ACT 2 SECME 7 Portia:

Go draw aside the curtains…..make your choice

1. Who is asked to draw aside the curtains? Who is asked to make his choice?
Portia asks one of her attendants to pull apart the curtains so that the different caskets are made
visible. The prince Morocco is asked to make the choice.
2. What does Portia say later to the prince regarding the right casket?
After reading the inscription on the three caskets, Morocco asks Portia how he will know if he
chooses the right casket. Portia replies that her portrait will be in the right casket. If he selects
that one, then she will be his wife.
3. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco finally choose? What are the reasons for his
choice?
The Prince of Morocco finally chooses the golden casket. Morocco argues that base lead cannot
contain such a saintly person like Portia. Silver which is ten times inferior to gold also cannot
hold Portia as he is such a rich gem. So he concludes that Portia, whom many men desire and is
most precious must be contained in the golden casket. Besides, the English have a gold coin
which with the figure of an angel engraved on it. Portia is an angel and hence her portrait may be
in the golden casket.
4. For what reasons does the prince reject the other two caskets?
He rejects the base lead arguing that it cannot contain such a noble person like Portia and silver
which is ten times inferior to gold cannot contain Portia as she is such a rich gem.
5. What does the prince find when he opens the casket?
When the prince opens the casket he finds a skull and in its eyeless socket a scroll.

6. How does the prince bid farewell to Portia? What does Portia say when the prince leaves the
place?
Morocco bids farewell to Portia with the warm-heartedness of a lover and says he must accept
the cold comfort of the rejected. He says that his sorrow is too great for many words. Those who
have lost their hearts’ desire depart thus sadly.
When the prince leaves the place, Portia calls it a good riddance and wishes that every suitor like
him should make a similar choice.
Extract II
Morocco
Who chooseth me shall……in love I do deserve.
1. On which casket do the words, who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves?
On the silver casket
2. Why does Morocco initially doubt his worth to deserve the lady?
Morocco initially doubts his worth to deserve the lady because he thinks that though by his own
standard, his merits may be very high, yet those merits may not be sufficient enough to deserve
Portia, as her reputation is greater than his.
3. Why does he change his mind and say that he deserves the lady?
Morocco, after having doubts about his worth to win Portia, later on changes his mind. He feels
that he deserves Portia because of his royal birth, his wealth, his virtues and his upbringing.
Above all, he is worthy of her because of his deep affection for her.
4. Give the meaning of:
A) And weigh thy value with an even hand
And compare your personal worth impartially.
B) A weak disabling of myself
A sign of weakness which would bring discredit on myself.
5. Why does Morocco think that Portia’s picture is not in the lead casket?
Morocco read the inscription on the lead casket which stated that whosoever selects it must be
prepared to give all and to risk everything. Morocco declares that no one except a fool will be
prepared to risk everything for the sake of dull lead. He argues that lead cannot contain such a
noble person like Portia.
Extract III
From the four corners of the earth…..to see fair Portia.
1. Who speaks these words? Where is he? What has he said about his courage in an
earlier scene?
The prince Morocco speaks these words. He is in a room in Portia’s house getting ready to make
his choice of caskets. In an earlier scene, Morocco said that with his sword he had slain the
emperor of Persia and a Persian Prince, who had defeated Solyman of Turkey thrice. He boasted
that he was courageous enough to confront a hungry lion, defy the most valiant warrior on earth
and face the wrath of a mother-bear by separating its young ones from her.
2. What is the significance of the words Shrine and Saint in the context?

