Year 8 literature Revision Pack “Merchant of Venice” Act 1 and Act 2 Scene 1 1. Who is Antonio, and why is he feeling sad at the beginning of the play? Antonio is a merchant in Venice. He feels sad but he doesn't know why. Some believe it ……………………………………………………………………………………… might be because his ships are at sea and he is worried about their safety. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 2. What is the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio? Antonio and Bassanio are close friends. Bassanio seeks financial assistance from ……………………………………………………………………………………… Antonio to court Portia, a wealthy heiress. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 3. Who is Portia, and what is her situation? Portia is a wealthy heiress living in Belmont. She is bound by her father's will to marry ……………………………………………………………………………………… whoever chooses the correct casket from three options: gold, silver, or lead. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 4. How does Shylock feel about Antonio, and why? Shylock harbors resentment towards Antonio because Antonio lends money without ……………………………………………………………………………………… interest, undermining Shylock's business. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 5. What deal does Bassanio propose to Antonio, and what does he need the money for? Bassanio asks Antonio for a loan to court Portia. He needs the money to present ……………………………………………………………………………………… himself as a wealthy suitor. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… Act 2, Scene 1 6. What news does Launcelot Gobbo share with his father in this scene? Launcelot tells his father, Old Gobbo, that he is leaving Shylock's service to work for ……………………………………………………………………………………… Bassanio. He is unhappy working for Shylock. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 1 7. What does Launcelot think about Shylock and his treatment of his servants? Launcelot believes Shylock is a harsh master, and he feels he is mistreated and ……………………………………………………………………………………… overworked. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 8. Who is Gratiano, and what does he want to do? Gratiano is a friend of Bassanio. He wants to accompany Bassanio to Belmont but is ……………………………………………………………………………………… concerned about his behavior, wanting to present himself properly. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9. What themes are introduced in Act 1 and Act 2, Scene 1? Key themes include friendship, love, and the contrast between mercy and justice. The ……………………………………………………………………………………… tension between different social and religious group is also introduced. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 10.How does the scene set the stage for later events in the play? This scene establishes the relationships between characters and the conflict between ……………………………………………………………………………………… Shylock and Christian characters, setting up the themes of prejudice and revenge. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 11.Describe Antonio's attitude towards money. Antonio is generous with his money and prefers to lend it without interest, showing his ……………………………………………………………………………………… willingness to help friends. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 12.What motivates Bassanio to seek financial help from Antonio? Bassanio wants to impress Portia and needs money to present himself as a worthy ……………………………………………………………………………………… suitor. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 13.How does Portia feel about her situation regarding marriage? Portia feels trapped by her father's will but is also determined to find a worthy husband. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 2 14.How does Launcelot Gobbo's character provide comic relief in the play? Launcelot is humorous and witty, often using puns and jokes, which lightens the mood ……………………………………………………………………………………… amidst serious themes. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 15.Describe Gratiano's personality. Gratiano is lively and talkative, often acting impulsively and seeking to enjoy life. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 16.What does Bassanio's reliance on Antonio reveal about their friendship? It shows a deep bond of trust and loyalty. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 17.What is Bassanio's attitude toward wealth and spending? Bassanio is somewhat reckless with money, often spending beyond his means, ……………………………………………………………………………………… indicating a carefree attitude. ……………………………………………………………………………………… 18.How does Portia's intelligence come through in her conversations? It is shown in her discussions about the casket challenge and her views in suitors. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 19.In what way does Antonio's sadness affect his relationships? Antonio's melancholic nature creates a sense of mystery and concern among his ……………………………………………………………………………………… friends, particularly Bassanio. ……………………………………………………………………………………… 20.How does Shylock’s profession influence his character? As a moneylender, Shylock is shrewd and focused on financial transactions, which ……………………………………………………………………………………… shapes his interactions with others. