Extract 1 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. Where does this scene take place? What is meant by the first line of the
extract?

This scene takes place in a room in Portia's house at Belmont. The first line
refers to Portia's maidenly modesty according to which she has no other choice
except to think, though she may not express her thoughts Portia says enough to
convey to Bassanio that she loved him. She is doubtful whether Bassanio has
understood what she has said and wanted to explain further. But then she is taken
over by her maidenly modesty.

2. What reason does Portia give at the end of her speech for speaking so long? What
does this show about her feelings towards Bassanio?

At the end of her speech, Portia says that she spoke at length to stretch the time
and delay to the fullest extent Bassanio's act of choosing the caskets. This shows
that she has feelings of love for Bassanio and does not want to lose him soon. In
her speech, she repeats her wish to make him stay in Belmont for a month or two
before he hazards the choice of the caskets.

3. Why can't Portia teach Bassanio to choose the correct casket? If Bassanio were
to make an incorrect choice what would Portia have wished?

Portia cannot teach Bassanio to choose the correct casket as she has promised her
father not to reveal the secret of the caskets to anyone. She would never break her
pledged word. If Bassanio were to make an incorrect choice, Portia would have
wished that she had broken her promise.

4. Give the meaning of:

Beskrew your eyes,

They have o'erlookd me and divided me;

The above lines mean, 'May your eyes be confounded. They have cast a. Spell on me
and divided me'. Portia says that Bassanio's eyes have cast a spell on her and
divided her for she no longer seems to be herself. She says that half of her
belongs to him and the other half to her. Even if the latter halt is hers, it would
still be his. So she is entirely his.

5. What light does the extract throw on the character of Portia as a daughter and
as a lover?

The extract shows that as a lover, Portia loves Bassanio and does not want to lose
him and wants to detain him with her for a month or two. Also she wants to train
him how to choose the right casket. She says that Bassanio's eyes have bewitched
her and divided her. She affirms that she is completely his. But as a dutiful
daughter, she will never guide Bassanio to choose the right casket as it would
break her promise to her father.

Extract 2 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Explain the meaning of he makes a swan-like end.' What contemporary belief about
swans is expressed in the extract?

There was a contemporary belief that the swan, which is usually mute, sang a
beautiful song just before its death. The swan-song was sung only once. If Bassanio
were 'to die', that is, to lose the love for Portia, by choosing the wrong casket,
then his end will be accompanied by the fading music, like the swan that sings
before it dies.

2. Why does Portia Order music to be played while Bassanio makes the choice of
caskets? To what does Portia compare the music, should Bassanio choose correctly?

Portia calls for music first of all to calm the excitement in her own heart and her
tension when Bassanio is choosing the casket. She further defends her action saying
that if Bassanio fails he will bid him his last farewell in the midst of music and
thus will be like the swan that sings before it dies. If Bassanio succeeds, the
music will add to the festive atmosphere of the occasion, making everyone happy.

3. How could Portia's eyes be a watery death-bed for Bassanio?

Portia explains the condition if Bassanio fails to choose the right casket. In that
case, he will have a swat-like end. Making the comparison more explicit, Portia
says that her eyes with tears will be Bassanio's watery grave as the river is the
grave for the dying swan.

4. How would the music call the dreaming bridegroom to his marriage?

If Bassanio is successful in the choice of caskets then the music also represents
the sweet notes of music that awaken the dreaming bridegroom on the morning of his
marriage and tells him that his wedding day has come. It refers to an old English
custom of playing music under the windows of the bridegroom on the morning of the
wedding day.

5. In what way does Portia act as a romantic heroine in this scene?

In this scene, Portia acts as a romantic heroine. Her maidenly modesty and bright
wit is seen when she detains Bassanio a little longer while making his choice. She
accomplishes the difficult task of revealing to Bassanio her affection for him.
When Bassanio chooses correctly, she is happy and surrenders herself, her property
and her servants to Bassanio. She also offers him a ring and makes him promise
never to part with it.

Extract 3 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Who is Alcides? What is the 'virgin tribute'? How did Alcides save the virgin
tribute?

