Marchant de Venise Act 4
How is Antonio's behaviour contrasted with Shylock's during the trial?
Antonio shows dignity while Shylock seeks revenge
What does the Duke expect Shylock to do at the last minute during Antonio's trial?
Show mercy and forgive Antonio's debt
Why does Shylock insist on the pound of flesh from Antonio rather than monetary repayment?
He refuses to explain his reasons
What do the Christians fail to recognise about their treatment of Shylock?
That Shylock is indifferent to their insults
How does Shylock respond to the Duke's question about expecting mercy?
He notes that he doesn't need mercy because he's innocent
What does Antonio ask Bassanio to do for him instead of saving his life?
He asks Bassanio to write what happened to him
As Shylock prepares to take his pound of flesh from Antonio, what do Gratiano's comments highlight
about the way the Christian characters view him?
They highlight the Christians' bigoted tendency to view Jewish people as animals
Who is appears in court disguised as a young lawyer named Balthazar?
Portia
How does Shylock respond to Portia's plea for mercy?
He insists on a strict legal interpretation of the situation
What does Portia recommend they have on hand before Shylock takes his pound of flesh from
Antonio?
A surgeon to keep Antonio from dying
What aspect of Shylock's character is highlighted when he hears Bassanio and Gratiano's willingness
to sacrifice their wives?
His lack of respect for Christian customs
What will happen if Shylock sheds "one drop of Christian blood," according to Portia?
Shylock will face the death penalty
What does Shylock want to do after Portia points out the consequences of shedding Antonio's blood?
Take Bassanio's prior offer of 9,000 ducats
What does Portia advise Shylock to do after explaining the law regarding an "alien" seeking a
"citizen's" life?
Beg for mercy from the Duke
What is the ultimate result of forcing Shylock to convert to Christianity?
This ruling would strip Shylock of both his identity and his profession
How does Portia general attitude change toward the end of the scene?
She becomes more inscrutable and clever
Why does Portia (disguised as Balthazar) ask for Bassanio's ring?
She wants to test Bassanio's loyalty to his wife
What does Antonio suggest Bassanio should do with the ring?
Give it to Balthazar as a token of gratitude
What aspect of the play does Portia's remark about Lorenzo inheriting Shylock's wealth highlight?
The interplay between money and love
What does Gratiano bring to Portia?
The ring from Bassanio
What does Nerissa plan to do regarding her husband's ring?
Trick him into giving it to her