Merchant of Venice Answers Act 4, Scene 1

Passage – 1 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 16-34)

Paraphrase :

DUKE : Make room, and let him stand before us. Shylock, the world thinks,
and I think so too, That you only carry this kind of malice To the very last
hour of action; and then, it’s thought, You’ll show your mercy and remorse,
more strangely Than your strange apparent cruelty is; And where you now
exact the penalty,— Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh, You will
not only loose the default, But, touched with human gentleness and love,
Forgive half of the borrowed amount, Glancing with an eye of pity on his
losses, That have been so heaped on his back lately, Enough to press a royal
merchant down, And get sympathy for his state From brassy bosoms and
rough hearts of stone, From stubborn Turks and Tartars, never trained To
uses of tender courtesy. We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.

Word Meaning With Annotation

That thou but lead’st this fashion of thy malice, To the last hour of
act : that you only continue this cruel course up the last moment…. to relent
then, strange apparent cruelty : this strange cruelty of yours, which I
think only apparent or assumed . where : whereas, loose the
forfeiture : excuse payment of the penalty, forgive a moiety : let him off
from paying a certain part of the principal sum, huddled : accumulated;
pressed upon, royal merchant : a very great merchant; a prince among
merchants, from brassy bosoms, and rough hearts of flint : from hearts
as pitiless as brass and as rough as stone. Turks and Tartars : in the vague
and imperfect knowledge of Asiatic races which the Elizabethans possess,
such people were looked upon as types of barbarians, offices of tender
courtesy : obligations imposed by courtesy and kindness.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
What do the Duke and the world expect Shylock to do?
Answer:
The Duke and the world expect that Shylock will show pity at the last
moment when the time to cut off a pound of flesh would come.

Question 2.
How does to Duke expect Shylock to conduct himself in regard to the
demand of a pound of flesh?
Answer:
The Duke thinks that Shylock will exempt Antonio from the penalty of a
pound of flesh. He will also remit a part of the principal amount of the loan of
three thousand ducats.

Question 3.
Why is Shylock expected to do so?
Answer:
Shylock is expected to do so because he will be touched with gentleness and
love.
Question 4.
What kind of answer is expected from Shylock?
Answer:
A kind answer is expected from the Jew.

Question 5.
What is pressing the Royal Merchants?
Answer:
The heavy losses sustained by the Royal Merchant are pressing him.

Passage – 2 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 35-62)

Paraphrase :

SHYLOCK : I have told your Grace of what I purpose, And, by our holy
Sabbath, I have sworn To have the due and penalty of my promise to pay. If
you deny it, let the danger light On your city charter and your city’s freedom.
You ask me why I would rather choose to have A weight of dead flesh than to
receive Three thousand ducats. I won’t answer that, Only to say I feel like it:
have I answered you? What if a rat troubles my house, And I am happy to
give ten thousand ducats To have it captured? What, aren’t you answered
yet? There are some men that don’t love a dead pig; Some that are crazy if
they see a cat; And others, when they hear the song of the bagpipe, Cannot
hold their urine, because sympathy. Mistress of passion, persuades passion
to the mood Of what it likes or hates. Now, for your answer; As there is no
firm reason to be given, Why he can’t stand a dead pig ; Why he is afraid of a
harmless, necessary cat; Why he wets himself when he hears a wailing
bagpipe, Only that he must yield by force to such inevitable shame As to
offend, himself being offended ; So I can give no reason, nor will I, More than
I bear Antonio a deep-rooted hate and a certain intense dislike, That I follow
a losing suit against him like this. Are you answered?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Posses’ d : informed; told, holy Sabbath : the sacred day of the week;
Sunday, let the danger light, Upon your charter, and your city’s
freedom : this is a threat to the Duke that some higher power may punish
the city, if justice is refused to Shylock. carrion : dead; repulsive and unfit
for food, ban’d: poisoned, gaping pig : sometimes a pig was prepared
whole for the table, and set on a large dish with a lemon in its mouth. And
other, when the bagpipe sings i’ the nose : many people with sensitive
ears, do not like the wild notes of the bagpipe, which was probably known to
Shakespeare as the national musical instrument of Scotland.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
What information has Shylock given to the Duke?
Answer:
He has told the Duke that he would obtain the penalty which is due to him.

Question 2.
What, according to Shylock, will happen if he is denied the penalty of the
bond?
Answer:
In that case the free rights and the freedom of the city of Venice will suffer.

Question 3.
What reason does Shylock give for insisting on having a pound of Antonio’s
flesh?
Answer:
He does not give any reason. It is only a whim of his.

Question 4.
Why, according to Shylock, people like one thing and not the other?
Answer:
People like things according to their nature that produces emotions. It is
actually the nature of a man which makes him like or dislike something.

Question 5.
What is the Shylock’s stack reason for pursuing a suit against Antonio?
Answer:
The reason is that he has deep hatred for Antonio.

Passage – 3 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 63-74)

Paraphrase :

BASSANIO : This is no answer, you unfeeling man,To excuse the flowing of

your cruelty.

SHYLOCK : I am not required to please you with my answer.

BASSANIO : Do all men kill the things they don’t love?

SHYLOCK : Does any man hate the thing he wouldn’t kill?

BASSANIO : Every wrong is not a hate at first.

SHYLOCK : What! Would you have a serpent sting you twice?

ANTONIO : Please, if you think you question the Jew: You may as well go
stand on the beach, And ask the main ocean to decrease his usual height;
You may as well use questions with the wolf, Why he has made the mother
sheep cry for the lamb;

Word Meaning With Annotation

Current of the cruelty : cruel course of action, think you question with
the Jew : Do you think you can argue with the Jew?

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Where are the speakers at this time?
Answer:
The speakers are at this time in a court of law in Venice.

Question 2.
What answer had the “unfeeling man” given?
Answer:
The unfeeling man, namely Shy lock; had told the Duke that he was not
prepared to forego the pound of flesh to which he was entitled as a
consequence of Antonio’s failure to have repaid the loan within the
prescribed period of time. Shylock had also said that he now wanted the
pound of flesh, and not the money, because of his hatred of Antonio and his
loathing for that man.

Question 3.
What light do these verbal exchanges throw on the characters of the
speakers?
Answer:
Shylock here appears as a man of inflexible resolve, while Bassanio is trying
his best to prevail upon Shylock to give up his resolve which is to cut off a
pound of Antonio’s flesh. Bassanio pleads for a humane view of the situation,
but Shylock hates Antonio so much that he compares that man to a serpent.
Antonio, intervening in the conversation between Bassanio and Shylock, tells
Bassanio that it is futile to argue with Shylock because Shylock is as
merciless and savage as the wolf which kills and eats up a lamb. Thus
Antonio knows what kind of a man Shylock basically is.

Question 4.
Whose arguments are here more convincing : Bassanio’s or Shylock’s?
Answer:
The arguments of both Bassanio and Shylock have considerable force.
Bassanio pleads for mercy from Shylock, while Shylock depicts Antonio as a
man who had dpne great damage to him financially and also in terms of
reputation. However, Bassanio’s arguments are certainly more convincing
because it is extreme of cruelty and savagery on the part of a man to try to
take the life of another man, no matter what his grievances against the other
man might be.

Question 5.
Comment on Antonio’s assessment of the Jew’s attitude.
Answer:
Antonio’s assessment of the Jew’s attitude is perfectly sound. Shylock has
certainly suffered much at the hands of Antonio; but he is undoubtedly a
man without any human feeling. Antonio rightly compares Shylock to a wolf
who kills a lamb and eats it up to satisfy his hunger. And Antonio then rightly
points out that it is as futile to try to alter the Jew’s attitude of cruelty as it
would be to ask the pine trees on the mountains not to let their branches
move at all when strong winds are blowing in the sky.

Passage – 4 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 70-80)

Paraphrase :

ANTONIO : Please, if you think you question the Jew: You may as well go
stand on the beach, And ask the main ocean to decrease his usual height;
You may as well use questions with the wolf, Why he has made the mother
sheep cry for the lamb; You may as well forbid the mountain pines To wag
their high tops and to make no noise When they are blown by the gusts of
wind from the sky; You may as well do anything almost as hard As to seek to
soften that—than what’s harder? His Jewish heart: so, I beg you, Make no
more offers, use no farther means.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Think you question with the Jew : Do you think you can argue with the
Jew? main flood : the tide, the ocean, bate : reduce, fretted : “agitated by”.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Who has been arguing with the Jew? What have been the bases of pleading
by :

1. The Duke
2. Bassanio?

Answer:
In the trial scene, as the case comes for hearing, the duke makes an appeal
to Shylock to drop his case against Antonio. This is followed by Bassanio’s
request to the Jew to relent in his cruel attitude towards that helpless
merchant.

