The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Reading Guide
Name
Before You Read
Put a star on the line with where your opinion falls and use the space below to justify your response.
Attitude Survey
Strongly Agree-----------------------------Strongly Disagree
Money can affect my level of happiness.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
Appearances can be deceiving.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
Spouses should have the same values.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
People who do not follow or practice my faith are wrong.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
A true friend would do anything for their friend.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
People should forgive those who have wronged them.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
The way a rule is worded is the way it has to be; no exceptions. SA-----------------------------------------------------SD
People should keep their promises, no matter what.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
To what extent is racism evident even in “good” people?
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
Review
Review your answers and analyze your responses. What trends do you notice in your responses? Which do you
feel most strongly about?
Theme Connections
MONEY, LOVE, RELIGION, LAW, MARRIAGE, JUSTICE, AND MERCY
Put one word at each point and draw lines connecting each point. On the lines explain, how each word connects
to the others.
Shakespeare Background Notes “Shakespeare in the Classroom”
1. What are five facts known about Shakespeare?
1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________
2. What are two examples of subjects Shakespeare wrote about that makes his work seem contemporary, or
modern?
3. Why would theaters regularly be closed down?
4. Why was attending a play a common denominator between the contrasting classes?
5. Why were performances held in the afternoons?
6. Instead of elaborate sets, what did theaters rely on for “scenery”?
7. Why were the costumes of the actors so elegant?
8. It was illegal for anyone under the rank of count, or countess, to wear what color?
9. How was the theater in Shakespeare’s time like modern show business?
10. Why didn’t city officials like the theaters?
11. Who was not allowed to appear on stage?
12. What was one of the main components audiences, as well as critics, wanted to see?
13. Who was the most popular playwright in Shakespeare’s time?
14. Who played women’s parts?
15. Who was Queen during Shakespeare’s time?
16. Why did playhouses succeed during Shakespeare’s time?
17. Why didn’t the Queen ever marry?
18. Name two of the modern actors that appeared in “Shakespeare in the Classroom”.
Character Descriptions
1. Antonio - This character is a merchant of Venice who takes out a loan, promising a pound of
flesh if he cannot repay.
2. Arragon (The Prince of Arragon) - This character is the second suitor to try for a great lady's
hand. After he is refused, he chooses the silver casket and wins a fool's head.
3. Salarino - These characters follow nobility and serve them in their needs.
4. Balthazar - This character is a servant who delivers a letter of great importance for his
mistress.
5. Bassanio - This character is a young spendthrift and has wasted whatever inheritance he might
have had and has to borrow money from a friend to woo a woman he loves.
6. Gobbo (Launcelot Gobbo) - This character is a clown and a servant to a Jewish money lender.
This character is lazy and a drain on his master's money.
7. Gobbo (Old Gobbo) - This character is nearly blind and does not recognize his son when he
encounters him on the street.
8. Gratiano - This character talks a great deal but says very little. He is extremely vocal in his
criticism of the Jew during the trial.
9. Jailer - This character appears briefly on a street in Venice to take men into custody and hear
out arguments.
10. Jessica - This character agrees to run away with a man who comes by her house disguised
among a group of masquers.
11. Leonardo - This servant is sent to procure a number of items for a dinner to which a merchant
has invited the Jew.
12. Lorenzo - This character elopes with the Jew's daughter and lives off of her father's stolen
money for a time.
13. Morocco (The Prince of Morocco) - This character is the first suitor who tries to choose the
correct casket and win a lady in marriage and chooses the gold casket.
14. Nerissa - This character is a lady's waiting woman and confidante. She sympathizes with her
lady's frustration at being constrained by her father's will.
15. Portia - This character bemoans the constraints her deceased father has placed on her
inheritance. She must marry the man who correctly identifies one of three caskets.
16. Salerio - This character is a merchant and is one of the masquers who aids his friend in his
abduction of the Jew's daughter; he is present at the trial.
17. Servants/Servingman - Present in the lady's home and attend to her needs.
18. Shylock - This charter is a rich, Jewish moneylender in Venice who demands a pound of flesh
for a defaulted loan.
19. Solanio - This character is the merchant who claims that the main merchant's sadness is due to
love.
20. Stephano - This character is a servant of the lady who is sent to be sure that his mistresses'
disguise has not been discovered.
21. Tubal - This character is a Jewish moneylender in Venice who funds the Jew's loan to the sad
merchant.
22. Venice (Duke of Venice) - This character is placed in a difficult situation by the litigation of the
trial. He pleads that the Jew show mercy, but does not force or command him to in order to
keep up the reputation of the Venetian market.
