THE

MERCHANT OF
VENICE
-William Shakespeare
 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ACT IV

SCENE
SCENE 11 &
& 22
01 CHARACTERS
CHARACTERS 02 SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Summarization and analysis of Scenes
Discussion Of All Characters
1&2

03 THEMES
THEMES 04 SYMBOLS
SYMBOLS
Explanation of the themes that have How the characters use Greek myths
an impact on the scenes and the Bible for symbolizing.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ACT IV

05 IMPORTANT QUOTES
IMPORTANT QUOTES 06 QUIZ
QUIZ
You have to answer the QUESTIONS
All important things told by others
or a punishment…..

03 THEMES
THEMES 04 SYMBOLS
SYMBOLS
Explanation of the themes that have How the characters use Greek myths
an impact on the scenes and the Bible for symbolizing.
 Introduction For
The Merchant Of Venice
"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is a
comedic play that revolves around the merchant Antonio,
who borrows money from the Jewish moneylender
Shylock. When Antonio is unable to repay the debt,
Shylock demands a pound of his flesh, leading to a
dramatic courtroom trial where clever legal maneuvering
ultimately ensures justice and resolution. The play
explores themes of love, friendship, and the consequences
of revenge.
 Antonio Bassanio Shylock Portia
Wealthy Venetian Bassanio, a Venetian Shylock, a Jewish Portia, a beautiful and
merchant Antonio helps nobleman and close friend moneylender in Venice, wealthy noblewoman in
friend Bassanio woo Portia of Antonio, seeks to woo driven by years of Belmont, must marry the
by signing a contract with Portia by borrowing mistreatment, enters into a one who solves her
Shylock, using a pound of money from Shylock, with contract with Antonio, the father's casket riddle.
his flesh as collateral. Antonio as the guarantor. merchant, demanding a Despite distasteful suitors,
Critics speculate on Despite being the romantic pound of Antonio's flesh if she marries her true love,
Antonio's unrequited hero, Bassanio is flawed, the loan can't be repaid. Bassanio. Portia cleverly
feelings for Bassanio. often appearing clueless When Antonio defaults, saves Antonio's life in
Despite animosity towards or selfish. He relies on Shylock, fueled by court disguised as
Shylock, Antonio pleads Antonio's generosity and resentment, refuses mercy Balthazar. Traditionally
for mercy rather than later freely shares Portia's and insists on enforcing admired for feminine
condemning him to death gifts. the contract. The virtue, modern critics note
in the end. characters, including her prejudice towards
Shylock's daughter non-Christians and
Jessica, view him as foreigners, revealing a
inhuman, exposing the complex character beyond
prejudice and hypocrisy her seemingly perfect
behind their professed facade.
ideals of brotherhood and
Christian fellowship. The
play, "The Merchant of
Venice," explores themes
of revenge, justice, and
the consequences of
discrimination.
 Bassanio
Bassanio, a Venetian
nobleman and close friend
of Antonio, seeks to woo
Portia by borrowing
money from Shylock, with
Antonio as the guarantor.
Despite being the romantic
hero, Bassanio is flawed,
often appearing clueless
or selfish. He relies on
Antonio's generosity and
later freely shares Portia's
gifts.
Shylock Portia Nerissa
Shylock, a Jewish Portia, a beautiful and In Act 4, Nerissa, Portia's
moneylender in Venice, wealthy noblewoman in clever and loyal maid,
driven by years of Belmont, must marry the actively assists in the
mistreatment, enters into a one who solves her courtroom drama between
contract with Antonio, the father's casket riddle. Shylock and Antonio.
merchant, demanding a Despite distasteful suitors, Disguised as the legal
pound of Antonio's flesh if she marries her true love, expert's clerk, she
the loan can't be repaid. Bassanio. Portia cleverly contributes to the
When Antonio defaults, saves Antonio's life in resolution of the conflict
Shylock, fueled by court disguised as while maintaining her wit
resentment, refuses mercy Balthazar. Traditionally and loyalty to Portia.
and insists on enforcing admired for feminine
the contract. The virtue, modern critics note
characters, including her prejudice towards
Shylock's daughter non-Christians and
Jessica, view him as foreigners, revealing a
inhuman, exposing the complex character beyond
prejudice and hypocrisy her seemingly perfect
behind their professed facade.
ideals of brotherhood and
Christian fellowship. The
play, "The Merchant of
Venice," explores themes
of revenge, justice, and
the consequences of
discrimination.
 Shylock Portia Nerissa Duke
Shylock, a Jewish Portia, a beautiful and In Act 4, Nerissa, Portia's Presides over the trial of
moneylender in Venice, wealthy noblewoman in clever and loyal maid, Antonio. Although the
driven by years of Belmont, must marry the actively assists in the Duke attempts to persuade
mistreatment, enters into a one who solves her courtroom drama between Shylocka to show Antonio
contract with Antonio, the father's casket riddle. Shylock and Antonio. mercy, he knows that
merchant, demanding a Despite distasteful suitors, Disguised as the legal Venice’s commercial
pound of Antonio's flesh if she marries her true love, expert's clerk, she interests depend on a
the loan can't be repaid. Bassanio. Portia cleverly contributes to the consistent application of
When Antonio defaults, saves Antonio's life in resolution of the conflict its laws, so he can't
Shylock, fueled by court disguised as while maintaining her wit make an exception to help
resentment, refuses mercy Balthazar. Traditionally and loyalty to Portia. Antonio.
and insists on enforcing admired for feminine
the contract. The virtue, modern critics note
characters, including her prejudice towards
Shylock's daughter non-Christians and
Jessica, view him as foreigners, revealing a
inhuman, exposing the complex character beyond
prejudice and hypocrisy her seemingly perfect
behind their professed facade.
ideals of brotherhood and
Christian fellowship. The
play, "The Merchant of
Venice," explores themes
of revenge, justice, and
the consequences of
discrimination.
 Portia Nerissa Duke Gratiano
Portia, a beautiful and In Act 4, Nerissa, Portia's Presides over the trial of A notoriously vulgar
wealthy noblewoman in clever and loyal maid, Antonio. Although the Venetian and friend of
Belmont, must marry the actively assists in the Duke attempts to persuade Bassanio. While
one who solves her courtroom drama between Shylocka to show Antonio Bassanio courts Portia,
father's casket riddle. Shylock and Antonio. mercy, he knows that Gratiano falls in love with
Despite distasteful suitors, Disguised as the legal Venice’s commercial and eventually marries her
she marries her true love, expert's clerk, she interests depend on a servant, Nerissa.
Bassanio. Portia cleverly contributes to the consistent application of
saves Antonio's life in resolution of the conflict its laws, so he can't
court disguised as while maintaining her wit make an exception to help
Balthazar. Traditionally and loyalty to Portia. Antonio.
admired for feminine
virtue, modern critics note
her prejudice towards
non-Christians and
foreigners, revealing a
complex character beyond
her seemingly perfect
facade.
 Name: The Merchant Of Venice