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 21.What does Gratiano suggest to Bassanio about how to behave in front of Portia? Gratiano advises Bassanio to be more serious and composed while courting Portia. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 3 22.How does Launcelot see his future after leaving Shylock's service? Launcelot hopes for a better situation and a more pleasant work environment with ……………………………………………………………………………………… Bassanio. ……………………………………………………………………………………… 23.What qualities make Portia a desirable match for suitors? Portia is intelligent, wealthy, and has a strong sense of humor, making her appealing to ……………………………………………………………………………………… many suitors. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 24.What does Bassanio’s character reveal about the theme of love versus wealth? Bassanio's pursuit of Portia shows that true love is more valuable to him than wealth, ……………………………………………………………………………………… despite needing money to achieve it. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 25.How does Launcelot’s decision to leave Shylock reflect the play's themes of freedom and choice? It signifies a desire for personal freedom and the ability to choose one's own path. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 26.What role does loyalty play in Antonio and Bassanio's friendship? Loyalty is central to their friendship, as both are willing to make sacrifices for each other. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 27.Describe Antonio's character. What are his main traits? Antonio is generous, melancholic and loyal. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 28.How does Bassanio's character differ from Antonio's? Bassanio is more carefree and romantic. He is charming and determined to win Portia's ……………………………………………………………………………………… love, but relies on Antonio's financial support. ……………………………………………………………………………………… 4 True or False 1. Antonio is in debt at the beginning of the play. F 2. Portia is eager to marry someone chosen by her father's will. F 3. Shylock has a daughter named Jessica. T 4. Launcelot is a loyal servant to Shylock. F 5. Bassanio is wealthy and does not need financial help. F 6. Shylock lends money to Antonio without any conditions. F 7. Gratiano is serious and reserved in his demeanor. F 8. The casket challenge is a central plot point in determining Portia's future husband. T 9. Launcelot is a character known for his seriousness and solemnity. F 10.Antonio and Bassanio have a long-standing friendship. T 11.Shylock is depicted as a purely villainous character. F 12.Portia disguises herself as a male lawyer later in the play. T 13.The play is set entirely in Belmont. F 14.Antonio expresses a strong dislike for Shylock. T 15.Bassanio's plan is to marry Portia for her wealth alone. F 16.Shylock’s main interest is in exacting revenge on Antonio. T 17.Gratiano is supportive of Bassanio's pursuit of Portia. T 18.The play features themes of friendship and loyalty. T 19.Portia is unhappy with her father's choice of suitors. T 20.Portia is free to choose her husband without any conditions. F 21.Portia must marry the suitor who chooses the correct casket according to her father's will. T 22.Shylock is a Christian merchant who lends money without interest. F 23.Shylock is a Jewish moneylender and lends money with interest. T 5 Fill in the Blanks. 1. Antonio is a wealthy merchant ________ in Venice. 2. The character Launcelot ________ serves as a comic relief and is a servant to Shylock. 3. Portia is bound by her father's will to marry the man who chooses the correct ________. casket 4. Shylock agrees to lend Bassanio money on behalf of Antonio with a ________. pound of flesh 5. ________ Jessica is the name of Shylock’s daughter. 6. Bassanio's friend Gratiano ________ is known for being witty and lively. Old Gobbo 7. Launcelot's father is named ________. Venice and moves to Belmont. 8. The setting of the play begins in ________ resentment 9. Shylock feels ________ towards Antonio due to past grievances. intelligent 10.Portia is described as both beautiful and ________. 11.Gratiano encourages Bassanio to be serious ________ in front of Portia. 12.Antonio expresses a sense of ________ sadness at the start of the play. 13.The caskets are made of ________, silver, and lead. gold 14.Shylock's profession is that of a ________. moneylender hell 15.Launcelot feels that working for Shylock is like being in ________. plan 16.Portia’s intelligence allows her to devise a clever ________ later in the play. 17.Antonio has a close bond with ________, Bassanio who he supports financially. Lorenzo 18.Jessica plans to elope with ________. 19.The play explores themes of ________ prejudice and revenge. 