23. Understudy- If an actor is missing, then these players will fill in for the absent actors.
24. Stage Director – This person will read the stage directions for the actors and help “direct” the
movement from scene to scene and across the scene.
Act 1, Scene 1
1. What is Antony concerned about at the beginning of the play?
2. What does Salarino think Antonio's sadness is about?
3. Why is Antonio not worried about his wealth at the beginning of the play?
4. What does Solanio think Antonio's sadness is about?
5. How is Bassanio related to Antonio?
6. What does Antonio compare life on this earth to?
7. Who of the following is not a merchant in Venice?
8. What does Antonio ask Bassanio about when they are left alone at the beginning of the play?
9. What does Bassanio need to borrow from Antonio at the beginning of the book?
10. Why does Bassanio need to borrow something from Antonio at the beginning of the book?
11. Who is Bassanio in love with?
Act 1, Scene 2
13. What is the name of Portia's lady in waiting?
14. Why does Portia tell her lady in waiting she is tired of the world?
15. Who is meant to pick a husband for Portia?
16. Which of these is NOT a fault Portia saw in some of her past suitors?
17. What did one of Portia's suitors have too much fondness for?
18. What was one of Portia's suitors addicted to?
19. What do Portia's suitors have to choose from in order to win her hand in marriage?
20. How many items do Portia's suitors have to choose from to win her hand in marriage?
21. What will the correct suitor find inside the correct item in order to win Portia's hand in
marriage?
22. Whose arrival is announced at the end of the second scene?
23. Where is the person coming from whose arrival is announced at the end of the second
scene?
24. Where are the rules for Portia's suitors listed?
Act 1, Scene 3
25. Who does Bassiano take out a loan from?
26. Why is guaranteeing this loan so dangerous to Antonio?
27. What religion does Shylock follow?
28. What religion does Antonio follow?
29. What does Bassanio ask the man he is getting the loan from to do in order to complete the
loan process?
30. Why does the money lender refuse to complete the loan process in the way Bassanio
suggests?
31. Why does Shylock hate Antonio?
32. What has lowered the interest rates on loans in Venice?
33. What does the money lender want if the loan that Bassanio needs cannot be repaid?
34. How much money will Antonio earn when his investments come to fruition?
35. Why is Bassiano so nervous about Antonio signing the loan agreement?
36. How much interest is being charged on the loan to Bassanio?
Act 2, Scene 1
37. Where does the Moroccan prince first touch land?
38. What color is the Moroccan prince wearing when he first appears on stage?
39. How many servants are attending the Moroccan prince?
40. What does the Moroccan prince beg Portia not to judge him by?
41. What does the Moroccan want Portia to judge him by?
42. Why does Portia say it does not matter how she judges him?
43. What is the consequence of a suitor choosing the wrong chest?
44. Who is the first person to attempt choosing one of the chests?
45. What does The Moroccan Prince think Portia does not like about him?
46. What does Portia really not like about the Moroccan Prince?
47. Why has no suitor yet tried to choose one of the chests?
48. What did Portia's father want to determine through his test of chests?
Act 2, Scene 2
49. What is Launcelot's occupation?
50. What does Launcelot want to do when he first appears on stage?
51. Why does Launcelot think his master is a devil?
52. Who is Launcelot's master?
53. What is Launcelot's father's name?
54. What physical ailment does Launcelot's father have?
55. Who does Launcelot want to work for?
56. Where is Bassanio heading to after speaking with Gratiano?
57. Who does Bassanio hire into his service before he leaves Venice?
58. Who begs to travel with Bassanio on his journey before he leaves Venice?
59. What does Bassano demand of the man who begs to go on the journey with Bassanio?
60. What does Launcelot tease his father about when he sees him on the street?
Act 2, Scene 3
61. What is the name of Shylock's daughter?
62. What religion does Shylock's daughter follow?
63. What religion does Shylock's daughter want to follow?
64. Who is Shylock's daughter sad to see leave?
65. Who does Shylock's daughter write a letter to before Bassanio leaves Venice?
66. Who does Shylock's daughter ask to deliver the letter she writes just before Bassanio leaves
Venice?