1. First, the duke makes a very well-worded appeal to Shylock asking him
to show pity to Antonio who has suffered heavy losses in his ships. He
tactfully tells the Jew that everybody thinks that Shylock is only putting
up an appearance of malice against Antonio. At last, he will show mercy
by not only giving up the demand for Antonio’s punishment but also by
forgiving a part of the principal amount of the loan. But Shylock claims
that he has taken an oath to punish Antonio. So he cannot change his
mind.
Shylock refuses to explain why he is so cruel in his demand of a pound
of flesh from Antonio’s body. He gives many examples to prove that
men hate certain things and cannot tolerate them. Similarly, he cannot
tolerate Antonio. So he must exert his penalty. If the duke refuses to
give him his legal due, it will bring a bad name to the rule of law in
Venice.
2. As for Bassanio, Shylock dismisses him even more rudely. When
Bassanio asks the Jew why he is giving such unreasonable answers, the
Jew retorts that he is not bound to please him with his answer. When
Bassanio asks if all men kill the things they do not like. Shylock wants to
know if he should allow a snake to bite him twice. Thus, Bassanio’s
pleading makes the Jew even more angry.
Question 2.
Were they able to convince the Jew? What was the Jew’s main answer?
Answer:
Both the duke and Bassanio failed to convince the Jew to have mercy on
Antonio. Shylock’s main answer was that it was settled hate and a strong
loathing for Antonio that he was pursuing a suit which involved a financial
loss to him.

Question 3.
What does Antonio now say? Does he approve of any more pleading with the
Jew?
Answer:
Antonio knows enough about Shylock’s obduracy and revengeful spirit. So he
realises that arguing with the Jew is futile. The suspense of the trial is
unbearable to him, and he prefers to hear the verdict.

Question 4.
Explain the following

1. making “the ewe bleat for the lamb”.

2. forbidding “the mountain pines’ To wag their high tops.”
3. “bid the main flood bate his usual height”

Answer:
Antonio makes several comparisons to explain the stubbornness of the Jew.
It is futile to argue with him.

1. it is as futile as arguing with the wolf and asking him why he has
devoured the lamb and thus
made the mother- sheep cry in distress.
2. It is as futile as ordering the pine-trees growing on the mountain-tops
not to shake their top most branches and not produce any sound when
they-are agitated by the assaults made by the winds blowing over them.
3. It is as futile as going and standing on the sea-shore and calling upon
the high tide to remain lower than its usual level.

Question 5.
Does Antonio speak in a mood of calm resignation? Is he afraid of
consequences?
Answer:
Antonio speaks in a mood of philosophic resignation. He does not seem to be
afraid of the consequences. He is ready to hear the judgement to let the Jew
have what he wants. He knows that the Jew’s revenge is volcanic and
sweeping in its motion and range. He, therefore, resigns before his fate.
 Passage – 5 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 88-103)

Paraphrase :

DUKE : How shall you hope for mercy, giving none?

SHYLOCK : What judgment shall I dread, if I have done no wrong? You have
many purchased slaves among you,Which, like your asses and your dogs and
mules,You use in low and in slavish ways, Because you bought them; shall I
say to you” Let them be free, damn them to your heirs?” Why do they sweat
under burdens? Let their beds Be made as soft as yours, and let their palates
Be seasoned with such rich meats? You will answer”The slaves are ours.” So
I answer you: The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought; it’s
mine, and I will have it.If you deny me, damn your law! There is no backbone
in the laws of Venice. I stand for judgment: answer; shall I have it?

Word Meaning With Annotation

You have among you many a purchas’d slave, Which (like your
asses, and your dogs and mules) You use in abject and in slavish
parts, Because you bought them. Shall I say to you, Let them be
free, marry them to your heirs?, Why sweat they under burthens?
Let their beds, Be made as soft as yours, and let their palates, Be
seasoned with such viands? You will answer, “The slaves are
ours” : Shylock argues that it is a common practice to keep slaves, and
many in the court do so. The slaves are regarded as the property of the
owner, and may be treated in any manner. Similarly this pound of flesh is his
own property, and he may do what he likes with it without being brought to
account. This passage shows well the unyielding and determined nature of
Shylock, as well as the cruelty of his nature, parts : duties.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Where are the speakers at this time?
Answer:
The speakers are at this time in a court of law m Venice.

Question 2.
On what basis does Shylock say that the pound of flesh being demanded by
him is his, and that he will have it?
Answer:
Shylock makes a claim to a pound of Antonio’s flesh on the basis of the bond
which Antonio had signed and which Antonio has forfeited.

Question 3.
Why does Shylock say that the pound of flesh “is dearly bought”?
Answer:
Shylock had given Antonio a loan of three thousand ducats which Antonio
has failed to repay within the prescribed period of time. As Antonio has
forfeited the bond which he had signed, Shylock is now entitled to a pound of
Antonio’s flesh. In other words, having lost an amount of three thousand
ducats, Shylock can demand a pound of Antonio’s flesh as the penalty
specified in the bond. Three thousand ducats is a large amount of money;
and therefore Shylock says that he has paid a heavy price for the pound of
flesh which he is demanding. He would not now accept any amount of money
in lieu of the flesh to which he is entitled; and so the price, which he is now
paying for that flesh, is even higher than before because Bassanio is now
willing to pay the Jew any amount of money in order to save Antonio.

Question 4.
What answer does the Duke give to Shylock’s question?
Answer:
Shylock’s question is whether or not the Duke is willing to enforce the law
and let him cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh. To this question, the Duke
replies that he would use his authority to dismiss the court and to resume
the proceedings only when a learned doctor of laws by the name of Bellario
arrives here. The Duke says that he has sent for that learned lawyer to
decide Shylock’s claim against Antonio.

Question 5.
To what extent does Shylock’s comparison of the pound of flesh with asses,
dogs, and mules seem to you to be appropriate?
Answer:
Shylock’s comparison of a pound of Antonio’s flesh with asses, dogs, and
mules owned by the Duke and by other persons in Venice is perfectly sound.
The owners of asses, dogs and mules have full authority over their animals,
and have a right to use them for any purpose they like. Shylock, having
become legally entitled to cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh, has now
acquired similar authority over that flesh. The owners of those animals had
paid a price to buy them and then to use them to carry goods from one place
to another or for any other purpose, according to their requirements. Shylock
too had purchased a pound of Antonio’s flesh at a certain price. He had given
Antonio an amount of three thousand ducats which he had not got back; and,
therefore, according to the terms of the bond, he has acquired a right over a
pound of Antonio’s flesh which he can then use in any way he likes.

Passage – 6 (Act IV, Se.I, Lines 111-118)

Paraphrase :
BASSANIO : Cheer up, Antonio! What, man, have courage still! The Jew shall
have my flesh, blood, bones, and everything, Before you shall lose one drop
of blood for me.

ANTONIO : I am a poisoned, castrated ram of the flock, Most ready for

death; the weakest kind of fruit Drops first to the ground, and so let me.You
cannot be better employed, Bassanio,Than to live on, and write my epitaph.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Tainted wether : an old and infirm

sheep, meetest : fittest, epitaph : inscription on a tirnb stone

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Where are the speakers at this time?
Answer:
The speakers are at this time in a court of law in Venice.

Question 2.
Under what circumstances does this dialogue take place?
Answer:
This dialogue takes place when Shylock’s case against Antonio seems to be
going against Antonio. The Duke’s personal appeal to Shylock has produced
no effect on Shylock; and Bassanio’s pleading with Shylock has also failed to
serve any purpose.

Question 3.
Do you think that Bassanio is sincere in giving the assurance which he gives
to Antonio in his speech?
Answer:
Bassanio is certainly sincere in giving Antonio the assurance that he would
not allow the Jew to cut off any flesh from Antonio’s body, no matter what
sacrifice he (Bassanio) might have to make. Bassanio is willing to give the
Jew his own flesh, blood, bones, and every other part or organ of his body to
save Antonio’s life. It is another matter that Shylock would not accept any
such offer from Bassanio; but Bassanio is quite sincere in making the offer.
Of course, Bassanio’s offer is made in a rhetorical manner and cannot be
taken literally, but his sincerity towards Antonio cannot by doubted.

Question 4.
Why is Antonio willing to die?
Answer:
Antonio thinks himself to be a useless man now when he has become a
bankrupt, and has completely lost his flourishing business. He compares
himself to a sheep which becomes infected with some disease dangerous to
the other sheep as well. It would be better if an infected sheep, and the
continued presence of which in a flock of sheep can prove dangerous to the
other sheep as well. It would be better if an infected sheep dies than that it
should infect the other sheep as well. In the same way, Antonio would like to
die instead of continuing to live and cause endless anxiety to his friends like
Bassanio.