20.Bassanio’s pursuit of Portia highlights the theme of love versus ________. wealth Bassanio wants to marry the wealthy heiress, Portia. 21.Antonio's friend ________ 22.Shylock agrees to lend money to Antonio with the condition that if he cannot pound of his own flesh. repay it, he must give a ________ 6 Story Sequencing Instructions: Arrange the following events in order from Act 1 and Act 2, Scene 1. Bassanio asks Antonio for money to court Portia. Launcelot decides to leave Shylock's service. Antonio agrees to help Bassanio financially. Shylock expresses his disdain for Antonio. Correct Sequence: Bassanio asks Antonio for money to court Portia. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Antonio agrees to help Bassanio financially. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Shylock expresses his disdain for Antonio. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Launcelot decides to leave Shylock's service. ………………………………………………………………………………………. Critical Thinking Questions 1. How does the friendship between Antonio and Bassanio reflect the theme of loyalty in the play? Their friendship demonstrates deep loyalty, as Antonio risks his financial ……………………………………………………………………………………… well-being to support Bassanio’s pursuit of love, highlighting the importance of ……………………………………………………………………………………… friendship and sacrifice. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. Why do you think Shakespeare chose Venice as the setting for the play? Venice was a center of trade and cultural exchange, reflecting themes of ……………………………………………………………………………………… commerce, diversity, and conflict. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. What role does friendship play in the decisions made by Antonio and Bassanio? Their friendship drives Antonio to risk his safety for Bassanio's romantic ……………………………………………………………………………………… aspirations, highlighting loyalty and sacrifice. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7 4. How does Portia's intelligence serve as a critique of gender roles in her society? Portia’s cleverness and ability to manipulate her circumstances challenge the ……………………………………………………………………………………… expectation that women should be passive. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. In what ways does Launcelot's humor contribute to the play's overall tone? His comedic interjections provide levity, balancing the more serious themes of ……………………………………………………………………………………… love, justice, and revenge. ……………………………………………………………………………………… 6. What do you think is the significance of the bond between Antonio and Bassanio? Their bond underscores the themes of loyalty and sacrifice, showing how deep ……………………………………………………………………………………… friendships can influence personal choices. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Act 1 Quotation: "In sooth, I know not why I am so sad." Comment Question: What does this line reveal about Antonio's character? This line shows Antonio's deep melancholy and confusion. It suggests ……………………………………………………………………………………… that he is introspective and sensitive, hinting at a complexity in his ……………………………………………………………………………………… emotional state that affects his relationships. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… Quotation: "All that glitters is not gold." Comment Question: How does this phrase relate to the themes of appearance versus reality? ……………………………………………………………………………………… This saying emphasizes that external appearances can be deceiving. It foreshadows the trials Portia’s suitors will face in choosing the ……………………………………………………………………………………… correct casket, highlighting the idea that true worth lies beyond ……………………………………………………………………………………… surface value. ……………………………………………………………………………………… 8 Quotation: "The Jew is a devil." Comment Question: How does this statement reflect the attitudes of Christians toward Jews in the play? This statement reveals the widespread prejudice and hostility towards ……………………………………………………………………………………… Shylock as a Jew. It underscores the themes of racism and ……………………………………………………………………………………… intolerance prevalent in the society depicted in the play. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… Quotation: "I will be free, even to the uttermost." Comment Question: What does Launcelot's statement suggest about his desire for independence? Launcelot’s declaration reveals his strong desire for freedom and ……………………………………………………………………………………… autonomy. It indicates his rejection of oppression and his pursuit of a better ……………………………………………………………………………………… life, highlighting the theme of personal choice. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… . Quotation: "I am not bid for love." Comment Question: What does this indicate about Portia’s feelings towards her suitors? Portia’s remark reflects her frustration with her lack of choice in marriage. ……………………………………………………………………………………… It highlights her intelligence and desire for genuine love rather than being ……………………………………………………………………………………… treated as a prize. ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9