Alcides refers to young Hercules, son of Alcaeus. In Greek mythology, he is

depicted as a strong and courageous youth. "Virgin Tribute' refers to Hesione, the
unmarried daughter of the Trojan King. Hesione was tied to a rock on the sea-shore
of Troy, expecting every moment to be devoured by the sea-monster. Hercules saved
the 'Virgin Tribute' by killing the sea monster and setting her free. Here Portia
compares her tension and suspense while Bassanio makes his choice of caskets to the
anxiety of Hesione, waiting for the sea monster's attack. She sees Bassanio as
having more love than Alcides.

2. In what way is Bassanio compared to young Alcides? Why does Portia here 'stand
for sacrifice'?

Portia compares Bassanio to Hercules by saying that Bassanio has as much digruty of
bearing as Hercules had, but he goes with much more love than Hercules. Hercules
did not go to save Hesione out of love but to get the horses offered as a reward.
Here Portia compares herself to Hesione, who was offered as a sacrifice to a sea-
monster. Similarly, if Bassanio chooses the wrong casket, she will fall into the
clutches of an unworthy suitor.

3. Give the meaning of:

(a) howling Troy: the loud lamentations of the people of Troy at the sacrifice of
Hesione

(b) bleared visages: means tear-stained faces. The reference is made to the Trojan
women who had assembled on the beach with tear-stained faces to wait and watch the
result of the encounter between the sea-monster and Hercules.

(c) The issue of the exploit: It means the outcome of the rescue operation. It
refers to the outcome of the encounter between Hercules and the sea-monster.

4. What are 'The rest aloof' referred to in the extract? Who are the Dardanian
wives? What were the wives doing in the scene when Alcides was saving the virgin
tribute?

‘The rest aloof’ referred to in the extract are people in the room like Nerissa,
Gratiano and others whom Portia compares to Trojan women Dardanian wives are Trojan
women. Dardanus was the mythical ancestor of the Trojans, who were called
Dardanians. The Trojan women had assembled on the beach with tear-stained faces to
wait and watch the result of the encounter between Hercules and the sea monster

5. Why does Portia say, 'Go, Hercules'? What will she be doing at the same time?

Portia asks Bassanio, 'Go Hercules' because in her opinion the similarity between
Bassanio and Hercules is complete and perfect. Portia tells Bassanio to go ahead
and choose the casket. While he is choosing she will be watching the test with much
more anxiety than he, who has to make the choice. She says that if he lives, that
is, he succeeds, she lives. If he fails, it is death for her.
Extract 4 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Which theme in the play is highlighted in the above extract? How is it

highlighted?

In the above extract, the theme of appearance and reality is highlighted Bassanio,
commenting on the caskets says that a pretty exterior may often hide a rotten
interior. The multitude is always led astray by decorations and adornments of
various kinds. He is highlighting this theme by providing the examples of lawyers,
religious heresies and cases of cowards, who assume outward signs of valour.

2. How can vice assume the external show of virtue?

Bassanio says that every wrong has some appearance of virtue. He explains it
through the example of a lawyer. In a law-suit, possession of a pleasing voice and
attractive presence in a lawyer, entirely hide any appearance of wrong in the cause
he pleads. The ornament of the voice gives an unsound plea, the false appearance of
a good reality. Similarly religious heresies can be glassed over if a preacher
makes them appear as true and just.

3. What are 'stairs of sand'? To what are these stairs compared?

‘Stairs of sand' refer to a stairway made of shifting sand. Such a stairway is

unreliable and gives way beneath the footstep it should support. These stairs are
compared to cowards, who cultivate beards to give them the appearance of great
warriors like Hercules and Mars. The manly appearance is cultivated only to deceive
the world into thinking that they are formidable.

4. Who is Hercules and who is frowning Mars? What are they, with their beards known
for?

Hercules was a great hero in Greek mythology and Mars was the Roman god of war.
Hercules and Mars are referred to here because they, with their beards, stand for
strength, manliness and bravery.

