MOV - ACT 4 SCENE 1

Reference to the Context:

Reference 1

Antonio: I have heard

Your grace hath ta’en great pains to qualify
His rigorous course; but since he stands obdurate,
And that no lawful means can carry me
Out of his envy’s reach, I do oppose
My patience to his fury, and am arm’d
To suffer, with a quietness of spirit,
The very tyranny and rage of his.

1. Where does the scene take place? What has the Duke said before this
extract about the hard-hearted adversary?
This scene takes place in a court of justice in Venice.

Before this extract the Duke has described the hard-hearted adversary (Shylock) as
an inhuman wretch, who is incapable of pity, is void and empty of any dram of mercy.

2. What rigorous course is referred to in the extract? Why does Antonio say that
no lawful means can carry him out of his enemy’s reach?
Here ‘rigorous course’ refers to the severeness of Shylock’s cruel plan of action ie.
To forfeit a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.

Antonio says that no lawful means can carry him out of his enemy’s reach as
Shylock was obdurate (obstinate) of having a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.

3. Give the meaning of:

a) I do oppose/ My patience to his fury- This means that Antonio will face Shylock’s
fury with utmost patience in him.
b) Arm’d/ To suffer- This means that Antonio is ready to face Shylock’s anger
and cruelty.

4. From the speech of the Duke, after the extract, give an example to show that
the Duke was annoyed with Shylock.
In the Duke’s next extract, the Duke tells Shylock that everyone present in the room and
even he believes that Shylock will keep up to the act of cruelty and hatred till the last
moment of the case. Then it is expected that he will show his mercy and remorse
 towards Antonio. Thus, at that time he will not only leave the penalty but also forgive
half of the original money lent to Antonio. The Duke shows his annoyance by also
telling him that his act of mercy will be even more strange than his act of cruelty,
which he was showing at that time.

5. In what mood are Shylock and Antonio at this juncture?

At this juncture, Shylock is absolutely calm and determined to have his bond. When
the Duke repeatedly appeals him to show mercy on Antonio, he tells him that he has
sworn by the holy Sabbath to take the penalty. He still remains adamant in spite of
several appeals made by Bassanio. Antonio on the other hand, Antonio remains
passive against Shylock’s rage and villainy. He resigns to his inevitable fate by saying
that he would face Shylock’s rage and anger with utmost patience in him as there was
no lawful means that could carry him out of Shylock’s cruel hands.

Reference 2

Duke: But, touch’d with human gentleness and love,

Forgive a moiety of the principal;
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses,
That have of late so huddled on his back,
Enow to press a royal merchant down,
And pluck commiseration of his state
From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flints,
From stubborn Turks and tartars, never train’d
To offices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.

1. In what way does the Duke expect Shylock to mitigate his stand towards
the forfeiture?
The Duke wants Shylock to notice the heavy losses suffered by Antonio in the hands
of fortune. The Duke tells Shylock that he is sure that Shylock will be moved by
tenderness, sympathy and pity for Antonio if he pays attention to Antonio’s grave
losses.

2. What is meant by ‘a moiety of the principal’? Why does the Duke request
Shylock to have mercy on Antonio?
“A moiety of the principal’ means a part of the principal.

The Duke requests Shylock to have mercy on Antonio because Antonio’s losses are so
grave and severe that they are tragic enough to press a royal merchant down and
pluck commiseration from brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint and even from the
stubborn Turks and Tartars, who never knew how to express sympathy to others.

3. Give the meaning of:

i) So huddled on his back- That have fallen upon his shoulders as a burden
ii) Never train’d/ To offices of tender courtesy- who have never been taught
to express sympathy and kindness.

4. Who are the Turks and Tartars? What is said about them in the extract?
The Turks are the people of Turkey and the Tartars are the people of Tartary. They are
certain Asiatic races which the Elizabethans believed to be uncivilised and uncouth.

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 In the extract given above, the Duke tells Shylock that Antonio’s losses are so grave
that it will give rise to kindness and love even in the hearts of the Turks and the
Tartars, who never knew how to show sympathy and love to others.

5. Why does Shylock refuse to have mercy on Antonio?

Shylock refused to have mercy on Antonio as he was adamant to take revenge on him.
He tells the Duke that he has already informed him about his intentions. Moreover, he
has taken an oath by his holy Sabbath to have the due and forfeit of his bond.