Question 5.
Explain the following expressions:

(a) a tainted wether of the flock

(b) Meetest for death
(c) and write mine epitaph

Answer:

(a) A tainted wether of the flock- an infected male sheep of a flock of sheep;
a sheep which has caught some disease and which is likely to infect the
other sheep as well, by its contact with the others. Actually the word
“wether” means a male sheep which has been castrated and thus rendered
incapable of impregnating the female sheep.
(b) Meetest for death- most fit to die. The word “meet” in this sense means
“proper” or “appropriate”. “Meetest” is the superlative degree of the word
“meet” which is here an adjective. “Meetest” therefore means “most proper”
or “most appropriate”.
(c) And write mine epitaph- and compose the epitaph to be inscribed on my
tomb. “Epitaph” means the words (in prose or in verse) which are inscribed
on a tombstone. An epitaph is generally a tribute paid to a dead man or
woman by his or her relatives or admirers.

Question 6.
What feelings does this piece of dialogue arouse in your heart?
Answer:
This piece of dialogue arouses our sympathy for Antonio and our admiration
for Bassanio. We are filled with deep pity at the fate which Antonio is on the
verge of meeting; and we certainly admire Bassanio for his sincerity towards
his friend who is in deep trouble.

Passage – 7 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 121-133)

Paraphrase :

BASSANIO : Why do you sharpen your knife so earnestly?

SHYLOCK : To cut the default from that bankrupt there.

GRATIANO : You make your knife sharp, not on the sole of your shoe, But on
your soul, harsh Jew, but no metal can, No, not the hangman’s axe, be
sharpened to half the sharpness of your sharp hate. Can any prayers get
through to you?

SHYLOCK : No, none that you have sense enough to make.

GRATIANO : Oh, damn you, stubborn dog! And, for your life, let justice be
blamed. You almost make me change my mind, About agreeing with
Pythagoras That the souls of animals send themselves into the bodies of
men.
Word Meaning With Annotation

Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly : at this stage of the play,
the actor who plays the part of Shylock bends down and proceeds to sharpen
the edge of his knife upon the leather sole of his shoe, forfeiture : that
which has been forfeited, or the flesh, not on the sole: but on thy soul
(harsh Jew), Thou mak’st thy knife keen : the Old English word for soul
was sawol. While the spelling had changed by the time of Shakespeare it is
possible that it was pronounced rather like “sowl”, to rhyme with “howl.” no,
not the hand man’s axe : the official who executed condemned men was
called the “hangman”. Low bon criminals or men charged with ordinary
offences were executed by hanging. But noble or political prisoners would be
beheaded with an axe, manipulated by the same
hangman, inexorable : ‘inexecrable’ “too bad for execration.” and for thy
life let justice be accus’d : and we must accuse the spirit of Justice for
allowing you to live, thou almost mak’st me waver in my faith, To hold
opinion with Pythagoras, That souls of animals infuse themselves,
Into the trunks of men : Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher who
believed that souls of men or animals appeared several times on the earth,
assuming sometimes higher and sometimes lower forms of life.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Where are the speakers at this time?
Answer:
The speakers are at this time in a court of law in Venice.

Question 2.
What is the difference between “sole” and “soul” as used by Gratiano? In
what sense has the word “keen” been used?
Answer:
The word “sole” means the bottom side of a shoe, and the word “souel”
means the spirit of a man. A sole is made of leather (and, in some causes, of
rubber), while a soul is the spirit which dwells inside a body and which is
immortal. The words “sole” and “soul” have an identical pronunciation
though they have different meanings. Thus we have a pun here. The word
“keen” as used here means “sharp.”

Question 3.
In what way is Shylock making his knife keen on his soul?
Answer:
Gratiano means to say that Shylock’s knife has been made sharp by the
cruelty of his spirit, and not as a result of his rubbing the knife against the
leather sole of a shoe.

Question 4.
Explain the line : “And for thy life let justice be accus’d”.
Answer:
Justice itself would deserve to be condemned and denounced if it allows a
revengeful and savage man like Shylock to continue to live in this world.
Gratiano means to say that the law should take ‘‘cognizance of Shylock’s
inhumanity and savagery, and should condemn him to death instead of
allowing him to cut off another man’s flesh and killing the other man.

Question 5.
Who was Pythagoras?
Answer:
Pythagoras was an ancient Greek Philosopher who believed in the
transmigration of the soul. According to him, the soul of a man might, after
his death, enter the body of an animal, and vice versa. (That is the belief that
many Hindus also hold even in these scientific times).

Passage – 8 (Act IV Sc.I, Lines 128-140)

Paraphrase :
GRATIANO : Oh, damn you, stubborn dog! And, for your life, let justice be
blamed. You almost make me change my mind, About agreeing with
Pythagoras That the souls of animals send themselves Into the bodies of
men. Your dog-like spirit That must have been ruled by a wolf Hanged for
killing a human, his evil soul Falling quickly even from the gallows, And, while
you lay in your unholy mother, Sent itself into you, because your desires Are
wolfish, bloody, starved, and hungry.

SHYLOCK : Until you can scream the seal from off my promise to pay, You
only insult your lungs to speak so loud.

Word Meaning With Annotation

A Wolf, who hang’d for human slaughter : In the olden days it was not
uncommon for animals to be formally executed like criminals, fell : fierce;
cruel, unhallowed : wicked; vile, infus’d itself in thee : poured itself into
the body, offend’st thy lungs : injure your lungs; put them to useless
labour.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Why does Gratiano use an abusive language for Shylock? What has exactly
provoked him so much?
Answer:
All appeals to Shylock to have mercy on Antonio, have failed. The Jew is bent
upon inflicting penalty on his enemy by cutting off a pound of flesh from his
body. Gratiano reminds Shylock that he is bringing damnation to his soul by
persisting in his blood-thirsty course.
When Gratiano asks Shylock if any prayers can influence the Jew, Shylock
curtly answers that no words can soften his heart. In sheer desperation,
Gratiano bursts into a language of abuse. He calls Shylock a merciless dog.

Question 2.
Why does Gratiano blame justice?
Answer:
Gratiano blames justice for allowing a person like Shylock to live and enjoy
human rights. This blood-thirsty fellow is less like a human being and more
like a beast.

Question 3.
What makes him “waver” in his faith? What is his faith?
Answer:
Gratiano is a Christian, but on seeing a man like Shylock, his faith in
Christianity is shaken. He begins to believe in the doctrine of the ancient
Greek philosopher, Pythagoras. This doctrine is known as the doctrine of
transmigration of souls.This meant that the souls of animals often entered
the bodies of men.

Question 4.
In what respect does he seem to agree with Phytha- goras?’
Answer:
Accounting thus for Shylock’s behaviour, Gratiano says his spirit was earlier
in a wolf who was hanged for killing human beings. Then this spirit fled from
the body of wolf, and entered Shylock’s mother’s womb. This is the reason
that Shylock has his insatiable wolfish desires. In this respect Gratiano seems
to agree with Phythagoras.

Question 5.
How does Shylock respond to Gratiano’s outburst?
Answer:
Shylock responds to Gratiano’s angry outburst in a calm and assured
manner. He knows the futility of all curses uttered against him. So long as
Gratiano’s curses cannot erase Antonio’s seal from his bond, he (Gratiano) is
only injuring his lungs to curse the Jew so loudly.
In a malevolently patronising attitude, Shylock advises Gratiano to look to his
wit or it will be ruined past all repair. Shylock stands for law, and abusing or
cursing him is altogether foolish.

Passage – 9 (Act IV Sc. I Lines 182 to 203)

Paraphrase :

PORTIA : The quality of mercy is not restricted; It drops as the gentle rain
from heaven On the place beneath the clouds. It is twice blessed : It blesses
him that gives mercy and him that takes mercy. It’s most powerful in’ the
most powerful people; it suits The throned king better than his crown; His
royal wand shows the force of earthly power, The quality to amaze and rule,
Where the dread and fear of kings sits; But mercy is above the wave of this
wand, It sits on a throne in the hearts of kings, It is a quality of God himself;
And earthly power then shows itself like God’s When mercy goes with justice.
So, Jew, Though justice is your plea, consider this, That if we all got justice,
none of us Would see salvation; we pray for mercy, And that same prayer
teaches us all to do The deeds of mercy. I have spoken this much To soften
the justice of your plea, Which if you follow, this strict court of Venice Must
give a ruling against the merchant there.
Word Meaning With Annotation

Strain’d : forced; compelled, becomes : adorns; renders beautiful, his

sceptre shows the force of temporal power : his sceptre is the emblem
of worldly power, temporal means, in this sense, “worldly” as opposed to
“heavenly.” Read “wordly power which attracts feelings of awe and respect
for his majesty, and caused the dread and fear with which men think of
kings.” “dread” and “fear” did not signify terror, but rather “deep
veneration.” sceptred sway : the worldly rule which is symbolised by the
sceptre, it is an attribute to God himself : it is a divine quality, and one
which God Himself possesses, when mercy seasons justice : when mercy
lessens the severity of justice, though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That in the course of justice, none of us, Should see salvation : this is
a statement of the Christian doctrine that we are all sinners, and therefore
must throw ourselves on God’s mercy. If we were judged with strict justice,
not one of us would deserve heavenly happiness, to mitigate the justice
of thy plea : to persuade you to put forward a milder demand than that for
strict justice.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
What does she mean by saying that the quality of mercy is not strain’d?
Answer:
It means that mercy cannot be shown under compulsion.