5. Give the meaning of the following:

has livers white as milk: The Elizabethans looked upon the liver as the seat of
courage. A brave man's liver was said to be red with blood. Cowards were spoken of
as having white livers.

Extract 5 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Explain how is beauty purchased by weight? How does it make the wearers
lightest?
(Give the two meanings of the word: lightest.)

Bassanio says that if we take the case of beauty we find that an imitation of it is
easily obtainable and may be brought in the market. The cosmetics which enhance
beauty can be bought by weight in a chemist's shop. These bring about a marvellous
change in the appearance of women.

The word lightest is punned on. Bassanio means that the addition of cosmetics makes
a woman light that is fair coloured. The other meaning of 'lightest is to be
frivolous and fickle-minded.

2. What is referred to as "crisped snaky golden locks'? Who wears them and who is
their actual owner?

Crisped snaky golden locks' refer to false hair that women wear. Bassanio says that
the shining golden tresses whose ringlets are tossed about by the playful breeze,
seen on the head of a woman, appear to be real Actually it is false hair and
originally it belonged to a dead woman, who is lying in the grave.

3. What is referred to as 'the dowry of a second head'? Who has bred this head?
Where is the head now?

‘The dowry of a second head' refers to the false hair (wig) worn by a woman, that
appear to be real but actually is a gift from some dead woman, i.e. it originally
belonged to a dead woman who is lying in the grave. Shakespeare refers to the
popular custom of wearing wigs among the Elizabethan women.

4. Why does Bassanio say that Ornament is but the guiled shore to a most dangerous
sea?

Bassanio says that outward adornment is always deceptive. It is like the attractive
but treacherous sea-shore that leads people into perilous waters.

5. Give any two examples from Bassanio's speech to show that appearances are
deceptive.

Bassanio asserts that appearances are deceptive. Two examples he mentions are:
First, the shining, golden false hair that some women wear. Though they look real,
they belong to a dead person. The second example is that of a lovely scarf that
hides the ugly face of an Indian beauty. This is deceptive as people expect to see
something better than an Indian beauty when the scarf is removed.

Extract 6 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Where was the gentle scroll? Give the summary of what was written on the scroll.

The gentle scroll was in the lead casket. On the scroll it was written that since
he has not chosen by mere outward appearances, he may be fortunate and make his
choice as wisely as he has done. Since this forte has come to him, he should be
satisfied and seek nothing more for his happiness. If he is pleased with his luck
and feels that fate has brought him happiness, he should go to his beloved and
claim her as his own with a loving kiss.

2. What prize had the speaker won? Give the reasons which led to the winning of the
prize.

The speaker has won Portia. The speaker chose the correct casket, i.e. lead casket
containing Portia's portrait. Its simple looks impressed Bassanio more than the
protestations of gold and silver. Besides, the inscription on the casket stated
that the man who chooses it must give and hazard his whole being which means his
true love.

3. What was the speaker asked to give and to receive?

The speaker was asked to go to the lady and claim her as his own with a loving kiss
and receive a kiss from her.

4. Give the meaning of:

(a) universal shout: loud applause of joy. This refers to the clamour of the crowd
at Bassanio's choice of the right casket.

(b) Giddy in spirit: overwhelmed with joy. This speaks of the bewildered state of
mind of Bassanio after his choice of the lead casket.

5. To whom does the speaker compare himself? In what way does he compare himself?

The speaker compares himself to the one who is striving to win some contest, like
one of two prize-fighters. He compares himself as someone who wins a prize in the
contest.

6. Why is the speaker doubtful whether what he sees is true?

Bassanio is at the height of his joy after choosing the correct casket. He hears a
loud applause from the people standing there. He is so bewildered by the outcome of
making the correct choice, that he is not sure if the applause is for him or not.
He asks Portia to confirm it and sanction it by returning his kiss.

Extract 7 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Which possessions of hers, does Portia transfers to Bassanio after he chose the
correct casket?
After Bassania chooses the correct casket, Portia transfers her mansion, her
servants, herself and all her possessions to him.