Reference 3

Shylock: ……Now, for your answer:

As there is no firm reason to be render’d,
Why he cannot abide a gaping pig;
Why he, a harmless necessary cat;
Why he, a woollen bag-pipe; but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to offend, himself being offended;
So can I give no reason, nor I will not,
More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing,
I bear Antonio, that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answer’d?

1. What question is Shylock answering in the context? What examples does he

give in the extract to justify his position for not giving a firm reason?
Shylock is answering to the Duke’s suggestion that he expects a gentle answer from
him.

He tells the Duke that he will not give an exact reason to him for asking a pound of
flesh from Antonio’s body except that it is his humour or fancy to have a pound of
human flesh than to receive three thousand ducats. He further adds to it by saying that
how does it matter to anyone if his house is infested with rats and he gives ten
thousand ducats to have them poisoned. He also justifies his position by saying that
there are men who cannot tolerate the sight of a gaping pig, sight of an innocent cat or
the sound of a woollen bag-pipe. These people have no strong reason for such an
attitude and they have to put up with the shame of giving strong expression to their
feelings of dislike because these things irritate them. In the same way, he cannot give
any reason for his hatred towards Antonio.

2. Give the meaning of:

i) As to offend, himself being offended- offending others, after being offended;
Shylock tells that people who have such strong whims become offended at the
sight of what they hate and then they are compelled to react in such a
shameful manner that he gives offence to others.

ii) A lodged hate: a deep rooted hate

3. How does Bassanio react to what Shylock says in the extract?

Bassanio calls Shylock an unfeeling man and tells him that his answer to the Duke is
no answer to excuse the outpour of his cruelty and hatred.

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 4. If Antonio is shown mercy by the Duke, against the wishes of Shylock
what would be its implication?
If Antonio is shown mercy by the Duke against the wishes of Shylock then a question
will be raised against the preamble /charter and the honour of Venice will be at stake.
Besides, foreigners will lose their confidence in the just and impartial administration
of law in venice and this will adversely affect its trade and prosperity.

5. Show how tense the scene has become as Shylock fights for his legal
right against the rest.
This is the trial scene or the climax of the play. The scene grows tense when we see
Shylock insisting the Duke to do justice by allowing him to take a pound of flesh from
Antonio’s body. On the other hand, the Duke and Bassanio pleads Shylock
repeatedly to show mercy and compassion on Antonio. The stage is all set for a legal
battle between Shylock and the rest present in the court.

Reference 4

Antonio: I pray you, think you question with the Jew:

You may as well go stand upon the beach,
And bid the main flood bate his usual height;
You may as well use question with the wolf,
Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb;
You may as well forbid the mountain pines
To wag their high tops and to make no noise,
When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven;
You may as well do any thing most hard,
As seek to soften that,- than which what’s harder?-

1. What argument takes place just before this extract?

Just before this extract an argument takes place between Shylock and Bassanio.
Bassanio asks Shylock whether a man will kill those things which he does not love or
like. In reply, Shylock says that is there any man who will not kill the thing that he truly
hates. Bassanio further argues by saying that every feeling or annoyance that is felt in
the beginning does not change into hatred. Shylock argues again with another question
and asks Bassanio whether he would allow a snake to bite him twice.

2. Give two examples from the extract to show that it is useless to plead with
the Jew to show mercy.
In this extract Antonio is telling Bassanio that it is useless to plead with the Jew to
show mercy. Antonio tells Bassanio that he might as well stand on the beach and
request the high tide to remain lower than its usual height. Bassanio might also ask the
wolf that why he made the mother sheep weep for her lamb by eating it. But it is very
difficult to mould Shylock’s heart and it is even more difficult to expect any kind of
mercy or compassion from him.

3. Give the meaning of:

i) Bate his usual height- to reduce its usual height
ii) To wag their high tops- to wave/ sway their high top

4. What reason does Shylock give for his hatred for Antonio?
He tells the Duke that he will not give an exact reason to him for asking a pound of flesh
from Antonio’s body except that it is his humour or fancy to have a pound of human

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 flesh than to receive three thousand ducats. He further adds to it by saying that how
does it matter to anyone if his house is infested with rats and he gives ten thousand
ducats to have them poisoned. He also justifies his position by saying that there are
men who cannot tolerate the sight of a gaping pig, sight of an innocent cat or the
sound of a woollen bag-pipe. These people have no strong reason for such an attitude
and they have to put up with the shame of giving strong expression to their feelings of
dislike because these things irritate them. In the same way, he cannot give any reason
for his hatred towards Antonio except that he has a deep rooted hatred and a certain
loathing for him.

