The Merchant of Venice Act 1

As the play opens, with whom does Antonio discuss his troubles?

• Salerio & Solanio

• Bassanio & Lorenzo

• Bassanio & Gratiano

What appears to be the “problem” as the play opens?

• Bassanio owes a lot of money to Antonio.

• Antonio’s ships are all at sea.

• Bassanio is in love.

• Antonio is sad.

When Bassanio asks Antonio to fund his trip to visit Portia, which of the following is an accurate restatement of Antonio’s response?

• Looks like we are going on a road trip!

• To whom should I make the check payable?

• I don’t have any cash right now.

• But why? You know I love you more than she ever could!

Which of the suitors that have arrived in Belmont does Portia say she could tolerate marrying?

• none of them

• Baron Falconbridge

• County Palatine

• The Duke of Saxony’s nephew

What word best describes how Portia feels about her fate as it relates to getting a husband?

• Excited

• Frustrated

• Calm

• Sad

How do Nerissa and Portia know Bassanio?

• He visited them once and presented himself as a scholar and a soldier.

• He has arrived with the other suitors in Act I.

• They met him once on the rialto.

• They don’t know him at all.

How much money does Bassanio ask to borrow from Shylock?

• 6,000 ducats

• 3,000 ducats

• 2,000 ducats

• 1,000 ducats

What does Shylock say he will not do with a Christian?

• walk, talk, or stay with

• sell, buy, or deal with

• lend, borrow, or buy with

• eat, drink, or pray with

What are the two primary reasons Shylock says he hates Antonio?

• Antonio has spit on him, and now he plans to run off with his daughter.

• Antonio plans to run off with his daughter, and he is a Christian.

• Antonio is a Christian, and his Christian business practices hurt Shylock’s business.

• Antonio has spit on him, and he has kicked him.

How much Flesh does Shylock ask in return if the loan is not paid?

• 2 pounds

• 4 pounds

• 1 pound

• 10 pounds