2. Mention three of the wishes of Portia which express her desire to excel in
everything.

Portia, for the sake of Bassanio wishes that she were sixty times better than
herself, a thousand times more beautiful and ten thousand times Wealthier. These
wishes express her desire to excel in everything for the sake of Bassanio.

3. On what condition does she give the ring to Bassanio? How does the ring become a
part of the main plot in the story?

As a token of her love to Bassanio, Portia gives him a ring. She warns him that if
he parts with the ring or loses it or gives it away, that will be a sign that his
love for her is dead and give her the right to reproach him. The ring becomes a
part of the main plot of the story as it starts the ring episode we come across
later in the play.

4. Give the meaning of:

Let it presage the ruin of your love,

And be my vantage to exclaim on you

These lines mean: "Let that be a sign that your love for me is dead and it will
give an opportunity for me to accuse you for that." Here Portia asserts that if
Bassanio loses the ring she has given him, it will show the loss of his love for
her and will give her the right to reproach him.

5. After Portia's speech, what does Bassanio say in his excitement? What assurance
does he give to her about the ring?

After Portia's speech, Bassanio is overpowered with emotion and he tells Portia
that her love and goodness has made him speechless. Regarding the ring, Bassanio
promises Portia that when the ring leaves his finger, his spirit will flee and his
life will leave him. He will part with the ring only at his death.

Extract 8 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Give the context in which Gratiano speaks these words. What good wishes does he
give to Bassania?

After Bassanio's successful selection of the right casket and after the speeches of
Portia and Bassanio Nerissa greets them and wishes them great joy. Thereafter
Gratiano speaks these words. Gratiano wishes Portia and Bassanio that all the joy
and happiness they desire may be showered upon them.
2. What request does Gratiano make to Bassanio?

Gratiano requests Bassanio to grant him a special favour - that is, to permit hm to
allow him to marry at the same time of the marriage ceremony of Portia and
Bassanio.

3. What condition does Bassanio put regarding Gratiano's request?

Bassanio gives his consent most heartily, provided Gratiano can get a wife.

4. Explain how Gratiano's fortune too 'stood upon the caskets?

While Bassanio wooed Lady Portia, Gratiano wooed her lady-In-waiting Nerissa.
However, the promise that Gratiano received from Nerissa was that Nerissa would
love Gratiano provided that Bassanio had the good fortune of winning the love of
Portia by selecting the right casket. Thus, Gratiano's fortune too stood on the
caskets.

5. How has Gratiano-Nerissa episode added humour to the story in this scene?

Gratiano Nerissa episode has added humour to the story. The romance and marriage of
Nerissa and Gratiano strengthen the old belief that characters in association with
nobility are themselves ennobled. Gratiano experienced the joy of love in the
company of Bassanio. Nerrisa being educated by her mistress Portia, was able to win
a gentleman's love. Gratiano, with a keen sense of humour arouses much mirth and
laughter in the scene.

Extract 9 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Where does the scene take place? Who brings the letter from Antonio to Bassanio?

This scene takes place in a room in Portia's house at Belmont, Salerio brings the
letter from Antonio to Bassanio.

2. How does Portia conclude that there is some bad news in the letter? What could
be the bad news according to Portia?

Portia concludes that there is some bad news in the letter because as soon as
Bassanio reads the letter, his face turns pale and he becomes greatly agitated.
According to Portia, the bad news in the letter must be about the loss of someone
loved by Bassanio.

3. What right does Portia now have to know from Bassanio the contents of the
letter?

Portia begs of Bassanio to tell her the cause of his sorrow as she and Bassanio are
one, and she ought to share in everything that happens to him. Hence, she asks
Bassanioto tell her what news that letter has brought.

4. Briefly state what Bassanio told Portia about the bond and the destruction of
Antonio's cargo ships.

Bassanio tells Portia that the letter contains some of the most unwelcome news. He
tells Portia that he is deeply indebted to a kind friend. This friend for his sake
agreed to hand with his worst enemy, a man who hates him. He did this solely to
supply Bassanio with the needed to come to Belmont. Bassanio looks upon Antonio's
letter as if it is his body and the cruel words of the letter as wounds from which
blood is gushing out. He then tells that all the ships of Antonio have been wrecked
on the dangerous rocks.