5. Bassanio offers Shylock six thousand ducats. What is Shylock’s reaction to the
offer?
Shylock tells Bassanio that if every ducat in six thousand ducats were in six parts, and
if every part was a ducat in itself ie. If he was even offered thirty six thousand ducats,
he would still not accept the money but would have his bond forfeited.

Reference 5

Shylock: Why sweat they under burdens? Let their beds

Be made as soft as yours, and let their palates
Be season’d with such viands? You will answer,
The slaves are ours: So do I answer you:
The pound of flesh, which I demand of him,
Is dearly bought;’ tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law!
There is no force in the decrees of Venice,
I stand for judgement. Answer,- shall I have it?

1. ‘let their beds/ Be made as soft as yours’

Who are they referred to in the first line of the extract? Whose beds are
referred to?
In the first line of the extract ‘they’ refers to the slaves employed by the Duke for
his work.

Here Shylock is referring to the slaves’ beds to be made as soft as the Duke’s.

2. What is meant by:

‘let their palates/ Be season’d with such viands?’
Through this line Shylock is trying to tell the Duke that he should show mercy on
his slaves by providing them with the same food which he or the royalty eats.

3. How is the pound of flesh dearly bought by Shylock?

The pound of flesh ,which Shylock is demanding from Antonio’s body has already been
purchased by him by giving 3000 ducats as a loan to Antonio. As per the bond,
Shylock is entitled to get a pound of flesh otherwise he will lose his three thousand
ducats that he had given to Antonio.

4. Why does Shylock keenly say, ‘I stand for judgement’?

Shylock has already bought a pound of Antonio’s flesh by paying 3000 ducats for it.
Therefore, through this statement of his, he is trying to say that he demands
justice from the Duke and nothing else.

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 5. What do the decrees of Venice guarantee? What would happen if Shylock
were refused justice?
The decrees of Venice allows equal rights and privileges to its citizens ie.
Whether natives or foreigners.

If Shylock is not given justice then the justice system of Venice will be disrupted,
foreigners will lose their faith in the Duke and the trade and business of the city will
be adversely affected.

6. How can you conclude from the given extract that Shylock is good at
giving relevant arguments to prove his case.
The given extract proves that Shylock is good at giving relevant arguments to prove his
point. He answers word by word to the questions put forward by his enemies. When
asked to give a noble response on having mercy on Antonio, Shylock says that
Christians are no better. They treat their slaves as they treat their asses, dogs and
mules. He questions the Duke that would he allow his slaves to marry his heirs and
allow them to have comfortable beds and tasty food like his. He further adds that just as
some people have no specific reason why they cannot tolerate the sight of a gaping
pig, a harmless domestic cat or a bagpipe, he has no definite reason to give for taking a
pound of Antonio’s flesh.

Reference 6

Bassanio: Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet!

The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones, and all,
Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.

Antonio: I am a tainted wether of the flock,

Meetest for death: the weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground; and so let me.
You cannot better be employ’d, bassanio,
Than to live still, and write mine epitaph.

1. How did Bassanio encourage Antonio assuring him of every help? Bassanio
encourages Antonio by telling him to cheer up and to have courage. He assures
Antonio by saying that he would sacrifice his flesh, blood, bones and all that he has to
Shylock before Antonio loses even one drop of his blood.

2. What is meant by “tainted wether of the flock”? In what way is he meetest

for death?
The phrase ‘Tainted wether of the flock’ means that Antonio is like that sick sheep
in the herd, which is suitable to be slaughtered.

Antonio calls himself as that sick sheep of the herd, which is ready to be slaughtered.
He also compares himself to a diseased fruit, which will fall from the tree to the ground.
Hence, in this way he is meetest for death.

3. What is an epitaph? Why does Antonio talk about the epitaph at this
time? An epitaph is an inscription written on the tomb of a dead person.

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 Antonio talks about the epitaph because he was sure that he was going to die as
Shylock was adamant to have the words of the bond executed. So, he tells Bassanio
to write an epitaph on his tomb after his death.

4. State the generous offer made by Bassanio to save his friend just before
the extract.
Bassanio offers a generous amount of six thousand ducats to Shylock to set his
dear friend free from his clutches but Shylock denies to accept the offer.