Shrine is a place where any sacred relic of a holy person or the image of a saint is kept. In this
context, the saint is Portia and the shrine is Belmont. The breathing saint is a reference to Portia.
Morocco says that people came from every part of the globe to worship at the holy place which
enshrines this living object of adoration-Portia.
3. What warning is given by Porita to the speaker before he makes the choice?
Before he makes the choice, the speaker is told by Portia that the correct casket contains her
picture and if he chooses it, she will be his wife.
4. Who are ‘they’ that are referred to in the extract? What difficulties do they face
while coming?
‘They’ the refers to the many suitors who come to Belmont from all parts of the globe to woo
Portia. While coming they travel through Persian deserts, wilderness of Arabia and even cross
the ocean.
5. Give the meaning of:
a) Hyrcanian deserts
Hyrcania was a province of the ancient Persian empire. Hyrcanian deserts were deserts lying in
the South of Caspian sea.
b) Watery kingdom: The oceans and its fierce waves do not stop suitors
6. Why does the speaker reject the lead casket?
The speaker rejects the lead casket since on it was written that whoever selects it must be
prepared to give all and to risk everything for the dull lead. He thinks lead is too crude a metal
even to enclose the winding sheet when she is buried in the grave. He asserts that the lead casket
cannot hold Portia’s picture and so he rejects it.
Because silver is ten times inferior to gold and such a rich gem can never be set in anything less
than gold.
Extract IV
Or shall I think in silver she’s immured…….and thrive I as I may.
1. Why does the prince think that Portia’s picture not in the silver casket?
Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver has only a
tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything less than gold.
2. What is the sinful thought, why is it so?
Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver has only a
tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything less than gold.
3. Describe the coin referred to in the extract. What is the difference between an angel on the
coin and the angel in the casket?
The coin referred to in the extract is the gold coin in England on which the figure of Archangel
Michael standing and piercing a dragon was engraved on one side. The coin was called an angel
and its value was about ten shillings.
Morocco says that the figure of the angel on the coin is engraved on the surface of the coin. It is
outside, whereas Portia is an angel, who lies on a golden bed within the casket entirely hidden
from view.
4. After opening the casket, the Prince finds a dead skull and a scroll. Explain what is written on
the scroll?
On the scroll it is written that things which make the most brilliant show are not always the truest
metal. For the sake of mere gold, hundreds have risked and sacrificed their lives. Costly gold
plated tombs may be erected, but they have no real value. Decay and death are all they contain.
5.Explain how the theme of appearance and reality is shown in the choice made by the prince.
Write your own opinion.
ACT 2 SECENE 8

1. What is meant by 'a passion so confused, so strange, outrageous, and so variable'? Why was the Jew so
excited?
In the above lines, Salanio says that he has not seen such an outburst of anger, so confused, so strange,
excessive and frequently changing as is displayed by the few Shylock discovers that his daughter has eloped
after robbing him of his money and jewellery. This makes him excited and furious with grief and despair. He
gives vent to it by an exhibition of passionate excitement and anger which is strange, excessive and frequently
changing.

2. Earlier, how did the Jew trouble the Duke? Where did the Duke go and what were his findings?
Earlier, Shylock roused the Duke with his complaints against Lorenzo and Jessica (or robbing him and eloping.
He made such a disturbance that the Duke was obliged to attend to his demands. He even accompanied the
Duke to search for Lorenzo and Jessica on board Bassartio's ship. By the time they reached the place, the ship
had already set sail. The Duke was told by someone that Lorenzo and Jessica had been seen sitting together
in a gondola.

3. What did Shylock utter in his excitement? Besides money, what else did his daughter steal?
In his excitement, Shylock utters confused cries for his daughter, who had eloped with a Christian, taking with
her, his ducats and jewellery. He wants justice from the law. Besides money, Jessica has taken away from
Shylock some jewels, precious stones and diamonds.

4. Give the meaning of:

(a) double ducats: coins of double ducats.
(b) sealed bag: a bag that is securely sealed to ensure the security of its contents.

5. Explain how Shylock’s lamentations add to the humour in the play.

Shylocks' lamentations add to the humour in the play. He is depicted as a comic character in the scene. The
manner in which he laments the loss of his daughter and his ducats amuses the audience, Shylock's repetition
of 'O my daughter! O my Christian ducats!' indicate his greedy nature and shows that Jessica is another
possession for him like the ducats. The manner in which all the boys of Venice follow him and repeat his words
of lamentation in a tone of mockery and jeer at him further add to the humour in the scene.
Extract 2 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 8

1. What is meant by: 'Let good Antonio look he keep his day'? What could be the consequence if Antonio failed
to 'keep his day'?
'Let good Antonio keep his day' means let worthy Antonio make sure that he has the money to pay Shylock on
the appointed day. If he fails to keep his day, Shylock would take his revenge on Antonio.

2. What did Salarino hear from the Frenchman, the previous day? Why was the news quite startling?
In his conversation with a Frenchman, Salarino heard that a richly laden ship from Italy had been wrecked in
the narrow channel which divides England and France. The news was startling because Salarino thought of
Antonio's ship and wished that it might not be one of his ships.

3. After hearing the news from the Frenchman, what did Salarino wish?
Salarino wished that the wrecked ship might not be one of Antonio's ships.

4. What 'advice does Salanio give to Salarino regarding Antonio?

Salanio advises Salarino to tell Antonio what he has heard about a shipwreck. However, he advises hurt not to
tell Antonio about the news immediately for it may make him sad.

5. Explain how the news given by the Frenchman creates suspense in the story. What would be Shylock's
reaction after hearing the news?
The news given by the Frenchman creates a suspense in the story. The possibility of the wreckage of one of
Antonio's ships casts a gloom since it may imply that Antonio would not be able to make payment of the loan
on the day the bond is due. After hearing the news, Shylock is happy that he could take his revenge on
Antonio. He calls him a bankrupt and insists on the execution of the bond.