67. What is Shylock's daughter most ashamed of?
68. What does Shylock's daughter hate herself for?
69. Who does Shylock's daughter want to marry?
70. Why would Shylock not approve of his daughter's choice in husband?
71. How does Shylock's daughter know Launcelot?
72. Why is Launcelot leaving Venice?
Act 2, Scene 4
73. Who of the following is NOT present to discuss the masquerade?
74. What do the men lack for the upcoming masquerade?
75. What does Launcelot do that breaks up the discussion about the masquerade?
76. Who wants to dine with Shylock the evening of the Masquerade?
77. What does Lorenzo say he will be doing on the night of the masquerade?
78. What convinces Lorenzo to change his plans on the night of the masquerade?
79. What does Lorenzo say Shylock's only way to Heaven will be?
80. What will Jessica do for Lorenzo the night of the masquerade?
81. Who does Lorenzo give his letter to after reading it?
82. Who does Lorenzo love?
83. What does Lorenzo say he is saving the woman he loves from?
84. Where will Shylock be when his daughter attends the masquerade?
Act 2, Scene 5
85. What does Shylock tell Launcelot he will not receive while working for his new master?
86. Where will Shylock be dining on the night of the masquerade?
87. Why has Shylock chosen to dine where he is on the night of the masquerade?
88. What does Shylock tell Jessica to do while he is dining on the night of the masquerade?
89. What does Shylock tell his daughter not to do on the night of the masquerade?
90. Who does Launcelot tell Jessica is coming the night of the masquerade?
91. How does Launcelot tell Jessica about who is coming to her house the night of the
masquerade?
92. What is Shylock worried will happen during the masquerade?
93. What does Jessica hope to lose on the night of the masquerade?
94. What does Jessica hope her father will lose on the night of the masquerade?
95. What new reason does Shylock have to hate Bassanio on the night of the masquerade?
96. What does Jessica plan to do while her father is dining on the night of the masquerade?
Act 2, Scene 6
97. Who is late to the masquerade?
98. What does Gratiano say most lovers really love?
99. When does Gratiano say love tends to wane?
100. How is Jessica dressed when she arrives at the masquerade?
101. What does Lorenzo apologize for when he arrives at the masquerade?
102. What is Jessica holding when she arrives at the masquerade?
103. What is Jessica so annoyed about when she arrives at the masquerade?
104. What is Jessica afraid to do for Lorenzo at the masquerade?
105. Why is Jessica afraid to do what is asked of her at the masquerade?
106. Why does Jessica return to her house before the masquerade?
107. Why does Gratiano say Jessica is not a true Jew?
108. Why does Gratiano not attend the masquerade?
Act 2, Scene 7
109. Who is a guest at Belmont while Bassanio is sailing for it?
110. What is the guest at Belmont doing while Bassanio is sailing there?
111. What does the inscription on the gold casket say it holds?
113. What does the inscription on the lead casket say it holds?
114. Which casket does the guest at Belmont choose while Bassanio is sailing there?
115. What reason does the guest at Belmont give for his choice of caskets?
116. What is inside the casket chosen by the guest at Belmont?
117. How does the guest at Belmont react when he sees what is in the casket he has chosen?
118. How does Portia react when she sees what is in the casket chosen by the guest at Belmont?
119. What does Portia hope other suitors like the Prince will do when they come to woo her?
120. What did the Moroccan Prince think many men desired?
Act 2, Scene 8
121. Who is present when Shylock realizes his daughter is gone?
122. Who does Shylock petition for help when he sees that his daughter is gone?
123. Where does Shylock want to search for his missing daughter?
124. Why is Shylock not able to search where he wants to for his missing daughter?
125. Where does Antonio say he last saw Lorenzo?
126. Why is Antonio sad when Shylock has realized his daughter is gone?
Act 2, Scene 9
127. Where is the second guest at Belmont from while Bassanio is sailing there?
128. What is the title of the second guest at Belmont while Bassanio is sailing there?
129. How does the second suitor to Portia treat her while Bassanio is sailing there?
130. Why does the second suitor choose to forgo the gold casket?
131. Which casket does the second suitor choose?
132. What is found inside the casket chosen by the second suitor to Portia while Bassanio is
sailing there?
As You Read – Textual Opinions
Based on the text, put a star on the line and use the space below to justify your response with information
from the text.
Attitude Survey
Strongly Agree-----------------------------Strongly Disagree
Money can affect your level of happiness.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
Appearances can be deceiving.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
Spouses should have the same values.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
People who do not follow or practice my faith are wrong.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
A true friend would do anything for their friend.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
People should forgive those who have wronged them.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
The way a rule is worded is the way it has to be; no exceptions. SA-----------------------------------------------------SD
People should keep their promises, no matter what.
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
To what extent is racism evident even in “good” people?
SA-------------------------------------------------------SD
Review
Review your answers and analyze your responses. How does the text differ from your personal opinions from
the last survey?