5. What did Salerio say about Shylock's insistence on the forfeiture of Antonio's
bond?

Salerio says that even if Antonio had sufficient money to pay off his debt, Shylock
will not accept the payment. Shylock threatens to take legal action against the
city's governance and call in question the equality of rights of foreigners with
the citizens of Venice, if they refuse Shylock justice by bringing Antonio to
trial. Twenty merchants, the Duke and the noblemen of the highest rank in Venice,
have tried to persuade Shylock to be reasonable, but without any success. Shylock
holds stubbornly to his malicious purpose of exacting the full penalty for the
forfeiture of the bond.

Extract 10 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. Who are Tubal and Chus? What did Jessica hear Shylock say to Tubal and Chus
about the bond?

Tubal and Chus are two Jewish friends of Shylock. When Jessica was at home, she had
heard Shylock swearing to Tubal and Chus that he will have the penalty carried out
and that a pound of Antonio's flesh would give him more pleasure than to be paid
the debt twenty times over.

2. What would the Duke, law and influential citizens do to prevent Shylock from
taking his cruel forfeiture?

The Duke, law and influential citizens would use all their powers of persuasion to
prevent Shylock from taking his cruel forfeiture.

3. What is the danger if the forfeiture is denied to Shylock as per the terms of
the bond?

If the forfeiture is denied to Shylock as per the terms of the bond, there was the
danger of Shylock taking legal action against the city's governors and call in
question the equality of rights of foreigners with the citizens of Venice. Thus,
there was the danger of Shylock bringing discredit to the business in Venice.
4. What does Portia offer to do in terms of payment to Shylock in cash?

In terms of payment to Shylock in cash, Portia offers to pay him double the amount.
Then she says to give him double of six thousand and then three times of that.
Later she says that she will give him enough gold to pay the debt twenty times
over.

5. What does Antonio's letter state about his last wish?

Since the payment of the penalty means his death, Antonio's last wish is to see
Bassanio before he dies. He says that it will cancel all bonds and obligations
between Bassanio and him. However, he adds that Bassanio should do as he wishes and
should not pay any attention to Antonio's welfare.

Extract 11 from The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 2

1. What were Protia’s secret plans in sending Bassanio to Venice?

Portia gives money to Bassanio and sends him to rescue Antonio. She makes a plan to
disguise herself as a lawyer and Nerissa as her assistant and then go to Venice to
rescue Antonio from the clutches of Shylock.

2. Give the meaning of:

(a) ‘call me wife’: make me your wife, get married to me.

(b) ‘With and unique soul’: with a disturbed, grief stricken mind.

3. What is Bassanio supposed to do as far as Antonio’s forfeiture of the bond is

concerned?

Bassanio was supposed to go to Venice and offer double the amount of bond to
Shylock and cancel the bond. If he did not agree to that Bassanio is to offer him,
double of six thousand ducats or three times that amount or even twenty times the
bond amount.

4. What would Portia and Nerissa supposed to be doing in Belmont after their
husbands leave for Venice? What did they really do?

Portia and Nerissa were to stay in Belmont as spinsters or widows after their
husbands leave for Venice. But in fact they did not do so. Portia and Nerissa went
to Venice in disguise of a lawyer and her assistant, respectively and played a
constructive role in saving Antonio from the clutches of Shylock.
5. How important is this scene for the forward movement of the storyline?

This scene is important for the forward movement of the storyline. It completes the
casket story and brings it in direct contact with other stories- the bond story,
Jessica-Lorenzo love story and the ring story. The ring story begins in this scene.
The bond story is revealed through Antonio’s letter and Bassanio’s return to
Venice.

6. After the choice of the casket by Bassanio, Portia takes over the leadership in
the play. What are your views on this statement?

It is true that after the choice of the casket by Bassanio, Portia takes over
leadership in the play. When Antonio is in trouble, she offers Bassanio twenty
times the bond amount to save Antonio. She herself dons the cruise of a lawyer and
using a perfect blend of mercy and justice saves Antonio.
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