6. What role do Salanio and Salarino play in this scene?

Salanio and Salarino provide the information about recent events. They report Shylock's fury and parody his
behaviour. They are worried about Antonio and go quickly to look for him and cheer him up. They do not take
part in the action of the play, but keep the action going when the chief characters are absent.

Extract 3 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 8

1. In what context has Antonio said the words given in quotation? Who quotes his words here?
Antonio has said these words at the time of bidding farewell to Bassanio, when the latter was about to embank
on his journey to Belmont. Salarino quotes his words here.

2. Give the meaning of:

(a) Slubber not business for fly sake, Bassani
Bassanio, do not spoil your plan for my sake.
(b) But stay the wry riping of the time.
But stay as long as it would be necessary to attain your objective.

3. What advice did Antonio give to Bassanio about the latter's stay in Belmont and his love affair?
Antonio advises Bassanio to stay at Belmont as long as if would be necessary for winning Portia and tells him
not to bother about the bond. He advises Bassanio to be cheerful and devote himself entirely to win his lady-
love in a most suitable manner.

4. Describe how Antonio parted front Bassanio. What does it show about their relationship?
While parting. Antonio's eyes were filled with tears. He turned his face away and extended his hand behind
him. Then, moved by his fove, he held the hands of °Assam° and they parted from each other. It shows that
there is great love and affection between them.

5. What do Salanio and Salarino decide to do at the end of this scene?

At the end of the scene, Salanio and Salarino decided to look for Antonio and raise his low spirits with some
amusement.
 ACT 2 SECNE 9
1. What proper honour is given to Arragon to indicate that he is a prince?
To honour Arragon as a prince, trumpets were sounded as he entered the room and Portia addressed him as
'noble prince'.

2. Enumerate the three conditions in the oath which Arragon was supposed to rake. Which conditions in the
oath he explicitly keeps at the end of the scene?
Arragon is bound by the oath to observe three conditions. First, he must never reveal to any other person which
of the caskets he has selected. Second, if he does not win Portia, he should not woo any other lady. Third, if he
chooses wrongly he must depart at once without further words. He explicitly kept the last condition at the end of
the scene.

3. How wise is it to arrange marriages through a lottery system where chance plays a significant role? What
does Portia feel in this regard? How does Nerissa justify the system in Portia's case?
It is not wise to arrange marriages through a lottery system where chance plays a significant role. Portia initially
feels that her fate is sealed by the lottery of caskets designed by her father. However, later she accepts her
father’s will and asserts that she will abide by it and would remain a virgin like Diana if no suitor wins her in
marriage. Nerissa justifies the lottery of caskets saying that her father was a virtuous man, who must have had
her well-being at heart. So, according to her father's will she will be chosen by someone who will truly love her.

4. It is said that Arragon is too proud and self-opinionated. Do you agree with this statement? Give two reasons
to justify your answer.
Prince Arragon is too proud and self-opinionated. While making his selection, he calls the common people as
'fool multitude’ and again as 'barbarous multitudes'. He says that he will not act according to what common
men choose and put himself on the level of the ignorant and the foolish. Secondly, Arragon thinks himself to be
most deserving because of his inherited nobility.
Extract 2 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9
1. What does the inscription on the gold casket say? Which casket does the speaker choose?
The inscription on the gold casket says 'who chooses me shall gain what many men desire'. The speaker
chooses the silver casket.
2. How does Arragon interpret the meaning of 'many men' given on the gold casket?
Arragon says that the words 'many men' probably refer to the foolish majority, who are so slow-witted and who
have so little wisdom that they judge only by appearances and outward glitter. Their untaught eyes never see
the inner meaning of things, but is content to remain on the outside like the swallow.

3. How does Arragon compare the martlet to the foolish rook/rode?

Arragon compares the multitude to the martlet. The martlet, instead of seeking a sheltered place for its nest,
constructs it in the most exposed places like the outer wall, unprotected from, any stormy weather or any
accident which may occur. Similarly, the foolish common people who Judge by the outside of things, fall into
errors and calamities.

4. Give the meaning of:

(a) in the force mid rani of casualty: Open to disaster and In the very path of danger.
(b) rank me with the barbarous multitudes: I don't put myself at the level of the ignorant and foolish common
people.

5. How is the theme of appearance and reality brought out in the choice of caskets?
The theme of appearance and reality is brought out in the choice of caskets. Arragon rejects the lead casket
calling it base lead because of its dull and plain appearance. He says lead must present a more attractive
appearance than it does before he gives or risks anything for it. He rejects the gold casket saying he will not
chose what many people desire. He will not put himself at the level of ignorant common people. The -.word
'deserves' meaning 'merit' on the silver casket attracts Arragon and he selects it.

Extract 3 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9

1. What does the inscription on the silver casket say?
The inscription on the silver casket says, 'who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves'.

