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