Marchant de Venise Act 2
How does the Prince of Morocco try to counter Portia's possible prejudice against him?
He emphasizes his noble background and title
What does Portia imply when she says she will hold Morocco in the same esteem as her suitors?
That she is trying to spare Morocco's feelings and avoid his interest
What does Morocco agree to do if he chooses the wrong casket?
He agrees to leave Belmont immediately
Why does Launcelot consider leaving his position as Shylock's servant?
He is prejudiced and holds anti-Semitic views
What prank does Launcelot play on his father, Old Gobbo?
He gives him bad directions and says his son has died
Why does Launcelot decide to leave Shylock and work for Bassanio?
He fears he will be corrupted by Shylock's influence
What unites Launcelot and Bassanio despite their differing social classes?
They bond over shared prejudices and anti-Semitism
What does Gratiano promise Bassanio?
He will be on his best behaviour and show restraint
How does Jessica feel about Launcelot leaving?
She is sad and will miss him
She hates him for betraying her father
What does Jessica vow to do if Lorenzo keeps his promises to her?
She will convert to Christianity and marry him
What are Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salerio, and Solanio discussing on the street at the beginning of the
scene?
Lorenzo's plan to elope with Jessica that night
How does Lorenzo and Jessica's relationship differ from Portia's situation with her suitors?
Their relationship is forbidden and illegal, whereas Portia's situation is perfectly legal
What message does Lorenzo ask Launcelot to deliver to Jessica?
That he won't fail her when it comes to their elopement
What does Jessica plan to do before fleeing with Lorenzo?
Steal gold and jewels from her father
What does Shylock warn Launcelot about when Launcelot leaves to work for Bassanio?
He warns that Bassanio will not pay Launcelot well
When Shylock is about to leave to have dinner with Bassanio, what does his parting comment to
Jessica indicate about their relationship?
That he is extremely protective and possessive of her
What does Jessica's remark after Shylock's departure imply about the nature of family connections in
the play?
It implies that family connections can be undone by betrayal
What does Gratiano think about Lorenzo and Jessica's relationship?
He thinks they will quickly lose interest in each other
He thinks they are doomed to live a life of abject poverty
What does Lorenzo's phrase "father Jew" imply about his and Jessica's situation?
None of the above
Why does Antonio scold Gratiano when Gratiano and the others make their way into the street?
Because Gratiano is late to Bassanio's dinner
What do the three inscriptions on the caskets have in common with each other?
They are all declarative sentences
Why does the Prince of Morocco ultimately choose the gold casket?
He thinks it represents the most sincere love
He believes gold is the most valuable metal
What does Portia's remark after Morocco's departure reveal?
Her impatience with the process
After Shylock discovers Jessica and Lorenzo's elopement, what does his anguished refrain suggest
about his concerns?
All of the above
Why are Solanio and Salerio worried about their friend Antonio?
Because Antonio's ship may have been wrecked
What did Antonio tell Bassanio before he departed for Belmont?
To focus on courting Portia instead of his debts
Before attempting the riddle, what does the Prince of Aragon's conversation with Portia emphasise
about the arrangement?
The comedic aspect of the situation
Why does the Prince of Aragon reject the lead casket?
He doesn't want to give up anything for it
What is the broader significance of the Prince of Aragon's failed attempt to solve the riddle?
The audience can now identify the right casket
How does Portia react to the news that a Venetian—who is most likely yet another suitor—has
arrived?
She is excited
She is nervous