Title: ACT IV Scene 1 Author: William

ACT IV Shakespeare

SUMMARY About the scene:

& "The Merchant of Venice," the courtroom drama intensifies as the

Duke, opening Antonio's trial, expresses empathy for him, portraying

ANALYSIS Shylock as an "inhuman wretch." Despite the Duke's attempts to

mediate, Shylock remains steadfast in his demand for a pound of
Antonio's flesh, fueled by a deep-seated hatred. The Duke introduces
the notion of mercy, emphasizing the Christian expectation that
Shylock should display this trait. Shylock, however, adamantly sticks
to his legal claim, insisting that he has the right to enact the terms of
the contract. The scene sets the stage for a tense legal confrontation
and highlights the contrasting values of mercy and revenge.
 Name: The Merchant Of Venice

Title: ACT IV Scene 2 Author: William

ACT IV Shakespeare

SUMMARY About the scene:

& "The Merchant of Venice," the focus shifts to Belmont, where

the aftermath of the courtroom trial is explored. Portia and

ANALYSIS Nerissa return from the legal proceedings, celebrating the

apparent success of their plan to save Antonio. Gratiano arrives
with news of Bassanio's generous offer to repay Shylock, but
Portia conceals her role in the trial. As they prepare to return to
Venice, Portia hints at the importance of keeping their actions
secret. The scene contributes to the overall resolution of the play
and adds an element of suspense as the characters prepare to
return to the unfolding events in Venice.
 "The Merchant of Venice" delves into the complex themes of law,
LAW, revenge, and mercy, interweaving the central plot of Shylock's vengeful
pursuit of Antonio with the romantic subplot of Bassanio and Portia. The
play explores the fine line between personal vengeance and the official
MERCY, legal system. Shylock's adherence to the Venetian legal framework to seek
retribution underscores the intricate connection between law and revenge.
AND In the courtroom scene of Act 4, Scene 1, both the Duke and Portia
REVENGE advocate for mercy as a superior alternative to strict adherence to the law
or seeking revenge. Shylock's explicit refusal to show mercy creates a
stark contrast. However, when the Christians spare Shylock's life,
claiming mercy, Shylock's plea for death raises questions about the
genuine nature of mercy. The play, therefore, leaves the audience
pondering the complexities of justice, revenge, and compassion, refusing
to offer a clear-cut resolution and allowing for diverse interpretations of
mercy's true meaning. Shakespeare skillfully engages with these profound
philosophical questions, inviting the audience to reflect on the nuances of
human morality and societal values.
 The primary grievance that Antonio has against Shylock is that he is
greedy—for charging interest to those who borrow money from him when
they are in need. The Venetians implicitly contrast Shylock's greed with
GREED VS. the
GENEROSITY generosity that they show one another. For instance, Antonio is willing to
place his whole "purse and person" at Bassanio's disposal and regularly
saves
other Christians from having to pay interest to Shylock by paying off their
debts for them.
It seems that, like love or mercy, generosity is limitless, unbounded.
However,
The Merchant of Venice also frequently begs the question of whether
friends
aren't using friends, or lovers their lovers, for materialistic reasons. For
instance, why is the perpetually indebted Bassanio so intent on wooing the
rich Portia? And as Portia's and Nerissa's anger over the rings that their
husbands give away in the final scene reflects, even the freest gift-giving
comes with strings attached, like the rules governing Shylock's more
frankly
capitalistic contracts.
 Symbol
THE POUND OF FLESH
The fact that Bassanio’s debt is to be paid
with Antonio’s flesh is significant,
showing how their friendship is so
binding it has made them almost one.
Shylock’s determination is strengthened
by Jessica’s departure, as if he were
seeking recompense for the loss of his
own flesh and blood by collecting it from
his enemy
 Important Important
QUOTES QUOTES
“The pound of flesh, A Daniel come to Art thou contended Jew?
which I demand of him, judgment! yea, a Daniel! -Portia
Is dearly bought: tis mine (223)
and I will have it. If you -Shylock
deny me, fie upon your
law! There is no force in
the decrees of Venice.
I stand for judgement:
answer; shall I have it?
(99–103)”
-Portia
ANY QUESTIONS?
QUIZ TIME
 Complete
Complete the
the phrase
phrase “quality
“quality of
of mercy
mercy __________
__________

