The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scenes 1 - 3

Identify the theme highlighted by the Prince of Morocco when he says, "Mislike me not for my complexion..."

• Theme of blindness

• Theme of hate

• Theme of disgust

• Theme of discrimination

The Prince of Morocco claims to be "near bred." What is he implying here?

• He is not lacking in self-confidence as he has grown up close to the sun. Hence, he is splendid like the Sun God.

• He is not lacking in self-confidence as he is of royal birth. Hence, his family and social status can win him his heart's desires.

• He is not lacking in self-confidence. Even though he has a dark complexion, the shade of his skin colour is near to the fairer skinned. Hence, he will not put Portia to shame if she marries him.

• He is not lacking in self-confidence. He has grown up with nearly all the riches his family could accord him. Hence, he is worthy of Portia.

Portia says , "In terms of choice I am not solely led/By nice direction of a maiden's eyes." What is she implying here?

• She cannot depend on her sight to pick her husband because she is short-sighted.

• She cannot see in a straight line.

• An attractive outward appearance is not the only way to her heart.

• She does not have control over her eyes.

"...Yourself, renowned Prince, then stood as fair/As any comer I have liked on yet/For my affection." Identify the writer's craft here.

• Irony

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Imagery

What are the two impressions you form of Prince Morocco?

• Rich

• Charming

• Courageous

• Boastful

Where does Act 2 Scene 2 take place?

• Italy

• Venice

• Belmont

• Shylock's house

Why does Shakespeare include "the clown" in parentheses to Launcelot Gobbo's entrance in the play?

• To highlight Launcelot Gobbo's dressing as being clown-like.

• To highlight Launcelot Gobbo's occupation as a clown.

• To highlight the character's purpose of providing humour in the play.

• To highlight Launcelot Gobbo's riddle-like speech which can get very confusing.

Why is Launcelot Gobbo's soliloquy about "The Fiend" significant?

Launcelot Gobbo makes a few references to the devil in Act 2 Scene 2. Who is being compared to the devil in his speeches?

How is humour created when Launcelot Gobbo says, "I will run, fiend; my heels are at your commandment; I will run."

• He cannot run very far due to his poor stamina.

• His escape is futile as he runs into Old Gobbo.

• He does not know where he can run to as Venice is very big.

• His legs are unable to move when the fiend has yet to give him instructions.