5. Who comes to the scene immediately after Antonio’s speech? Why does
the person come?
Nerissa enters the court immediately after Antonio’s speech.

She comes to the court to deliver a letter to the Duke sent by Dr. Bellario of Padua.

6. Describe Antonio’s mood in the context. How does his such attitude shape him
to be an important character in the comedy?
Antonio is passive against Shylock’s rage and villainy and he resigns himself to his
inevitable fate. His love towards his dear friend is also seen in this extract. This
attitude of his makes him a tragic hero and he wins everybody’s love and sympathy of
the audience.

Reference 7

Gratiano: O, be thou damn’d, inexecrable dog!

And for thy life let justice be accused.
Thou almost makest me waver in my faith,
To hold opinion with Pythagoras,
That souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men: thy currish spirit
Govern’d a wolf, who, hang’d for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And whilst thou lay’st in thy unhallow’d dam,
Infused itself in thee; for thy desires
Are wolfish, bloody, starved and ravenous.

1. Explain why Gratiano reacts violently in the extract.

When Gratiano sees Shylock sharpening his knife and being adamant in his decision of
having a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body, he reacts violently. He tells Shylock that
he is not sharpening his knife on the sole of his shoe but sharpening it on his own soul
and no metal, not even the axe of a hangman can have half the sharpness of his envy.

2. Who was Pythagoras? What was the theory about rebirth according to
him? Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher and mathematician.

Pythagoras believed that souls of men and animals appeared several times on the
earth assuming sometimes higher and sometimes lower forms of life. He taught
the doctrine of transmigration of souls.

3. Give the meaning of:

i) Waver in my faith- to doubt on one’s Christian beliefs.

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 Gratiano’s tells that shylock’s envy and hate makes him doubt on his own
religion and forces him to belief in Pythagoras’ doctrine of transmigration
of souls.

ii) The gallows did his fell soul fleet- his wolfish soul fled from the gallows
and entered his body when he was inside his unholy mother’s womb.

4. How did the spirit of the wicked wolf enter into Shylock?
When the wolf was hanged for slaughtering men, then its spirit fled from the gallows
and entered Shylock’s body when he n he was still inside his unholy mother’s womb.
Hence his desires are wolfish, bloody and ravenous.

5. How can it be concluded from Shylock’s tendencies that he has the spirit of
the wolf?
Shylock’s tendencies make us conclude that he has the spirit of a wolf because all his
desires are wolfish, blood thirsty and ravenous. It is certain that his spirit earlier resided in
the body of a wolf and when that wolf was hanged for killing men, his spirit fled from the
gallows and entered his body when he was still in his unholy mother’s womb.

6. State clearly how Shylock ridicules Gratiano after the extract.

Shylock laughs at Gratiano’s outburst of anger. He tells Gratiano that the latter’s abusive
words cannot destroy his intention of fulfilling the words of the bond. He further tells that
Gratiano was hurting his lungs by speaking loudly. He asks Gratiano to come back to his
senses or his lungs would be so damaged that it would never be cured.

Reference to the Context:

Reference 8

Portia: The quality of mercy is not strain’d,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blessed;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherin doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;

1. What is the meaning of ‘strain’d? Why is the quality of mercy

strained? The meaning of the ‘strain’d’ means to force.

The quality of mercy cannot be forced on people. It is like that gentle rain that falls
from heaven down on earth. It is beyond the earthly power of man and is regarded as
the highest attributes to God.

2. In what way is mercy twice blessed and is mightiest in the mightiest?

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 Portia says that the quality of mercy is in itself a double blessing. It blesses him that
gives and him that takes it and it is the mightiest quality in the mightiest. She also
says that it suits the king more than his crown. The king’s baton or mace is a symbol
of his authority and power and shows the force of his earthly power. But mercy is
superior than the power , which a king exercises because of his sceptre.

3. What is a sceptre? What does the sceptre signify?

A sceptre is a baton or a mace which a king holds in his hand.

A sceptre symbolises the earthly power, which is the main characteristics of a king,
who commands power and grandeur. It gives him supreme majesty and produces fear
and terror in the hearts of his subjects for him.

4. Give the meaning of:

a) It becomes/ The throned monarch better than his crown
This line means that mercy suits the king more than his crown even. The king’s
sceptre (baton/ mace) is a symbol of his authority and power and shows the force
of his earthly power. But mercy is superior than the power which the a king
exercises because of his sceptre.

b) But mercy is above this sceptre sway

This line means that mercy is far above this world that is ruled by men with sceptres.