The quality
The quality of
of mercy
mercy isis not
not Quality
Quality of
of mercy
mercy is
is aa drop
drop of
of
A strain’d
strain’d B heaven
heaven

Qualityof
Quality ofmercy
mercyisisaaquality
qualitydropped
dropped
C Quality of
Quality of mercy
mercy isis something
something D fromheaven
from heaven
 Complete
Complete the
the phrase
phrase “quality
“quality of
of mercy
mercy __________
__________

The quality
The quality of
of mercy
mercy isis not
not Quality
Quality of
of mercy
mercy is
is aa drop
drop of
of
A strain’d
strain’d B heaven
heaven

CORRECT Wrong

Qualityof
Quality ofmercy
mercyisisaaquality
qualitydropped
dropped
C Quality of
Quality of mercy
mercy isis something
something D fromheaven
from heaven

Wrong Wrong
 Who
Who was
was dressed
dressed as
as the
the clerk
clerk in
in the
the court
court of
of Venice
Venice

A Portia
Portia B Jessica
Jessica

C Nerissa
Nerissa D Gratiano
Gratiano
 Who
Who was
was dressed
dressed as
as the
the clerk
clerk in
in the
the court
court of
of Venice
Venice

A Portia
Portia B Jessica
Jessica

Wrong Wrong

C Nerissa
Nerissa D Gratiano
Gratiano

CORRECT Wrong
 As
AsAct
Act IV
IV opens,
opens, the
the Duke
Duke speaks
speaks to
toAntonio.
Antonio. How
How does
does the
the Duke
Duke feel
feel about
aboutAntonio’s
Antonio’s predicament?
predicament?

A Doesn’t care
Doesn’t care B Feels
Feels sorry
sorry for
for him
him

C Happy for
Happy for him
him D Angrywith
Angry withhim
him
 As
AsAct
Act IV
IV opens,
opens, the
the Duke
Duke speaks
speaks to
toAntonio.
Antonio. How
How does
does the
the Duke
Duke feel
feel about
aboutAntonio’s
Antonio’s predicament?
predicament?

A Doesn’t care
Doesn’t care B Feels
Feels sorry
sorry for
for him
him

Wrong CORRECT

C Happy for
Happy for him
him D Angrywith
Angry withhim
him

Wrong Wrong
 What
What isis Shylock’s
Shylock’s response
response to
to the
the offer?
offer?

A Doesn’t care
Doesn’t care B Wouldn’t
Wouldn’t take
take 36000
36000 ducats
ducats

C IIAccept
Accept D Youare
You areaachristian
christian
 What
What isis Shylock’s
Shylock’s response
response to
to the
the offer?
offer?

A Doesn’t care
Doesn’t care B Wouldn’t
Wouldn’t take
take 36000
36000 ducats
ducats

Wrong CORRECT

C IIAccept
Accept D Youare
You areaachristian
christian

Wrong Wrong
Antonio
Antonio offers
offers to
to return
return half
half of
of Shylock’s
Shylock’s estate
estate on
on the
the condition
condition Shylock
Shylock
___?
___?

Gives
Gives money
money to
to Jessica
Jessica ans
ans
A He remain
He remain Jewish
Jewish B lorenzo
lorenzo

C He marries
He marries Nerissa
Nerissa D Convertsto
Converts toChristianity
Christianity
Antonio
Antonio offers
offers to
to return
return half
half of
of Shylock’s
Shylock’s estate
estate on
on the
the condition
condition Shylock
Shylock
___?
___?

Gives
Gives money
money to
to Jessica
Jessica ans
ans
A He remain
He remain Jewish
Jewish B lorenzo
lorenzo

Wrong Wrong

C He marries
He marries Nerissa
Nerissa D Convertsto
Converts toChristianity
Christianity

Wrong CORRECT
THANKS
-Swayam Shah, Veer Doshi, Siddhartha
Desai, Arnav Mehta, Jiyansh Shah Karia

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