Question 2.
How can the flow of mercy be described?
Answer:
The flow of mercy is as natural and spontaneous as the drops of rain falling
from the sky on the earth.

Question 3.
How does mercy confer a double blessing?
Answer:
Mercy is a blessing for him who receives. It is also a blessing for him who
shows mercy. Thus it is a double blessing.

Question 4.
When does an earthy power conduct itself like God?
Answer:
An earthly power acts like God when it seasons justice with mercy.
Question 5.
Why according to Portia, should we do deeds of mercy?
Answer:
We pray to God for mercy. That prayer teaches us to perform merciful acts.
To deserve God’s mercy, we should show mercy to others

Passage – 10 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 207-220)

Paraphrase :

I’ll swear to pay it ten times over On penalty of the loss of my hands, my
head, my heart; If this is not enough, it must seem That evil wins over truth.
And, I beg you, Twist the law once to your authority; To do a great right, do a
little wrong, And deprive this cruel devil of his will.

PORTIA : It must not be; there is no power in Venice that can change an
established law; It will set a precedent, And many errors by the same
example Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
SHYLOCK : A prophet from the Bible come to judgment! Yes, a prophet! Oh,
wise young judge, how I honour you!

Word Meaning With Annotation

Wrest once the Law to your authority : for one occasion, use your
authority to change the course of the law. decree established : a law
which is fixed and on the statute book, precedent : an example which might
be followed by other judges, will rush into the state : will speedily appear
in the business of the State, a Daniel come to judgement, yea a
Daniel : Daniel, one of the great Jewish characters of the Old Testament,
was a man famed for wisdom and sound judgment. Shylock takes his name
here as a representative or type of the perfect judge.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Who will be bound to pay it ten times? What is the original sum? Why does
the speaker offer to pay ten times?
Answer:
It is the trial scene of the play, “The Merchant of Venice”. Shylock has taken
the stand that he wants the forfeiture of the bond. All appeals to him to take
mercy on Antonio, have failed. Portia appears in the duke’s court as the
young lawyer. She finds the case quite clear. She also tries to appeal to the
good sense in Shylock, but all in vain. Then she asks if Antonio cannot make
the payment. At once, Bassanio offers to make the payment on behalf of his
friend. He offers to make twice the principal. If that is not acceptable, he is
ready to make ten times that sum. The original sum is three thousand
ducats. Bassanio offers ten times this sum in order to tempt Shylock to
accept, the money and spare Antonio’s life.

Question 2.
What else does the speaker offer? Why he make such an offer?
Answer:
Bassanio knows that his dear friend’s life is in danger. He is ready to do
anything to save him. He, therefore, assures Shylock that if he fails to pay
ten times the sum, he will forfeit his hands, his head and his heart. In short,
Bassanio mortgages his own life if that can satisfy the Jew.

Question 3.
Explain what argument is given to say that “malice bears down truth”?
Answer:
Bassanio says that if Shylock is not prepared to accept even times what he
lent, it must be apparent that his malice is defeating all sense of fairness.
Shylock is then interested more in satisfying-his malice than in getting
justice.

Question 4.
What is ultimately suggested by the Bassanio?
Answer:
Bassanio suggests that in these extraordinary circumstances the law for
once may be made inoperative. He argues that a little wrong, i.e. suspending
the operation of the law, may be allowed to do a great right, i.e. saving
Antonio’s life. By doing this, it will be possible to prevent the devilish Jew
from getting what he wishes to have, i.e. a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
Bassanio implores the judge to twist the law a little in order to save the life of
an honest man like Antonio. Shylock could not be prevented from mischief
by following a strictly legal procedure.

Question 5.
What is Portia’s opinion on the question of Venetian law?
Answer:
Portia rejects Bassanio’s suggestion. She asserts that there is no power in
Venice which change law. It will set a bad precedent and this example will be
quoted in future to do wrong things. If this is allowed, other mistakes will find
their way into the administration of the state.

Question 6.
How does Shylock respond to Portia’s interpretation of law?
Answer:
Shylock is delighted to Portia’s argument while rejecting Bassanio’s appeal to
interfere with law. He thinks that Portia is pleading in such a manner that he
must win the case. So he praises her skill and sense of justice. Shylock
compares Portia with Daniel, a young Jewish prophet who in case had
exposed the falsity of certain witnesses by cleverly cross-examining them.

Passage – 11 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 223-241)

Paraphrase :

PORTIA : Shylock, there’s three times your money offered to you.

SHYLOCK : An oath, an oath! I have an oath in heaven. Shall I lay perjury on

my soul? No, not for Venice.

PORTIA : Why, this promise to pay is penalty; And lawfully the Jew may
claim A pound of flesh by this, to be by him cut off Nearest the merchant’s
heart. Be merciful.Take three times your money; ask me to tear up the
promise ta pay.
SHYLOCK : When it is paid according to the terms. It appears you are a
worthy judge;You know the law; your explanation Has been most sound; I
charge you by the law, Of which you are a well-deserving upholder, Proceed
to judgment. By my soul, I swear There is no power in the voice of man To
change my mind. I wait here on my promise to pay.

ANTONIO : Most heartily I beg the court To give the judgment.

PORTIA : Why then, it is like this:You must prepare your chest for his knife.

Word Meaning With Annotation

An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven. Shall I lay perjury upon

my soul? No not for Venice : Shylock gives us an additional reason that
he has sworn a sacred oath (in the Jewish synagogue) not to be dissuaded
from exacting what is due under the bond. This oath he cannot break,
without committing a serious sin against his religion, according to the
tenour : according to the strict wording and meaning, a well deserving
pillar : “a worthy representative.” Shylock says that Portia is an equally
strong supporter of the structure of the law. I stay here on my bond : I
base my claim strictly on my bond.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Where are the speakers at this time?
Answer:
The speakers are at this time in a court of law in Venice.

Question 2.
Why does Shylock refuse an offer of money?
Answer:
Shylock refuses the offer of money because he wants to put an end to the
life of a man whom he regards as his enemy and whom he hates fiercely.

Question 3.
What makes Portio say: be merciful, Take thrice thy money, bid me tear the
bond.
Answer:
Portia in these words makes a two fold appeal to Shylock. Originally she had
suggested that Shylock should accept the money and spare Antonio’s flesh.
She had then appealed to Shylock to show mercy to Antonio and spare his
life. Now she combines both those appeals into one. She first asks him to
show mercy and then, in the same breath, she appeals to his greed,
suggesting that he should accept three times the amount which he had
given to Antonio as a loan. Thus she tries her utmost to induce Shylock to
soften or relent. She would like to put an end to the dispute in this way, and
to tear the bond on the basis of which Shylock is demanding a pound of
Antonio’s flesh in order to kill him.

Question 4.
Why does Antonio beseech the court to proceed to judgment instead or
wanting the judgment to be delayed?
Answer:
Antonio is feeling impatient because Shylock has refused to budge from his
position in spite of many appeals which have been made to him. Antonio
does not want that any more appeals should be made to the Jew because he
knows that the Jew is not going to relent. He sees no point in the proceedings
of the court being prolonged because he feels certain that no purpose would
be served by delaying them. Being a serious-minded and stoical kind of man,
he wants that the proceedings should be expedited, and the judgment be
delivered without any further appeals being made to the Jew.

Question 5.
What causes a turn in the course of events as depicted here?
Answer:
The turn in the events is caused by Portia’s sudden announcement that the
Jew can have a pound of Antonio’s flesh but that the Jew must not shed a
single drop of Antonio’s blood in the course of his cutting off the flesh.