5. Why does Portia say that if strict justice is followed none of us would
have salvation?
Portia says that if strict justice is followed none of them would have salvation because
we all pray to God for mercy. That same prayer teaches us to be merciful on others.
So, if we don’t show mercy on others then how can we ask for mercy in return. Hence,
Portia tells Shylock that she has spoken about the divine quality of mercy to soften the
harsh justice of his claim.

6. What does Shylock say in answer to Portia’s mercy plea?

Shylock is adamant on his decision and tells Portia that he takes full responsibility of
his actions and is ready to face the consequences. He urges the law to take its course
so that he could have the penalty of the bond.

7. Why does Portia later say, ‘We do pray for mercy’? What does this prayer
teach us about mercy?
Portia later says that we do pray for mercy only to give rise to the feeling of mercy in
Shylock’s heart towards Antonio.

This prayer teaches us that when we ask God for mercy to be bestowed on us, we
should also show mercy on people who trespass against us. If we do not show
mercy on others then it is wrong on our part to expect mercy in return.

Reference 9

Portia: Why, this bond is forfeit;

And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off

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 Nearest the merchant’s heart. Be merciful:
Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond.

Shylock: When it is paid according to the tenour.

It doth appear you are a worthy judge;
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law,
Whereof you are a well- deserving pillar,
Proceed to judgement: by my soul I swear
There is no power in the tongue of man
To alter me: I stay here on my bond.

1. What is meant by ‘this bond is forfeit’? How is the bond now forfeit?
‘This bond is forfeit’ means that the penalty mentioned in the bond has been incurred
(the agreement has been broken)

The bond is now forfeited because Antonio failed to pay back the 3000 ducats he
had borrowed from Shylock.

2. Give the meaning of:

When it is paid according to the tenour- Through this line Shylock is trying to say
that Portia can definitely tear the bond only after the words of the bond are fulfilled.

3. Why does Shylock call Portia a worthy judge? Why was she compared to
Daniel earlier?
Shylock calls Portia as a worthy judge because her understanding and interpretation
of the law has been quite correct and it shows that she is learned in her field and is
wise too.

Earlier, he had compared Portia to Daniel, who was a wise Jewish prophet in the Old
Testament. He was known for his wisdom and judgement. Here a reference has been
drawn to the story of Susana and the Elders of Apocrypha. During a skilful cross
examination, Daniel the prophet demonstrated that Susana, who had been falsely
accused and condemned by two Elders, was innocent. So, Shylock compares Portia to
Daniel because of her denial of breaking the law on the ground that bad precedents
will be created in future.

4. What was Shylock’s reaction when Portia offered him thrice the due amount
for the first time?
When Portia offered him thrice the due amount for the first time, Shylock refuses to
accept it by saying that he had already taken an oath in the name of God not to
accept money but to have the penalty of the bond. By accepting money he will commit
a sin upon his soul. So, he will not break his oath even if he was offered all the wealth
of Venice.

5. State why Shylock was confident that no one could take away his right
to forfeiture.
Shylock was confident that no one could take away his right to forfeiture because
if justice was not rendered to him then it would mean to go against the strict law of

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 Venice. Portia had already mentioned that a law once set in Venice cannot be
altered and if a law is changed then it would set forth bad precedents in the
administration of justice.

6. What impression of Shylock’s character do you have from the given

extract? Give a reason to justify your opinion?
Opinionated answer

Reference 10

Antonio: Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you;

For herein Fortune shows herself more kind
Than is her custom: it is still her use
To let the wretched man outlive his wealth,
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
An age of poverty; from which lingering penance
Of such misery doth she cut me off.
Commend me to your honourable wife:
Tell her the process of Antonio’s end;
Say how I loved you, speak me fair in death;
And, when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love
Repent not you that you shall lose your friend,
And he repents not that he pays your debt;

1. To whom is Antonio speaking these words? What is meant by “Grieve not that
I am fallen to this for you”?
Antonio is speaking these words to Bassanio.

Through the line, “Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you” , Antonio asks Bassanio
not to blame himself for his misfortune.