2. Why did the words of the inscription on the silver casket appeal to Arragon?
Words on the inscription on the silver casket appeal to Aragon because the word 'deserves' meaning 'merit' in
the inscription appeals to him. He thinks himself to be the most deserving. He feels that there are many who
succeed without having any inner merit. But he 'deserves' because of his inherited nobility.

3. Give the meaning of:

To cozen fortune and be honourable
Without the stamp of merit?
To try to cheat fortune and win something without merit. It means no one ought to be allowed to deceive and
trick fortune by asking her for what he does not deserve.

4. How does Arragon explain further the importance of deserving before getting an honoured position?
Arragon further tells that no man should aspire to be honoured unless he deserves it. Arragon wishes that all
the positions of rank, dignity and offices were bestowed on the deserving, instead of being obtained
dishonestly. If this happens, many low ranking people would be separated out from the ranks of the truly
honourable.

5. Which casket did Arragon finally choose? What did he feel after making the choice?
Arragon finally chooses the silver casket. After making the choice, Aragon is dumb-founded and very
disappointed with what he finds in the casket. He pauses silently for a long time before speaking. He says that
there is such a difference between that creature and the picture he hoped to see. He asks Portia whether he
deserves no more than the head of a fool. He wants to know whether that is his prize and whether he deserves
nothing more than that.
Extract 4 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9
1. After which incident does Arragon speak these words? In what mood is he? With which fool's head did he
come to woo?
Arragon speaks these words after opening the silver casket. He is in a mood of disappointment. He came to
woo Portia with one foolish head of his own.

2. Which second head did he get? Briefly state what was written on the schedule attached to the second head?
The second head he got was from the silver casket. The scroll attached to the second head says that silver
metal of the casket was tested seven times by fire. A mind which never makes an error of judgment must be
similarly tested seven times. Some people find their happiness in shadows and unreality. Their happiness is
therefore only shadowy and unreal. There are many living fools whose foolishness is hidden by their silvery-
hair because they have the appearance of being venerable and wise. One of these is the toot's head concealed
in the silver casket. Arragon will always have a foolish head. He should now leave as his chance is over.

3. Which casket doer the speaker choose' Why did he choose that casket?
The speaker chooses the silver casket. The motto of the silver casket appeals to the speaker. It says 'who
chooses me shall get as much as he deserves’. He feels that he deserves Portia because of his inherited
nobility.

4. After the departure of the prince, what did Portia say about him?
After the departure of the prince. Portia says that there is another moth which has burnt itself in the flame of the
candle. These people, when they choose, the wisdom of their superficial knowledge makes them look utterly
foolish and lead them to make the wrong choice.

5. State the old saying uttered by Nerissa after the prince's departure.
After the Prince's departure, Nerissa utters an old saying, “Hanging and winning goes by destiny”. It means that
it is fate that decides what happens to one, whether one is to be hanged or to be wedded. It implies that it is
destiny that has saved Portia from two unsuitable cantors and it is destiny that may give her a worthy suitor.
Extract 5 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9
1. Where sloes this scene take place? Who has alighted at the gate?
This scene takes place in a room in Portia's house at Belmont. Gratiano has alighted at the gate.

2. The visitor brought gifts of rich value. What does this indicate in the context of the scene?
Gifts of rich value indicate the great regard and love Bassanio has for Portia.

3. Give the meaning of the last three lines of the extract.

ln the last three lines, the servant says that he has not seen so generous an ambassador of love. Even a day in
April, the sweetest spring day, coming to give people a foretaste of bright and bountiful summer, is not
comparable to this gorgeous messenger, who rides in advance of his master.

4. What were the reactions of Portia and Nerissa to the announcement of a new suitor?
Portia asks the servant to slop speaking because he is so generous in his praise that she is dreading to hear
him say that he is some relative of his. Then Portia tells Nerissa to come quickly along with her to meet this
messenger of Cupid, who has arrived in such a courteous manner. Nerissa prays to Cupid, the god of love, that
the lord announced be Bassanio if such is his will.

5. Why does Portia say to the servant to be silent and not to praise the young Venetian further?
Portia tells the servant to be silent because he is too extravagant in his praises that she is dreading to hear him
say that he is some relative of hat.

6. Explain how the plot makes progress in this scene.

The plot of the play makes further progress in this scene. This scene, the second of the casket scenes, is
important because it fills up the interval of the three months between the signing up of the bond and the
forfeiture. It also seems to reveal the wisdom of the device of caskets because it shows that the results are not
a mere lottery. It proves that only the person, who rightly loves, will choose rightly. This scene also, reveals to
the audience which is the right casket. It will heighten the suspense during Bassanio's selection later. This
scene also keeps up the theme of appearance and reality.