Passage – 12 (Act IV Sc. I Lines 260 to 277)

Paraphrase :

ANTONIO : Only little: I am ready and well prepared. Give me your hand,
Bassanio: goodbye! Don’t grieve that I am doing this for you, Because here
Fortune shows herself more kind Than is her habit: it is still her habit To let
the wretched man outlive his wealth, To view an age of poverty with hollow
eye and wrinkled brow; She cuts me off from the lingering repentance Of
such misery. Commend me to your honorable wife: Tell her the story of
Antonio’s end; Say how I loved you; speak fairly about me in death; And,
when the tale is told, ask her to be the judge of Whether Bassanio didn’t
once have a love. Only be sorry that you shall lose your friend, And he is not
sorry that he pays your debt; Because if the Jew only cuts deep enough, I’ll
pay it instantly with all my heart.

Word Meaning With Annotation

It is still her use, to let the wretched man out-live his

wealth : fortune often ruins a man, and allows him to live on in miserable
poverty after his wealth has gone, but she is more kind to Antonio in
mercifully allowing him to die at the same time, an age of poverty : the
prospect of spending his old age in poverty, lingering penance : prolonged
suffering, speak me fair in death : speak well of me to her after I am
dead, a love : a friend who felt deep love. I’ll pay it instantly with all my
heart : even in the moment of tragedy, Shakespeare makes Antonio speak
with grim humour, using the double meaning which characterised the wit of
the day. “With all my heart” means in the first place, “With the utmost
willingness.” But there is the literal meaning that the Jew would cut out the
whole of Antonio’s heart as part of the pound of flesh. This is a tense
moment, but it is relieved by this humorous remark. The courageous
character of Antonio and his frank manliness make a sharp contrast with the
malice of the Jew.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Who is the speaker of these lines?
Answer:
Antonio is the speaker of these lines.

Question 2.
What is the state of the speaker’s mind?
Answer:
He is fully prepared for his death.

Question 3.
Why does the speaker think that fortune is kinder to him?
Answer:
He thinks fate is kinder to him because it is always the customs of fate to let
the wretched man live even when he is absolutely penniless. He is being
allowed by fate to die. Thus he would not live a life of poverty.

Question 4.
What does Antonio want Bassanio to do?
Answer:
Antonio wants Bassanio to convey his greetings to his (Bassanio’s)
honourable wife. He also wants him to tell her the manner of his death.

Question 5.
What does the Antonio expect Bassanio’s wife to judge?
Answer:
He wants her to judge whether Bassanio did not at one time have a sincere
friend.

Passage – 13 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 288-299)

Paraphrase :

NERISSA : It’s well you offer it behind her back; The wish would other make
a noisy house.

SHYLOCK : These are the Christian husbands! I have a daughter; would any
of the stock of Barabbas the thief had been her husband, rather than a
Christian! We are wasting time; Please, enforce sentence.

PORTIA : A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is yours. The court awards
it and the law gives it.

SHYLOCK : Most rightful judge!

PORTIA : And you must cut this flesh from off his breast. The law allows it
and the court awards it.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Thpse be the Christian husbands : to Shylock, the words of Bassanio and

Gratiano appear unnatural, and he infers “That shows how little Christian
husbands think of their wives.” would any of the stock of Barrabas, Had
been her husband, rather than a Christian : Barabbas was a murderer
in the Bible, and murder is a crime which is particularly rare and greatly
abhorred among the Jews. Yet Shylock says that he would have preferred to
see Jessica married to a descendant of Barabbas, rather than a Christian. I
pray thee pursue sentence : Carry out the sentence, please!

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Who is ‘you’ referred by Nerissa in the first line of extract? What is the offer
made and why would it make an unquiet house?
Answer:
The person referred to as ‘you’ is Gratiano. He has made an offer that is
likely to make an unquiet house. He has declared that he loves his wife, but
he wishes that she were in heaven, so that she could request some heavenly
power to change the mind of the villainous Jew.
Nerissa remarks that it is better for Gratiano to make this offer in the
absence of his wife. If she heard this, she would be annoyed with her
husband. This would make an unquiet house. There is dramatic irony in
Nerissa’s remark. She herself is his wife and she is listening to what he has
said. This fact is not known to Gratiano because Nerissa is dressed as the
lawyer’s clerk.

Question 2.
Name two husbands who have said something which makes Shylock exclaim
“These be the Christian husbands”. What have they said about their wives?
Answer:
The two husbands are Bassanio who is Portia’s husband, and Gratiano, who
is Nerissa’s husband. Both these husbands have offered to sacrifice their
wives to save Antonio from the cluthes of the cruel Jew.
Shylock, to whom everything no Jewish is inferior and mean, here sneers at
what he considers the lightness of these two Christian husbands in offering
to sacrifice their wives. Shylock says that he would prefer his daughter to
marry a Jew.

Question 3.
Give two reasons-one financial, the other emotional- which made Shylock
annoyed with his daughter.
Answer:
Shylock is annoyed with his daughter for two reasons. One is financial. She
stole her father’s ? ducats and precious stones before leaving his house.
Secondly, she gave Shylock emotional pain by eloping with a Christian.
Elopement of a daughter is always scandalous for a father. But Shylock is
twice pained because she ran away with the member of a community whom
he hates.

Question 4.
Who is Barrabas? Why is he preferred in comparison to a Christian? Briefly
state why Shylock hates Christians?
Answer:
Barrabas was a murderer whose story figures in the Bible. He was set free
while Jesus Christ. was sentenced to be crucified, Murder is a sin which is
particularly rare and highly contemptible r act amongst the Jews. Yet Shylock
says that he would have preferred to see Jessica married to a descendant of
Barrabas rather than to a, Christian.
Shylock has his cogent reasons to hate Christians. The first reason is that the
Christians hate him y just because he is a Jew. They hate him because he
does the business of money-lending. He earns his profit by charging interest
on the loans he gives to people. The Christians disapprove . this business of
money-lending for profit. Shylock has been insulted by Christians often at the
stock exchange where merchants gather to do business. One of the
Christians, Antonio, lends money to people and his loans are interest-free.
This harms the business interests of the Jew. Thus, these are the many
reasons why Shylock hates Christians.

Question 5.
What quarrel does Nerissa have with her husband towards the end of the
play? What is humorous in that incident?
Answer:
Towards the end of the play, Nerissa has quarrel with her husband. They are
back to Belmont. When she finds that Gratiano’s marriage ring is missing,
she charges him with infidelity. She blames hirb for making a gift of her ring
to some other woman.
It is a humorous incident. Gratiano does not know that he gave his ring to
Nerissa herself when she was dressed as the’ lawyer’s clerk. Later he finds it
difficult to defend himself before his wife, who enjoyed the fun at his cost.

Question 6.
What is meant by “We trifle time”? ‘What sentence does Portia pursue? What
is the outcome of her sentence?
Answer:
Shylock is in a hurry. He does not want the court to waste any more time. He
wants to hear the final judgement. He is itching to take his revenge by
cutting off a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. He requests the court to
pass the sentence without delay.
Portia has accepted the Jew’s claim. She declares that a pound of Antonio’s
flesh is Shylocks. The court awards it and the law allows it. Thus, Portia
passes the judgement that the court gives Shylock the right to get a pound
of Antonio’s flesh according to the provisions of the law. However, when
Shylock jubilantly proceeds forward with a knife in his hand, tables are
turned against him. Portia who gave the hope, finally demolishes the fine
structure of the Jew’s success. Shylock is defeated and Antonio honourably
acquitted.

Passage – 14 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 300-310)

Paraphrase :

SHYLOCK : Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, get ready.

PORTIA : Wait a minute; there is something else. This promise to pay does
not give you here a jot of blood; The words expressly are “a pound of flesh:”
Then take your promise to pay, take your pound of flesh; But, in the cutting
it, if you shed One drop of Christian blood, your lands and goods Are, by the
laws of Venice, seized By the state of Venice.

GRATIANO : Oh, upright judge! Mark, Jew: Oh, learned Judge!

SHYLOCK : Is that the law?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Jot : tiny particle, is that the law : Shylock speaks in utter bewilderment,’
and appears a comic, hesitating figure on the stage, with all his arrogance
and confidence gone.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Whom does Shylock call a “learned judge”? Why does he give such a praise
to anyone?
Answer:
Shylock praises Portia as a learned judge. She is disguised as a young
lawyer. She has interpreted the Venetian law. She has upheld the claim
made by the Jew. She has declared that the bond’s forfeiture cannot be
denied because Antonio has failed to repay the loan within the time limit.
Shylock is delighted to hear a verdict favourable to him.

Question 2.
Shylock talks of a “sentence”. What is this sentence? Whom does he ask,
“come, prepare”?
Answer:
Shylock talks of the sentence which gives to the Jew the right to cut off a
pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. The court has awarded it according to
the provisions of the law. He now victoriously turns Antonio to prepare
himself for a deadly stab from his enemy.

