The Merchant of Venice - Plot

How is Antonio feeling at the beginning of the play?

• He is feeling sad but he can't explain why.

• He is feeling excited because he loves Portia.

Why does Bassanio wish to borrow money from Antonio at the start of the play?

• He has no money of his own and he needs money to pay the rent.

• He has wasted his own money but he has seen a chance to gain lots of money by marrying a wealthy woman, but he needs some money before then in order to impress her.

How much money does Bassanio want to borrow?

• 3000 ducats

• 30,000 pounds

• 2000 dollars

Why can't Antonio lend Bassanio the money himself?

• Antonio does not want to give Bassanio the money because he still owes him from a previous loan.

• Antonio's money is tied up in his ships and he does not have the money to lend Bassanio right now.

Who do Antonio and Bassanio borrow the money from?

• They borrow the money from a Jewish moneylender called Shylock.

• They borrow the money from another Christian friend of Antonio's.

How does Portia feel about the suitors who have come to claim her hand in marriage at the start of the play?

• She feels positive about them and hopes one of them will choose the right casket.

• She makes jokes about them and hopes that they will all choose the wrong casket.

What game did Portia's father devise as a way to choose Portia's husband?

• A suitor must pick a card higher than a 10.

• A suitor must choose the correct casket of three that contains a picture of Portia.

How does Shylock feel about Antonio when he comes to borrow money on Bassanio's behalf?

• He speaks of his hatred of Antonio and of how he has disrespected him in the past.

• He speaks of his admiration of Antonio as he believes he is a good businessman.

What does Shylock ask for if Antonio is unable to repay the loan?

• Double the money

• A pound of his flesh.

How does Bassanio feel about the terms of the loan?

• He is uneasy and does not want Antonio to risk this gory consequence if he cannot repay the money.

• He feels excited at getting the money and cares about nothing else.