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ICSE Notes 2017 : English Paper 2 (English Literature) (Hiranandani Foundation School (HFS), Thane)(Act 4 Q&A)

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Kabir Nasir
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ACT IV - SCENE 1 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. (i) Where does this scene take place? What has the Duke said before this extract about the hard-hearted adversary? Ans: The scene takes place in a court of Justice in Venice. Before this extract of Antonio, the Duke says that he pities him for he has come to defend himself against an opponent who was hard hearted and a cruel wretch who did not have any sympathy for him. (ii) 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? Ans: The rigorous course refers to the strict court proceedings which the Duke himself has tried to persuade Shylock to soften, but in vain. Antonio says that no lawful means can carry him out of his enemies reach as he is aware of Shylock s hatred towards all Christians in general and Antonio in particular. Since his failure to honour the terms of the deal has given Shylock a golden opportunity. There are no laws of the land that can save Antonio now. (iii) From the speech of the Duke before the extract, give an example to show that the Duke was annoyed with Shylock. Ans: Before this extract the Duke addresses Antonio, sympathises with him by saying that it is pitiful that he has to defend himself against an inhuman wretch, a strong adversary who was incapable of pity, void and empty from any dream of mercy. The uses of these words show how annoyed the Duke was with Shylock. (iv) In what mood are Shylock and Antonio at this juncture? Ans: While Shylock s fiendish nature of hatred and revenge is at its zenith, Antonio is calmer and appears to have resigned to fate. 2. Duke: But touch d with human gentleness and love ,........................a gentle answer, Jew. (i) In what way does the Duke expect Shylock to mitigate his stand towards the forfeiture? Ans: The Duke makes a last minute attempt to make Shylock show mercy on Antonio. He tells Shylock that it is everyone s opinion and his too, that he only intends to keep up this show of severity and hatred until the last stage of the case. Then, it believed, he will suddenly relent and show a kindness and pity, which will be more wonderful and amazing than his present appearance of unrelenting malice. People say that although Shylock is now claiming the penalty, which is a pound of flesh of Antonio, the unfortunate merchant, he will let him off this payment. He will be influenced by human tenderness and sympathy for the losses Antonio has suffered and will generously forgive him part of the debt, of the principal sum of three thousand ducats. His losses have been so heavy, and have come so thick and fast upon him lately, that they have been enough to ruin even a merchant prince such as he is. They are enough to draw pity and sympathy for his condition, from hearts as hard as brass and stone, and even from savage Turks and Tartars who have never been schooled in act of kindness and love. The Duke then tells Shylock that everyone hopes that he will give a sympathetic reply to his appeal. (ii) What is meant by a moiety of the principal ? Why does the Duke request Shylock to have mercy on Antonio? Ans: A moiety of the principal literally means a part of the principal amount of sum loaned. The Duke does so in a last minute attempt to show mercy on Antonio so that his life can be saved. (iii) Who are the Turks and Tartars? What is said about them in the extract? Ans: Turks and Tartars were certain Asiatic races which the Elizabethans believed to be uncivilized. The Duke says that Antonio s condition is enough to even draw pity from the hard as brass hearts of the savage Turks and Tartars who have never been schooled in acts of kindness and love. (iv) Why does Shylock refuse to have mercy upon Antonio? Ans: Shylock refuses to have mercy upon Antonio as he has taken on an oath by his holy Sabbath to see that the terms of the forfeit are carried out. 3. Shylock Now, for your answer : ....................... ............ Are you answer d? (i) 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? Ans: When the Duke makes one final attempt to make Shylock show mercy and asks Shylock why he insists on having a pound of rotten flesh than the money, Shylock answers in this manner. Shylock first answers by saying that he has a fancy for it. Then to aggravate his pain and gratify his malignity he goes on to say that he has individual whims like other men. He says suppose his house is infested with rats, he may spend ten thousand ducats to have them poisoned. He asks the Duke whether he understands now. There are some people who cannot tolerate the sight of an open-mouthed roasted pig. Some people become almost frantic by the sight of a cat. Still others feel infuriated to hear the scream of the bag-pipe. In all these cases, there is no definite reason for hating these things. It is just a matter of personal