2. What is the normal custom of the Fortune? What is meant by

‘lingering penance’?
Antonio tells Bassanio that it is the always the normal custom of fortune to allow the
unfortunate man to remain alive after his wealth is finished. Such an unfortunate man
then spends his old age in poverty and goes through it with sunken or hollow eyes
and wrinkled forehead.
‘Lingering penance’ means prolonged suffering from which Antonio has been saved by
Fortune. He has been exempted from witnessing his own ruin and and misery.

3. Why does Antonio think that ‘Fortune’ is kind to him?

Antonio thinks that ‘fortune’ is kind to him because it is going against its customary
self by letting him escape from his lingering penance of misfortune by giving him an
early death.

4. What request does Antonio make to Bassanio to tell Portia about him?
Antonio requests Bassanio to give his regard to the latter’s honourable wife and to
tell her the process of his death. He also requests Bassanio to tell Portia of his true
and faithful friendship for him and to speak good about him after his death.

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 5. What is it that Bassanio must not regret and what is it that Antonio does
not repent?
Antonio tells Bassanio not to feel sorry for losing a friend and to blame himself for
his (Antonio) misfortune because he (Antonio) is not at all sad for paying a debt for
his friend. Antonio is sacrificing his life most gladly and whole-heartedly.

6. What offer does Bassanio make after this extract to save Antonio? What
does this proposed offer reflect on Bassanio’s love for Antonio?
Bassanio tells Antonio that he is married to a woman whom he loves dearly as his own
life. But he also tells him that he values Antonio’s life more than his own, above his
beloved wife and above everything else in the world. He is willing to sacrifice
everything for Antonio in order to free him from the cruel grip of the Jew.

Bassanio’s anxiety to save Antonio’s life shows his sincere love for him and it also
tells us that he values relationships more than money.

Reference 11

Shylock: Is that the law?

Portia: Thyself shalt see the Act;

For, as thou urgest justice, be assured
Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest.

Gratiano: O, learned judge!- Mark, Jew: a learned judge!

Shylock: I take this offer, them; pay the bond thrice,

And let the Christians go.

Bassanio: Here is the money.

1. What is the law as interpreted by Portia just before this extract?

Just before this extract, Portia tells Shylock that the words of the bond expressly mentions
about only a pound of flesh and does not allow him to shed even a drop of blood. She
warns Shylock that while cutting a pound of flesh, if he sheds even a drop of Christian
blood then all his lands and goods will be confiscated by the state of Venice.

2. “Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest.’ What kind of justice is
Shylock going to have?
Portia tells Shylock that he will definitely have justice as he is pleading for it
so insistently but the form of justice will be stricter than he has wished for.

3. Why does Gratiano rejoice by repeating the words, ‘O learned judge’?

Gratiano is rejoicing as the tables have turned. He is taunting Shylock with the same
words, which Shylock had used in praise of Portia’s wisdom. He calls Portia a
learned judge and asks Shylock to notice that Portia is the wisest judge.

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 4. When the money is being offered by Bassanio, what does Portia say by
declining the offer?
When the money is being offered by Bassanio, Portia stops him from giving the
money by saying that Shylock will have the justice that he has been demanding for to
the fullest extent. She tells Bassanio that there is nothing to hurry as Shylock will have
nothing except the penalty.

5. After the extract, what loophole in the bond is highlighted by Portia?

Portia highlights another loophole in the bond. She instructs Shylock not to cut more or
less than an exact pound of flesh. She warns him that if he fails to cut the exact
amount of flesh and if the difference makes it light or heavy in weight by one twentieth
of a grain; if the scales turn in one direction or the other by the weight of a single hair
then Shylock will be sentenced to death and all his goods will be taken from him.

Reference 12

Duke: He shall do this, or else I do recant

The pardon that I late pronounced here.

Portia: Art thou contented, Jew? What dost thou say?

Shylock: I am content.

Portia: Clerk, draw a deed of gift.

Shylock: I pray you, give me leave to go from hence:

I am not well: Send the deed after me,
And I will sign it.

1. State in your own words the ‘pardon’ referred to in the extract? Sate the
conditions under which the pardon is granted. Why does the Duke threaten
to recant the pardon?
The ‘pardon’ here refers to the Duke’s granting Shylock his life.

The Duke grants Shylock his life on certain conditions. Half of Shylock’s riches would
go to Antonio, the other half would come to the state for plotting against an innocent
Venetion. The Duke also says that he would forgive Shylock by giving him the half
that was supposed to come to the state only if repents and humbly begs for mercy

The Duke threatens Shylock by saying that he should abide by all the conditions put forth
by Antonio otherwise he would withdraw the forgiveness he has extended to him.

