Study Guide for “The Merchant of Venice” Act 1 +2 test on notes, vocab, and content

English 3A - Mrs. O’Brien

“The Merchant of Venice,” by William Shakespeare notes from 2/19

1.) Written between 1596-1597, published in 1600 (Shakespeare about 35 yrs. old)

2.) Story unfolds in bustling city of Venice (Italy)

3.) Christian merchant (Antonio) seeks loan from Jewish moneylender (Shylock)

a.) Bassanio (friend of Antonio)

b.) Portia (wealthy woman pursued by Bassanio)

4.) Historical context important: attitudes towards Jewish people and laws of the time

5.) Stands out for its portrayal of racial and religious bias

6.) Shakespeare challenges us to think about justice, punishment and mercy

7.) Written to make money and to entertain the groundlings

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Shylock

Jewish moneylender

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Portia

Wealthy heiress from Belmont

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Antonio

Merchant in Venice/beloved by friends

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Jessica

Shylock’s daughter

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Bassanio

A Venice gentleman. Kinsman and dear friend to Antonio. Loves Portia

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Gratiano

Friend of Bassanio, critic of Shylock. Falls in love with Nerissa

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Nerissa

Portia’s lady in waiting

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Lorenzo

Friend of Bassanio and Antonio, falls in love with Jessica - Shylock’s daughter

(Characters of “The Merchant of Venice) Launcelot Gobbo

Bassanio’s servant, comical, clownish figure

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) abridge

Lessen, diminish, or curtail

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) warranty

Written assurance that a product or service will be provided

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Presage

A foreboding about what is about to happen

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Portly

Fairly large

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Chaff

Material consisting of seed coverings and pieces of stem

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Fleece

The outer coat of an animal, especially sheep and yaks

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Venture

An undertaking with an uncertain outcome

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Prodigal

Recklessly wasteful

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Mortify

Cause to feel shame

(Vocabulary for Act 1, Scene 1) Repute

The state of being held in high esteem and honor

The History of the Venice Carnival notes from 3/12

1.) Began in 1162. Locals gathered in St. Mark’s Square to celebrate after a major military victory. Venetians danced and celebrated.

a.) tradition continued, annually

b.) in 1979, the government helped revive Carnival of Venice, to preserve History and culture.

2.) The origin of mask wearing came about during the 13th century, (1201-1300) the higher classes could hide their identity and social differences, and allow people to break down social barriers

a.) an escape from the rigid rules of class hierarchy

b.) mask wearing symbolized mystery, anonymity, and transformation

3.) Carnival is an annual event, and coincides with pre-Lenten festivities

a.) lasts 10 days leading up to Lent

b.) ending on Tuesday before Ash Wednesday for Catholics

4.) In Act 2, Scenes 5 and 6 there are references to Carnival in the conversation between Shylock, Launcelot and Jessica. Rebellion and disguise ring true for not only the characters of the play, but also the pre-Lenten celebration.

(Vocabulary #2) Shylock

Someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest.

(Vocabulary #2) Ducat

Formerly a gold coin various European countries.

(Vocabulary #2) Gormandise

Overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself

(Vocabulary #2) Torchbearer

A leader in a campaign or movement.

(Vocabulary #2) Enrobe

Adorn with a robe

(Vocabulary #2) Outstare

Overcome or cause to waver or submit by staring.

(Vocabulary #2) Signior

Used as an Italian courtesy title

(Vocabulary #2) Currish

Resembling a cur; snarling and rude.

(Vocabulary #2) Wive

Take (someone) as a wife.

(Vocabulary #2) Misbeliever

A person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with official dogma, especially of the Roman Catholic Church.

(Vocabulary #2) Jew

Member of a community whose traditional religious is Judaism.

(Vocabulary #2) Argosy

One or more large merchant ships

(Vocabulary #2) Bond

A connection that fastens things together.

(Vocabulary #2) Forfeiture

Something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty.

(Vocabulary #2) Solemnize

Observe or perform with dignity or gravity.

(Vocabulary #2) Forfeit

Lose the right to or lose by some error, offense, or crime.

(Act 2, Scenes 1&2 questions) What country is the Prince in Act 2, Scene 1 from?

Morocco

(Act 2, Scenes 1&2 questions) Why is the Prince in scene 1 afraid Portia won’t like him?

Because of his complexion/the color of his skin.

(Act 2, Scenes 1&2 questions) At the beginning of scene 2, where is Gobbo trying to go?

Master Jew’s house

(Act 2, Scenes 1&2 questions) Who is Launcelot “arguing” with at the beginning of the scene?

He is arguing with himself.

(Act 2, Scenes 1&2 questions) Bassanio becomes the new master of whom in scene 2?

Launcelot