The Merchant of Venice Flashcard

Front

Who feels ashamed to be their father's child?

Back

Jessica feels ashamed to be her father's child, Shylock, due to his actions and reputation.

Front

Who owes the most in money and love to Antonio in 'The Merchant of Venice'?

Back

Bassanio owes the most in money and love to Antonio, as he borrows money from him to court Portia.

Front

Who is the speaker of the line: 'I pray you, think you question with the Jew. You may as well go stand upon the beach and bid the main flood bate his usual height; You may as well use question with the wolf why he hath made' (IV, i 60-64)?

Back

Antonio is the speaker of this line, expressing the futility of questioning Shylock's nature.

Front

Who is described as nothing undervalued to Cato's daughter in 'The Merchant of Venice'?

Back

Portia is described as nothing undervalued to Cato's daughter, highlighting her worth and virtue.

Front

Who feels that taking their house is equivalent to taking their life?

Back

Shylock feels that taking his house is equivalent to taking his life, as it represents his identity and livelihood.

Front

What is the significance of the character Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice'?

Back

Shylock represents the themes of justice, mercy, and the complexity of human motives, challenging the audience's perceptions of villainy.

Front

What role does Portia play in the trial scene of 'The Merchant of Venice'?

Back

Portia disguises herself as a male lawyer, Balthazar, and cleverly argues for mercy over justice in the trial against Shylock.

Front

What does the bond between Shylock and Antonio symbolize?

Back

The bond symbolizes the conflict between mercy and justice, as well as the tensions between different cultures and religions.

Front

How does Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo affect Shylock?

Back

Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo causes Shylock deep emotional pain and represents his loss of control over his daughter and his household.

Front

What is the theme of mercy in 'The Merchant of Venice'?

Back

The theme of mercy is central to the play, emphasizing that mercy is a divine quality that should be exercised over strict justice.