2. What two conditions did Antonio impose on Shylock for being allowed to
retain half of his wealth?
Antonio tells that he would forgive Shylock if he agrees to sign a bond, stating that
half of his wealth would go to his son-in-law, Lorenzo and his daughter, Jessica after
his death and also if he agrees to convert himself into a Christian.

3. Give the character of the Duke in this scene.

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 The Duke appears to be a kind and a just administrator of justice in this scene. He
too puts efforts to change Shylock’s heart and tries to persuade him to have pity on
Antonio. However, when Shylock remains adamant in taking the penalty, the duke
follows the course of justice.

4. What would Gratiano do if he were the judge? What comic effect does
Gratiano’s offer make in the context?
Gratiano says that if he were the judge then he would have set a jury of twelve
people, who would have sentenced Shylock to death and would have him hanged in
the gallows.

Here Gratiano’s statements are sharp-witted, which creates a comic atmosphere. He

says that when Shylock is baptised, he would have two godfathers. He also says
that instead of being baptised he would be sent to the gallows.

5. How can you conclude that Shylock is in a frustrated mood at this scene?
What are your feelings for Shylock at the end of this scene?
Shylock is in a frustrated mood as he realizes that he has been defeated and it was
impossible for him to have Antonio in his grip. The Tables have turned and he had to
take a decision. He seeks permission from the Duke to go back home for he was not
feeling well after hearing all the accusations against him and the conditions to which
he had to abide.

We the readers are left with pity for Shylock as he makes a sad exit with the crowd
ridiculing him. But at the same time we also feel happy for Antonio because he
was finally saved from the cruel intentions of Shylock.

Reference 13

Portia: You press me far, and therefore I will yield.

[To Antonio] Give me your gloves, I’ll wera them for your sake;
[To Bassanio] And, for your love, I’ll take this ring from you:
Do not draw back your hand; I’ll take no more, And you in love
shall not deny me this.

Bassanio: This ring, good sir? Alas! It is a trifle!

I will not shame myself to give this.

Portia: I will have nothing else but only this;

And now methinks I have a mind to it.

1. What does Portia say about the payment for her services? How does
Bassanio insist that Portia should take something as a token of gratitude?
Portia tells Bassanio that one, who is satisfied with his work, is already sufficiently
paid. Here she is happy as she able to set them free from the cruel grip of the currish
Jew so she considers her success as her reward.

Bassanio insists Portia to take something as a remembrance or a token of their

gratitude. He then asks Portia to grant him two favours- first not to refuse his offer
and secondly not to mind his persistence.

EuroSchool, Airoli_English_Gr10_English Literature

 2. What does Portia ask Bassanio to give her as token?
Portia asks Bassanio to give her the ring that he was wearing as a token gratitude.

3. Why does Bassanio say that it is shame to give Portia what she has asked?
Bassanio says that it is shame to give Portia what she has asked because he not
willing to part with the ring, which his wife had given him at their time of marriage as a
seal of their love. He calls the ring paltry only to discourage Portia from asking it as a
token of gratitude.

4. What is the reality that makes Bassanio hesitant to comply to Portia’s request?
What does he offer to do instead?
Bassanio was not ready to accept Portia’s request of giving her the ring as it was a
wedding gift to him from his dear wife. Moreover, his wife had made him swear that
he would never part with his ring.

He offers to give Portia the most valuable ring available in Venice.

5. How does Portia react to his hesitation even after Bassanio tells her of
his promise made to his wife?
Portia remarks that many, who want to avoid giving gifts make such an excuse. She
further adds that if his wife was not a mad woman and if she knew how much she
(Balthazar) deserves the ring, she (Bassanio’s wife) would not remain his
(Bassanio’s) enemy for giving away the ring to the lawyer.

6. What makes Bassanio change his mind and part with the ring?
Antonio forces bassanio to give the ring to the lawyer by saying that let the
lawyer’s deservings and his (Antonio’s) love for him (Bassanio) be valued against
his (Bassanio’s) wife’s commandment.

7. What effect does the ring episode have on the audience?

The ring episode brings a sense of relief to the audience and the audience totally enjoys
the scene when Portia pressurizes her husband to give her the ring, which was
Bassanio’s wedding gift to him from his wife.

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