Question 3.
“Tarry a little, there is something else,” What has been said already, to
which something need be added?
Answer:
Portia interrupts Shylock as he moves towards Antonio. She asks him to wait
a bit to consider some very important legal point. She has already awarded
to the Jew a pound of flesh claimed by him. That was the simple meaning of
the bond. But the young lawyer has a very fine point to make now. This will
hinder the unqualified execution of the sentence.

Question 4.
What does the bond give the Jew ? What is it that it does not give him?
Answer:
Portia agrees that the bond entitles the Jew to receive his pound of flesh. But
the words expressly mention only a pound of flesh and no more. It does not
give him a single drop of blood.
Question 5.
What is the warning given to the Jew?
Answer:
Portia warns the Jew that he may cut off a pound of flesh but he should not
shed a drop of blood. If he sheds one drop of Christian blood, his lands, hjs
goods shall be confiscated by the state of Venice. This is the law of Venice.

Question 6.
Does Shylock continue to claim a pound of flesh from the merchant’s body?
Does he change his stand at any stage? What is the consequence?
Answer:
When Shylock finds that he has been defeated on his own ground, he
changes his stand. He; . agrees to receive three times the original sum.
Bassanio is willing to make this payment But the r young lawyer pushes the
Jew into a tight corner by telling him that he would be given no payment. He
must have his bond. As a consequence, the Jew loses all his money. He also
receives punishment for conspiring to take a citizen’s life.

Passage – 15 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 316-330)

Paraphrase :

PORTIA : Wait! The Jew shall have all justice; wait! Don’t hurry:- He shall
have nothing but the penalty.

GRATIANO : Oh, Jew! an upright judge, a learned judge!

PORTIA : So, get ready to cut off the flesh. Don’t shed any blood; or cut less
nor more, Exactly just a pound of flesh: if you take more, or less, than a just
pound, whether it is only so much That makes it light or heavy in the
substance, or the division of the twentieth part of one poor scruple; no, if the
scale turns only by a hair,You die, and all your goods are seized.

GRATIANO : A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew! Now, infidel, I have you at a

disadvantage.

Word Meaning With Annotation

He shall have nothing but the penalty : having led Shylock into the trap,
Portia is determined not to let him off lightly. He was afforded numerous
opportunities of withdrawing with a profit before this; now the tables are
completely turned, and he who would show no mercy to Antonio is to have
none himself, as makes it light or heavy in the substance : “As will
make the amount of it light or heavy.” or the division of the twentieth
part of one poor scruple : the word “or” seems to connect this with the
previous line as an alternative. It is a repetition of the previous line, and the
general sense is “ or if it varies from an exact pound by the twentieth part of
a scruple.” A scruple was a very small unit of weight, if the scale do turn
but in the estimation of a hair : “if it is estimated that one side of the
scale varies from the other by as much as a hair’s breadth.” confiscate : an
old past participle, equal to “confiscated” on the hip : this phrase is taken
from wrestling. To have a man “on the hip” meant to secure such a hold on
him that he was helpless, and could be easily thrown by his opponent.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Where does this dialogue take place and when?
Answer:
This dialogue takes place in a court of law in Venice; and it takes place after
Portia has made it impossible for the Jew to cut off any flesh from Antonio’s
body, and when the Jew expresses his willingness to accept the money and
let Antonio go.
Question 2.
To whom are Gratiano’s remarks addressed, and what is the significance of
these remarks?
Answer:
Gratiano’s remarks are addressed to Shylock. Gratiano’s remarks here are
bitterly sarcastic. He is poking fun at Shylock and tormenting him with his
savage irony. Indeed, Gratiano’s irony now is as savage as Shylock’s desire
for revenge had previously been.

Question 3.
Who was Daniel?
Answer:
Daniel is the name of a Biblical personage. According to the Biblical account,
Daniel was a man of exceptional wisdom. He delivered judgments which
were unique in their wisdom and their justice.

Question 4.
Explain the line : “Now infidel I have you on the hip.”
Answer:
Gratiano describes Shylock as a misbeliever, and says that now he has the
misbeliever in his grip. As a Christian, Gratiano regards a Jew as an infidel (or
a non-believer in Christ and in the faith which Christ preached). To have
somebody on the hip means to have him in one’s hold or in one’s grip.

Question 5.
What are your feelings as you go through this dialogue?
Answer:
We at this time feel greatly relieved because Portia has been able to rescue
Antonio from the Jew’s clutches; and we also enjoy the manner in which
Gratiano ridicules and mocks at Shylock who has been thwarted in his
purpose. Gratiano shows an exceptional talent for making sarcastic remarks
which are most appropriate at this time, and which the audience in a theatre
would greatly relish. The tables have been turned upon Shylock; and
Gratiano is now repeating Shylock’s own words in order to mock at him. We
have here to remember that previously Shylock had used these words for the
judge: “An upright judge, a learned judge! A second Daniel,” etc.

Passage – 16 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 343-359)

Paraphrase :

PORTIA : Wait, Jew. The law has yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the
laws of Venice, That, if it is proved against an alien That by direct or indirect
attempts He seek the life of any citizen, The party against whom he schemes
Shall seize one half his goods; the other half Comes to the public treasury of
the state; And the offender’s life lies at the mercy Of the Duke only, above all
others. In which predicament, I say, you stand; Because it appears by this
obvious proceeding That indirectly, and directly too, You have schemed
against the very life Of the defendant; and you have incurred The danger
that I just read to you. So, kneel down, and beg mercy of the Duke.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Tarry Jew : on the stage, Shylock is shown as startled by those words,

wondering what fresh development is to come, alien : any foreigner or
person not a native of Venice, citizen : a native of Venice, the party
‘gainst the which he doth contrive : this is in imitation of the Language
of the law. Portia may be supposed to quote from the exact words of this
particular law, “against the which” is particularly typical of the affected
working of legal documents. It is thought that Shakespeare served at one
time of his life in a lawyer’s office, and it is his accurate knowledge of legal
terms which lends some show of probability to the
theory, contrive : conspire; plot, seize : “take possession of’ or “become
entitled to.” privy coffer : the state treasury, gainst all other voice : no
other person except the Duke has power to decide whether the offender
shall live pr die. difficult situation; position, the danger formerly by me
rehears’d : the penalties which 1 have just stated.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
What does Portia mean by telling Shylock that the law hath yet another hold
on him?
Answer:
Portia means to say that Shylock is in the clutches of law in one more
respect.

Question 2.
What has been laid down in the laws of Venice?
Answer:
The law of Venice say that if a foreigner has tried directly or indirectly to take
the life of any native citizen of Venice, the victim shall be entitled to get one
half of the property of the defaulter. The other half will be attached by the
state treasury. The life of the defaulter would be at the mercy of the Duke.

Question 3.
Can the decision on the Judgement of the Duke be changed?
Answer:
No. It cannot be changed by any other person.

Question 4.
What does Portia find Shylock guilty of?
Answer:
She finds Shylock guilty of having plotted against the life of Antonio.

Question 5.
What does Portia order Shylock to do?
Answer:
Portia orders Shylock to go down on his knees and beg mercy of the Duke of
Venice.

Passage – 17 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 372-386)

Paraphrase :

PORTIA : What mercy can you give him, Antonio?

GRATIANO : A free rope with a nooses; nothing else, for God’s sake!

ANTONIO : So if it pleases my lord, the Duke, and all the court To set the
fine for one half of his goods, I am content, as long as he will let me have The
other half to use, to give it, On his death, to the gentleman That lately stole
his daughter: Two things more, that, for this favor, He presently becomes a
Christian; The other, that he records a gift, Here in the court, of everything
he has when he dies To his son, Lorenzo, and his daughter.

Word Meaning With Annotation

A halter gratis : a rope free of charge, to hang himself, quit : remit;

excuse, so he will : on condition that he will, become a Christian : would
be the cruellest blow of all for Shylock, for his adherence to the Jewish faith
has seemed the only point in his nature which redeemed him from being
purely mercenary, record a gift : “draw up a legal document for the
assignment of property.” Such a document was called a “deed of gift”.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
To whom does Portia expect Antonio to show mercy? What role is Portia
playing?
Answer:
Portia is speaking to Antonio as a young lawyer interpreting the Venetian law
in the court of the Duke. She asks Antonio if he will show mercy to Shylock.

