The Merchant of Venice ll Act 4

Act Four, Scene One

1) What does the Duke believe Antonio intends to do? (Black Pg. 147, Blue Pg.85) 

The duke believes Shylock was acting cruelly until Antonio begs for mercy

2) What does Shylock intend to do?

He intends to get a pound of flesh out of Antonio.

3) Finish this quote that tells us why, ‘You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh, than to receive three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that, but to say it is my humour, is it answered?’ (Black Pg. 149, Blue Pg.86) 

4) What two loopholes does Portia find in the wording of the contract? (Black Pg. 165-167, Blue Pg.95-96) 
First, Shylock can't take less or more than a pound of flesh. Second, he can't drop a shred of blood when he cuts his flesh out.

5) Shylock now has to pay penalties. Complete this quotes that tell us what the penalties are: ‘I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it, For half thy wealth, it is Antonio's, the other half comes to the general state’ (Black Pg. 169, Blue Pg.97) 

6) Are the penalties fair? Why/why not.

Not really, because the penalty says that Shylock can cut a pound of flesh out of Antonio. But he also wants him dead which wasn't on the bond.

7) How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?

Shylock will give all his goods to Jessica and Lorenzo when he dies.

8) What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?

She claims the ring because Bassanio promise to never take it off as a promise.

9) Portia tells Shylock ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’. How does she try to persuade Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to show him ((Black Pg. 157-159, Blue Pg.91-92) )
- She will give him any amount of money just to save Antonio. 

Act Four, Scene Two

1) What invitation does Portia refuse and why?

Portia refuses to have dinner with Bassanio because she needed to go to Shylock's house.

2) What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?

She intends to get her husband's ring so she can check if he's loyal or not.

3) Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel. Use examples to support your thinking. 

I admire Portia because she's willing to help her husband's friend.