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Test On Act 4 (Scene 1)

The document is a test on Act 4, Scene 1 of a play, consisting of questions that explore themes of mercy and justice as discussed by characters like Portia and Shylock. It includes specific extracts for analysis, asking students to interpret the meaning of mercy, the outcome of previous appeals, and the legal tactics used to free Antonio. Additionally, it examines the Duke's expectations of Shylock, the implications of the bond, and the consequences faced by Shylock.

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Adam Bhati
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119 views2 pages

Test On Act 4 (Scene 1)

The document is a test on Act 4, Scene 1 of a play, consisting of questions that explore themes of mercy and justice as discussed by characters like Portia and Shylock. It includes specific extracts for analysis, asking students to interpret the meaning of mercy, the outcome of previous appeals, and the legal tactics used to free Antonio. Additionally, it examines the Duke's expectations of Shylock, the implications of the bond, and the consequences faced by Shylock.

Uploaded by

Adam Bhati
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TOPIC: ACT 4 (SCENE 1 )

Test 1/ Marks 30/ Hours 45 minutes

Question 1 : Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.
(i) Why does Portia speak about mercy in the extract? Give the meaning of ‘But
mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings’

[3]

(ii) Who else had appealed for mercy earlier? What was the outcome of the
appeal? When Shylock refuses to show mercy, what legal tactics does Portia use
to free Antonio? [3]

(iii) One should stand for justice. Referring only to the extract, state why,
according to Portia, mercy should temper justice. [4]

Question 2 : Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

DUKE
Make room, and let him stand before our face.
Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too,
That thou but lead'st this fashion of thy malice
To the last hour of act; and then 'tis thought
Thou'lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange
Than is thy strange apparent cruelty;
And where thou now exact'st the penalty,
Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh,
Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture,
But, touch'd with human gentleness and love,
Forgive a moiety of the principal;
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses,
That have of late so huddled on his back,
Enow to press a royal merchant down
And pluck commiseration of his state
From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint,
From stubborn Turks and Tartars, never train'd
To offices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.

(i) What does the Duke request of Shylock? What reason does Shylock give for his
wanting the pound of Antonio’s flesh? Why does Antonio advise his friends to give up
attempting to dissuade Shylock? [3]

(ii) Why does Shylock believe the Duke must enforce the terms of the bond? Why does
Portia, disguised as the lawyer, initially conclude that Shylock’s bond must be adhered
to? Although she acknowledges Shylock’s right to a pound of Antonio’s flesh, how does
Portia prevent the usurer from acting on it? [3]

(iii) Why is Shylock stripped of his possessions? Apart from the financial conditions,
what does Antonio’s new arrangement demand of Shylock? What does the disguised
Portia demand from Bassanio for her services? Why is Bassanio reluctant to give up the
ring? [4]

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