Question 2.
Was Shylock earlier asked by Portia to show mercy to Antonio? What was his
response then? What is his situation now?
Answer:
A short while ago, Portia had asked Shylock if he will show mercy to Antonio.
Then it was Antonio in the dock. He had failed to repay the loan, and he was
to lose a pound of his flesh to the Jew. The Jew then refused to have mercy
on Antonio. He was not willing to receive his money with interest. He was
bent upon cutting off a pound of flesh from the body of the defaulter.
Now the situation has reversed. Shylock who was in a winning position
earlier, finds himself in a tight comer. He is now charged with conspiring to
take the life of a Venetian citizen, i.e.’ Antonio. Antonio is now in a position to
take mercy on the Jew’.

Question 3.
How this scene show difference between the attitudes of Jews and
Christians?
Answer:
The scene bring out a contrast between the attitudes of Jews and Christians.
This points has been emphasised by the Duke in his speech addressed to
Shylock. The Duke said that the Christian spirit is to forgive while the Jewish
spirit is to avenge. The Duke, being a Christian, forgave Shylock’s life even
without his asking for it. But half of his wealth was given to Antonio. The
other half which was to the treasury of the state, was to be commuted to a
fine if Shylock showed a humbler attitude.

Question 4.
What does Antonio suggest about the fine which was to be charged by the
state from the Jew?
Answer:
Antonio requests the Duke to remit that part of Shylock’s fine which is to go
to the state. Shylock may be allowed to retain half of his property by paying
a fine only.
Question 5.
What would Antonio do with the other half of the property?
Answer:
Antonio will receive the other part of the property belonging to the Jew,
which he will keep in trust. This he will give to – Lorenzo (who has married
Shylock’s daughter) at the death of the Jew.

Question 6
Comment on Antonio’s character as revealed in his response to this
situation.
Answer:
Antonio gives that concession to Shylock on two conditions. First, he must
become a Christian at once. Secondly, he must write a deed leaving all his
property at his death to his son-in-law Lorenzo and his daughter. Jessica.
Thus. Shylock will be deprived of only half of his property which will be held
in trust by Antonio, the other half will remain with him if executes a will
bequeathing all his possessions to his daughter and son-in-law. Antonio’s
gesture raises him further in our estimate. He is now a man without financial
resources. He could have kept the Jew’s property. But he leaves his legal
share for the Jew’s daughter.

Passage – 18 (Act IV, Sc.I, Lines 398-410)

Paraphrase :

PORTIA : I humbly desire your Grace’s pardon; I must go away tonight

toward Padua, And it is proper that I leave right away.

DUKE : I am sorry that you cannot stay. Antonio, thank this gentleman,
Because, in my opinion, you owe him a lot. Exit Duke and his train.

BASSANIO : Most worthy gentleman, my friend and I Have been acquitted

today Of grievous penalties by your wisdom; instead of Three thousand
ducats, due to the Jew, We will freely pay for your courteous pains.

ANTONIO : And stand indebted, over and above, In love and service to you
forever.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Meet : necessary. I am sorry that your leisure serves you not : I am

sorry that you do not have the leisure time to come, gratify this
gentleman : “reward this gentleman”, much bound to him : under a deep
obligation to him.” in lieu whereof : “in requital of your services.” we
freely cope your pains withal : “we freely remunerate you for your kindly
labours.” No other case of cope being used in this sense is found in
Shakespeare.

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
Where are Portia and the Duke? Why does Portia asks to be excused? What,
in reality, is the reason for the excuse?
Answer:
Portia and the Duke are in the Duke’s court in the connection with the trial of
Antonio who has failed to repay the loan to Shylock. Portia is disguised as a
young lawyer, interpreting the’law of
After the trial is over, the Duke invites Portia for a dinner at his residence.
Portia begs to be excused for not being able to join him. She says that she
has to reach Padua, and for that she must start immediately. In fact, Portia
will not waste any moment after the court is adjourned, since she with
Nerissa has to reach Belmont before their husbands do.

Question 2.
Why does the Duke call Portia a “gentleman” ? Give the meaning of the word
‘gratify’. Why, according to the Duke, must Portia be gratified?
Answer:
The Duke calls Portia a gentleman even though she is a woman. It is because
she is dressed as a young lawyer, posing to be a gentleman and not a
woman. The word ‘gratify’ here means to give reward for something done by
the young lawyer. The Duke asks Antonio to thank and reward the young
lawyer, Portia, who is solely responsible for saving his life. As a judge, it
seems strange that she should accept any reward. But it is necessary for the
needs of the drama which concludes with the happy resolution of the ring-
episode.

Question 3.
What does Bassanio offer to Portia in order to gratify her on Antonio’s behalf?
What does Antonio say in support of Bassanio’s offer?
Answer:
On behalf of Antonio, Bassanio comes forward. He expresses his gratitude to
Portia for releasing his friend from the worst forfeiture and penalty. For this
he gladly offers that sum of three ‘ thousand ducats as compensation for the
lawyer’s efforts.
Antonio supports his friend’s offer by saying that no amount of money can
repay their debt of gratitude for the lawyer. They would owe love and service
to him for ever.

Question 4.
How does Portia respond to Bassanio’s offer? What does Bassanio ask Portia
to grant him. What two things Portia asks for? What is the humour in the
conversation that follows?
Answer:
Portia speaks humbly that she is satisfied with what she has done. Thus his
effort has been fully paid. She has been fully compensated by having
succeeded in saving the gentleman from a harsh penalty. She never did
anything for money. She only wishes them to recognize her when they meet
again. This simple sentence has a deeper meaning. When they meet again.
Bassanio would not recognize her in his wife the erstwhile lawyer.
Bassanio insists on the lawyer accepting some token of remembrance. He
wants her to grant this request to him. She then agrees to accept a pair of
gloves and the ring which Bassanio is wearing on his finger. Now Bassanio
tries hard to save this ring, and Portia refuses to accept anything else.
Finally, Bassanio has to yield.

Question 5.
Briefly state your opinion of Portia at this point of the play.
Answer:
The trial scene ends with a note of comedy. We see the situation growing
tense in the beginning, but with Shylock’s defeat the atmosphere changes.
And all this is the outcome of the role played by Portia. We admire Portia for
her sharp intelligence, her self-possession, her sagacity, her sweet
reasonableness and her capacity for practical jokes.

Passage – 19 (Act IV. Sc.I, Lines 430-444)

Paraphrase :

BASSANIO : There’s more that depends on this ring than its value. I will give
you the most expensive in Venice, And find out where it is by proclamation:
Only for this ring, please, excuse me.

PORTIA : I see, sir, you are free in making offers; You taught me to beg first,
and now I think You teach me how to answer a beggar.

BASSANIO : Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife; And, when she put
it on, she made me vow That I should not sell, or give, or lose it.

PORTIA : That’s the excuse many men use to save their gifts. And, if your
wife is not a mad woman, And knows how much I have deserved this ring,
She would not hold out in being your enemy forever For giving it to me. Well,
goodbye!

Word Meaning With Annotation

There’s more depends on this than on the value : “This ring is of
sentimental, rather than intrinsic value.” and find it but by
proclamation : he will cause it to be proclaimed in Venice that he wishes to
buy an expensive ring, so that he may receive specimens from the various
jewellers and select the best one. only for this I pray you pardon
me : but excuse me from giving this one thing, you teach me how a
beggar should be answer’d : and now you refuse me, as one sually does
a beggar, scuse : a contracted form of “excuse.” she would not hold out
enemy for ever for giving it to me : “she might be angry on first hearing
of it, but she would not retain her anger for long when she had heard
Bassanio’s explanation.” Portia’s reasons are skilful and sound, and make
Bassanio appear very mean in refusing such a simple request. She goes
away in a mood of hurt and offended dignity, yet full of quiet courtesy, and
makes Bassanio look even more discourteous

Read the above passage and answer the following questions

Question 1.
“There is more depends on this than on the value.” What is meant by this
statement. Why has Bassanio to say this?
Answer:
Bassanio says these words to Portia who insists on having his ring as a
reward for her role in the trial before the Duke. Bassanio explains to the
young lawyer that the ring has a significance for him beyond its price. He
wants to be true to his oath to his wife.

Question 2.
What does Bassanio promise to give Portia? What for? What is he unwilling to
give her?
Answer:
Bassanio promises to give Portia the most expensive ring available in Venice.
He will find it by openly announcing it in the city that he is ready to buy such
a ring. But he is unwilling to give her the ring he is at present wearing on his
finger:

Question 3.
What does Portia protest in response to Bassanio’s words, “only for this I
pray you pardon me.”
Answer:
When Bassanio begs to excused for not sparing his own ring, Portia pretends
to be offended at his refusal. She taunts him for not keeping his promise to
give her whatever she asked for and. She protests that first he pressed upon
her a gift, and when she asked for it, he held it back. Thus, he has treated
her like a begger.
Question 4.
Why does Bassanio reveal the secret of the ring?
Answer:
Portia will not listen to any of Bassanio’s entreaties. She must have the ring.
Bassanio is thus ultimately forced to reveal the secret of the ring. This is the
ring which his wife gave him with a pledge that he would not lose it, itt is for
this reason that the ring has its emotional value far beyond the actual value
in terms of money.