Act 3, Scene 1
133. Where have some of Antonio's ships sunk?
134. What does Shylock accuse Solanio and Salarino of?
135. How does Shylock plan to use the pound of flesh he will get from Antonio?
136. What did Jessica do with her mother's ring?
137. How much money did Jessica spend in one night?
138. What does Shylock say will happen to Jessica due to her betrayal?
Act 3, Scene 2
139. Why does Portia want Bassanio to wait to choose his casket?
140. What does Portia request while Bassanio is choosing his casket?
141. What about the lead box intrigues Bassanio?
142. Which casket does Bassanio choose?
143. What does Portia give Bassanio as a token of her love?
144. What does Portia offer to give to satisfy Antonio's debt to Shylock?
Act 3, Scene 3
145. What does Shylock warn the jailer not to do?
146. Who does Shylock say has never had sympathy for him?
147. Who does Antonio plead for mercy from?
148. What does Antonio think Shylock hates him for while he is in prison?
149. What does Shylock say will happen if the Duke does not uphold the contract?
150. Why does Solanio say the Duke will not uphold the law?
Act 3, Scene 4
151. What does Lorenzo praise Portia for after Bassanio leaves Belmont?
152. Why has Bassanio left Portia just after winning the right to marry her?
153. What does Portia tell Lorenzo she will do to help Bassanio in his quest?
154. Who does Portia leave in charge of her house when she leaves?
155. What occupation does Portia's cousin hold?
156. Where does Portia's cousin live?
Act 3, Scene 5
157. What does Launcelot tell Jessica he is worried about her for?
158. What is Jessica's response to Launcelot's concern for her?
159. What does Launcelot blame the rise of bacon on?
160. What does Lorenzo scold Launcelot for while Portia is away from her house?
161. What does Jessica say about Portia when Lorenzo asks her what she thinks of Portia?
162. What does Launcelot do when he leaves the room after being scolded by Lorenzo?
Act 4, Scene 1
163. What does the Duke tell Shylock he expects Shylock to do?
164. What is the name of the young lawyer who has come to Venice to help the Duke make a
ruling on the case?
165. Who is dressed up as the young lawyer frm Padua?
166. What does the young lawyer from Padua warn Shylock he must not take?
167. What does Antonio receive after Shylock is accused of threatening his life?
168. What does Bassanio give the young lawyer from Padua in return for his service to Antonio?
The Merchant of Venice
ANTONIO BELMONT CHRISTIAN DEBT FORGIVENESS
FRIENDSHIP GHETTO HATRED INTEREST ITALY
JESSICA JEWISH JUSTICE LOANS LOVE LOYALTY
MERCY PORTIA PREJUDICE SHAKESPEARE
SHIPWRECKS SHYLOCK VENICE
Act 4, Scene 2
169. Who is Shylock forced to deed his house to?
170. Who does Nerissa marry?
171. What is Nerissa disguised as while she is in Venice with Portia?
172. Who takes the disguised Nerissa to Shylock's house to collect his deed?
173. What does Nerissa plan to get from her husband before returning home with Portia?
174. What does Portia plan to do with what she got from her husband while in Venice?
Act 5, Scene 1
175. Who do Jessica and Lorenzo pretend to be while they are left alone at Portia's house?
176. Who announces to Lorenzo that Bassanio is expected home soon?
177. What does Portia make Lorenzo and Jessica promise when she returns from Venice?
178. Who does Bassanio introduce Portia to when he returns to Belmont from Venice?
179. What does Portia threaten to do when she hears Bassanio has given away his ring?
180. What does the letter that Portia gives to Antonio say?
Symbolism of the Rings
Overview: We have been examining different types of relationships in this play as well as in our
own lives. Examine the three different texts that discuss the importance of rings and what they
represent. (1) Act III, scene I, lines 79-130 – Shylock and Jessica’s ring; (2) Act IV, scene I, lines 405457, and scene ii, lines 6-19 –Portia and Bassanio’s ring; (3) Act V, scene I, lines 127-307 – Nerissa and
Gratiano’s ring. This assignment asks you to interpret the meaning of the rings in each of these three
scenes within the context of relationships while also working on your writing skills.
Step One: Use the following organizer to help you find, organize, and analyze details from the text
about the rings and what they symbolize, especially within the context of relationships.
What They Do or Say
Quotes and Examples
What It Means
Interpretations
Why It’s Important
Discussion and Analysis
Step Two: Using the quotations and examples from step one, write a paragraph about the different
rings in The Merchant of Venice and what these rings symbolize and tell us about relationships. You
must include in your paragraph at least three specific examples or quotations, one for each ring
(properly cited with act, scene, and line numbers). Be sure to introduce your examples and quotations
before citing them as well as to comment on them after you use them in your paragraph.
Step Three: Jot down your thoughts about relationships in this play and the actions of the
characters in a paragraph. Do you agree with or understand what they are doing? What do you think—
and why do you think it?