money which he Q. 2. What's the significance of the referent ‘Ans. ‘Our tribe’ is with reference to the Jews, whom the Christians hated. Shakespeare here refers to the racial prejudice that has been existed for years. Christians considered them as non-believers, cut-throats, and uncultured lot. : Q. 3. Apart from the instances mentioned in the extract, what other acts of insult had Antonio shown to Shylock? Ans. Apart from the insults mentioned in the extract, Shylock says that, Antonio had spat on his beard, and kicked him as he would kick a stray dog. Q. 4. How does Antonio reply to this speech of Shylock? What kindness does Shylock offer a little later? Do you think this is kindness? Give your reason. Ans. Antonio again calls Shylock a dog, spit on him a business transaction they are doing and Shylock should I an enemy because a friend would never expect profit when a enemy, Shylock can claim penalty from him if he fails to rep ° on to show kindness by not taking any interest. I don't think it's ¢ has the ulterior motive of killing Antonio by taking his flesh. a whom does Shylock asks Antonio to meet and why? = pen eaters to meet the lawyer and put his signature 0! — seam em that he'll not take any interest in the form of money vantage. Well, now it appears that had made fun of. ce to ‘our tribe'? and push him aside. It is end the money as to he lends money. AS ay. Shylock, kindness as m theIc Me la ce ah BS Act I (Scene 3) * 37 4. Antonio: Jamas like to call thee so again, To spit on thee again, to spurn thee too. If thou wilt lend this money, lend tt not As to thy friends, for when did friendship take Abreed for barren metal of his friend ? But lend it rather to thine enemy; Who if he break, thou may'st with better face Exact the penalty. Q. 1. Whom is Antonio addressing to? What is the occasion ? Ans. Antonio is addressing Shylock. When Antonio asked Shylock for a loan of three thousand ducats for his friend, Shylock reminded him how he had been insulting him in private and public for his usury. ‘Antonio told him that he would always behave with him in that manner irrespective of whether he gives a loan or not. Q. 2. Why does Antonio say ‘to spit on thee again’? ‘Ans. Antonio says this because of his communal prejudice and personal hatred for Shylock; he would continue his negative attitude towards him. Q. 3. Explain : (a) A breed for barren metal (b) If he breaks Ans. (a) 'A breed of barren metal' implies interest on a loan of money. Money is regarded to be barren since it cannot breed like Laban's sheep and cattle. (b) ‘If he breaks' means that if he fails to pay back his loans. Q. 4. Do you think Antonio himself is guilty of hardening the attitude of the person he is addressing? Give reasons for your answer. ‘Ans. Antonio, to a large extent is guilty of hardening the attitude of Shylock. Firstly, he says that he would continue insulting the Jew. Secondly, he urges him to advance this loan to an enemy, not to a friend. Thirdly, it was he who suggested that if he failed to repay the loan, Shylock was free to impose any penalty on him. . Q. 5. What penalty does the other person propose? Ans. Shylock proposed to sign a bond according to which he would be entitled to a pound of Antonio's flesh if he failed to pay back the money on time.ACT 2 (SCENE 1) | Summary eg a comic reli ef to its audiences. After the intense cony, This scene giv‘ er tion between Shylock and ‘Antonio, in Venice, the audience gets transporteg ® iol mic scene. The scene begins they are treated with a col with a aia zs Troroceo, Portia, Nerissa and other ladies in waiting a sireay present. For the first time, the audience is being introduced to one Portia's suitors. ‘The prince tells Portia not to dislike him because of his complexion, tal blood fo a8 red as that of any other suitor. He boasts that many men fear hip and many virgins love him. Portia assures him that he is as ‘fair’ as any of his suitors and he will get & is depends on the lottery. He is skilled in the use of equal chance as everything d has thrice defeated Turkey's Sultan, Hee sword. He slew the king of Persia ant brave enough to confront a she-bear, even if her cubs were taken away from he, and can face a lion on his way to search for a prey. The Prince doubts whethe. the bad fortune may make him choose the wrong casket and Portia may go t) one not worthy as himself. Portia repeats the terms of her father's will and tells him he'll have to stick ty the condition of never marrying if he chooses the wrong casket, to which the Prince agrees. Word-Meanings mislike - dislike, shadow'd livery - dark uniform, burnish'd — burning bright near bred - closely related, fairest - most handsome, Phoebus - Sun God, thaws - melts, incision - cut, valiant - brave, hue - colour, clime - climate, nice direction - influence, destiny - luck, bars - forbids, scanted - restricted, scimitar - short sword, outstare - look defiantly into the eyes, Hercules - superman of Greek mythology, the greater throw - winning throw, Alicides - another name for Hercules, blind fortune - reference to goddess fortune who is blind folded, grieving - feeling acutely sad, be advis'd - be warned, chance - trial, hazard — gamble, temple- chapel. STRUCTURED QUESTIONS 1. Prince of Morocco: Mislike me not for my complexion, The shadow’d livery of the burnish’d sun, To whom I am a neighbour, and near bred. Bring me the fatrest creature northward born, Where Phoebus’ fire scarce thaws the icicles, And let us make inctsion for your love, To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.Act 2 (Scene 1) * 39 I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine Hath fear’d the valiant; Q. 1. Who is the speaker? Where is he? Who else are there in the scene? Ans. The speaker is Prince of Morocco, one of the suitors of Portia. He is at present at Belmont. Portia, Nerissa and other ladies are there. Q. 2. Explain the reference to Phoebus, Explain, ‘scarce thaws the ici- cle’. Ans. Phoebus is the Sun God. Its rays in Morocco are strong enough to darken the skin. The speaker says that people of European countries are very fair, as the sun rays do not have the heat to melt the icicles. Q. 3. Why should the incision be made? Ans. The speaker wants to prove, that in spite of his dark skin, Portia should not consider him inferior. His blood is as red as that of any European, and his love will be as strong as that of any other. Since the contest is for Portia's love, they should have a bloodletting test and he will come out as a winner. Q. 4. Give the meaning of the last two lines of the extract what does this prove about his character? Ans. The Prince of Morocco has the habit of boasting about his own qualities. The Prince says that “his appearance has filled many a valiant person with fear”. He boasts that he is a man of exceptional strength and even the bravest soldiers have felt his courage. Q. 5. On what condition would he change his hue? Ans. The prince says that he has no problem with his complexion. Men fear him and maidens love him. He loves his complexion and will not exchange it, unless it was to gain Portia's attention. 2. Prince of Morocco : But, alas the while ! If Hercules and Lichas play at dice Which ts the better man, the greater throw May turn by fortune from the weaker hand : So is Alcides beaten by his page; And so may I, blind fortune leading me, Miss that which one unworthier may attain, And die with grieving. Q. 1. Why does the Prince of Morocco says, ‘but alas, the while’? Ans. Morocco is anxious whether he would make the right choice or not, as the whole situation is a matter of chance and it totally depends on luck. So he sighs alas! Q. 2. Explain the reference to Hercul if they played at dice? Ans. The prince of Morocco cites the instance of the famous hero Hercules and his servant Lichas. If they would have played a game of dice, les and Lichas. What could happen a game of