Character Study
1. What do we learn about Shylock as an employer (Act 2 Scene 2). List two good points and two bad points.
2. Read Act 1 Scene 3 and act 3 Scene 1 then list at least 8 reasons why Shylock hates Antonio.
3. What is the religious reason for Shylock’s refusal to release Antonio from this bond? (Act Four Scene 1)
1. Several characters in Act 1 Scene 1 offer reasons for Antonio’s melancholy. List 3 of the reasons and tell what is Antonio’s explanation for his sadness.
2. What do we learn from Act 2 Scene 8 and Act 3 Scene 2 of the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio?
1. What do we learn of Portia in act 1 Scene 1 before we meet her for the first time in Scene 2?
2. After her skillful handling of the court case, how does she skillfully obtain the ring from Bassanio (Act Four Scene One lines 421-425) and what were her motives?
3. Portia’s speeches at the beginning of Act 3 Scene 2 tell us a great deal about her inner conflicts and feelings. What is so revealing about what she says?
1. Why does Bassanio choose the leaden casket and what does it tell us of his character?
2. What evidence is there in Act 3 Scene 2 to show that Bassanio’s affection for Antonio is genuine?