Question 5.
How does Portia induce Bassanio to part with the ring?
Answer:
Portia then induces Bassanio to part with his ring by saying that” unless his
wife were mad, she would not quarrel over his giving it to so deserving a
person as the lawyer who had saved his dearest friend’s life. Her reasons are
sound and her argument is skillful. All this makes Bassanio appear very
mean in refusing such a simple request.

Question 6.
At what stage does Antonia intervene to settle the issue? What follows this?
Answer:
In a mood of pretended annoyance, Portia leaves the scene. In her absence,
Antonio prevails upon Bassanio to make a gift of the ring to the young
lawyer. He wishes that the great service done by the lawyer combined with
Bassanio’s love for his friend may prove stronger than the command which
Bassanio’s wife gave him. Bassanio can no longer resist. He sends Gratiano
with the ring to be given to Portia. There, Gratiano is also going to lose his
ring to Nerissa who will make such a demand from him.

Homework Help History Questions and Answers

1. Why has the Duke sent for Bellario?

Expected to face difficulty in this case - Shylock was adamant in wanting his
bond and the Duke wanted to save Antonio, who was a friend and fellow
Venetian. Bellario was an experienced lawyer - the Duke hopes that
Bellario’s expertise would save Antonio.
2. What is an ‘epitaph’? Why does Antonio want Bassanio to write
his epitaph?

An epitaph is the inscription on a tombstone. In response to Bassanio’s

passionate outburst "The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all/ Ere
thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood." Antonio says that he is ready for
death. Bassanio should not throw away his life, instead he should remain
alive and write a befitting epitaph for him.

3. Who was Daniel?

Daniel was a biblical character mentioned in the Old Testament who was
noted for his judgement when he was still a young man.

The name Daniel is of Hebrew origin and it means ‘God is my judge’.

4. Why does the Duke address Portia/ Balthazar as ‘learned doctor’

when she appears in court?

Portia was introduced by Bellario in his letter to the Duke as a "learned/

young doctor (of Law) from Rome".

5. Why is Shylock not happy when the Duke pardons his life?

When the Duke pardons Shylock his life, he has already lost everything - his
home, possessions had been confiscated and shared between Antonio and
the State. He was left with no means of earning a livelihood (He was a
moneylender). So, these words are spoken in bitterness.

6. Is it okay to say that we feel sorry for Shylock, if we are asked to

comment on the treatment meted out to him at the end of the trial?

Yes. After all Shylock has been shamed and humiliated by the others.
He loses everything, his home, possessions, his faith, and his dignity.

7. Why does Portia refuse to have dinner with the Duke?

She explains to the Duke that she has to return to Padua the same night.
Actually, she and Nerissa need to hurry home to Belmont to be there when
their husbands returned.

8. Why does Portia ask for Bassanio’s ring?

It was a sort of test of his love for her. She was annoyed when Bassanio
declares earlier in the scene, that he was prepared to sacrifice his life and
beloved wife to save Antonio.
9. Why does Bassanio give away his ring?

Bassanio gives away his ring in response to Antonio’s words, "Let him have
the ring:/ Let his deserving’s and my love withal/ be valued ‘against your
wife’s commandment."

10. Does Mercy triumph over justice in The Merchant of Venice?

Every single one of the main characters in the play has an opportunity to
show mercy but doesn’t.

Shylock is asked repeatedly by the Duke, Antonio, Portia and Bassanio yet
he stubbornly demand his bond.

Although Portia seems to believe very much in the qualities of mercy, she
herself has none to spare for Shylock.

Antonio could have shown Shylock mercy but in a particularly cruel

punishment, he insists Shylock abandon his Jewish faith and become a
Christian and leave his wealth to Lorenzo when he dies.

Though throughout the play most of the characters constantly talk about the
virtues of mercy, it seems that none of them are merciful enough to forgive
Shylock. Overall, the only mercy Shylock receives is being able to escape
with his life.

Question 1 : Read the extract below and answer the questions that
follow.
Shylock : My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
Portia : Is he not able to discharge the money?
Bassanio : Yes, here I tender it from him in the court;
Yes, twice the sum: …………………..
……………………………………………….
And, I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority:
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
(i) Where are Shylock, Bassanio and Portia at this time? Why are
they there? Why does Shylock say “My deeds are upon my head!”?
Answer : At this time, Shylock, Bassanio and Portia are present in the court of the
Duke. They have come to attend the hearing of the case between Shylock and Antonio
and Portia is disguised as a doctor of law.
Portia tells Shylock that he should have mercy on Antonio as that is required of him at
such a moment. However, Shylock replies that his deeds are upon is head, which
means that he is ready to take responsibility for his actions.

(ii) What does Bassanio go on to say immediately after “Yea, twice

the sum”?
Answer : Portia asks the court if Shylock is ready to accept the money or not.
Bassanio immediately replies that he has been offered twice the sum. Moreover,
Bassanio even says that if that also doesn’t suffice Shylock, he is ready to pay ten times
the sum and sign a bond by giving his hands, head and heart as security. But if that
doesn’t appeal to Shylock, it means that it is a malice that overcomes truth.
(iii) What does Bassanio mean by “Wrest once the law to your
authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong”? What reply does
Portia give?
Answer : Bassanio wants to save his friend from the evil that is planned by Shylock.
He asks the Duke to exercise his authority and alter the law so that Antonio could be
helped. He sought mercy for Antonio and wanted the Duke to do a ‘great right’ by doing
a ‘little wrong’.
However, Portia denies such a request. She says that the already established laws
cannot be changed to help Antonio. If something like that is done, it would hamper the
proper functioning of the state.

(iv) What is your opinion of Shylock in this scene?

Answer : In this scene, we observe the height of Shylock’s malice. He wants to have
his revenge at any cost and pretends to be on the right side of the law. He loves only
money and prefers dying than handing over all his belongings. He is inhuman and
merciless and the end befits him.
(v) Hos does Shylock react to Portia’s reply? Who reacts in a similar
saw as Shylock, later in the scene? What does that person say when
Portia asks Shylock to “down therefore and beg mercy of the
Duke”?
Answer : When Shylock sees Portia taking his side and saying that justice must be
awarded to Shylock, he calls he Daniel, a Biblical character known for wisdom and
judgement.
Later, Gratiano reacts in a similar way and calls her Daniel as she turned the tables on
Shylock and proved his malice. She tells him to ask for mercy from the Duke for his life.
Gratiano says that Shylock should ask to be hung by the state because he wouldn’t be
left with any money to buy a rope for himself.

Question 2 : 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?
Answer : Portia knew that the laws favoured Shylock. It was true that the bond had no
logical reasoning behind it but it had been signed by Antonio upon consent. The law
stated that its terms must be followed. Therefore, she tried to persuade Shylock to show
some mercy on Antonio and be noble.
(ii) Give the meaning of the following.
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,

Answer : Portia appeals to Shylock to have mercy on Antonio. She says that the
king’s scepter represents his earthly power, the symbol of majesty, the focus of royal
authority. But mercy is higher than the scepter. It’s enthroned in the hearts of kings, a
quality of God himself.
(iii) Who else had appealed for mercy earlier? What was the
outcome of the appeal?
Answer : Earlier, Bassanio had requested Shylock to show mercy on Antonio. He
tried to reason with him and told him that just because we hate someone, we don’t try to
take their lives. However, Shylock was unmoved. Even Bassanio’s curses could not
deter him.
(iv) When Shylock refuses to show mercy, what legal tactics does
Portia use to free Antonio?
Answer : Shylock wanted revenge and there was no saving Antonio from his malice.
Then Portia asked Shylock to produce the bond. She was able to find a loophole in it.
The bond talked about only one pound of flesh of Antonio. It said nothing about blood
being spilled or consequent death. She used the tactic and warned Shylock that if these
two things happened, the bond would become void. Shylock got perplexed and
ultimately, Antonio was saved.
(v) One should stand for justice. Referring only to the extract, state
why, according to Portia, mercy should temper justice.
Answer : Portia says that no one shows mercy because he has to. It just happens,
the way gentle rain drops on the ground. Mercy is a double blessing. It blesses the one
who gives it and the one who receives it. It is strongest in the strongest people. It looks
better in a king that his own crown looks on him.
The king’s scepter represents his earthly power, but mercy is higher than the scepter. It
is enthroned in the hearts of kings, a quality of God himself. Kingly power seems most
like God’s power when the king tempers mercy with justice. Therefore, mercy should
temper justice.