taste. What we like or dislike is not determined by any reason but just by a strong whim or mood, which can overpower our reason. (ii) How does Bassanio react to what Shylock says in the extract? Ans: Bassanio is extremely angry as he feels helpless and says that his answer is no excuse, for his merciless course of action and further asks him whether a man is obliged to seek the death of everything he dislikes. (iii) If Antonio is shown mercy by the Duke, against the wishes of Shylock what would be the implication? Ans: If Antonio is shown mercy by the Duke and refuses to let the law be carried out, the reputation of his city will suffer. The Duke then has to be prepared to face the danger of losing the very liberty of his State by leading to a revocation of the Imperial charter which gives it. 4. Antonio I pray you, think you question with the Jew : ..... ................ than which what s harder? (i) What argument takes place just before this extract? Ans: When Bassanio asks Shylock whether a man is obliged to seek death of everything he dislikes, Shylock replies with another question and wants to know when a man hates a thing intensely, why should he not kill it willingly. (ii)Give two examples from the extract to show that it is useless to plead with the Jew to show mercy. Ans: To prove that it is useless to plead with a Jew like Shylock, Antonio tells Bassanio that he might as well stand on the sea-shore and ask the tide not to ride so high, but it was useless arguing with a Jew. Secondly, he may as well ask the wolf why he has made the mother sheep mourn for the lamb he had devoured but there was no hope to soften Shylock s heart. (iii) What reason does Shylock give for his hatred for Antonio? Ans: Shylock says that he hates Antonio because he has been insulted by Antonio several times. At the Rialto, Antonio has kicked him, spat on him, called him a dog only because he was a Jew, true to his religion and collected steep interest for the money he loaned to people. Antonio being a Christian considered himself much more superior and often did not collect any interest. (iv) Bassanio offers Shylock six thousand ducats. What is Shylock s reaction to the offer? Ans: Shylock tells Bassanio if he were to double it, and double it again three times over, he would still refuse to accept thirty six thousand ducats. He wants the penalty to be paid. 5. Shylock Why sweat they under burdens? .................................. ................ shall I have it? (i) 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? Ans: They refers to the slaves whom the Christians generally bought to make them do the servile tasks. The beds here refer to the comfortable beds of the affluent Christians. (ii) How is the pound of flesh dearly bought by Shylock? Ans: Shylock argues that if he asks the Christians to treat their slaves differently, they would reply that they could treat them as they wished as they were their property, having paid for them. Similarly, the pound of flesh which he claims from Antonio has been bought by him at a high price and therefore, he has every right to have it. (iii) Why does Shylock keenly say, I stand for judgment ? Ans: Shylock keenly says I stand for judgement as he knows that along with Antonio, even the Duke is bound by the law of the State. 6. Bassanio: Good Cheer, Antonio! What, man, .................... ..................... lose for me one drop of blood. Antonio I am a tainted wether ...................................... ..................... and write mine epitaph. (i) How did Bassanio encourage Antonio assuring him of every help? Ans: Bassanio tells Antonio to cheer up and be brave as he is ready to give his own flesh to the greedy Shylock and his whole body too, before he will allow him to lose one drop of blood on his account. (ii) What is meant by tainted wether of the flock ? In what way is he meetest for death? Ans: Tainted wether of the flock means like a sick sheep in the herd, only fit to be taken out of the herd and slaughtered. He says this to prove that he alone should die and be sacrificed to Shylock s greed. (iii) What is an epitaph? Why does Antonio talk about the epitaph at this time? Ans: An epitaph is an inscription on a tombstone. He talks about an epitaph here as he wants Bassanio to live so that he can compose the inscription for his tomb. (iv) State the generous offer made by Bassanio to save his friend just before the extract. Ans: The generous offer that Bassanio makes is to pay double the amount of the debt, which is six thousand ducats. (v) Who comes to the scene immediately after Antonio s speech? Why does the person come? Ans: Immediately after this speech of Antonio, Nerissa enters dressed as a lawyer s clerk. The person has come with a letter of recommendation from Bellario saying that a young lawyer, Balthazar has been appraised of the case and will take his place in the court if the Duke allows. 7. Gratiano O, be thou damn d, inexecrable dog! ............................. starved, and ravenous. (i) Explain why Gratiano reacts violently in the extract. Ans: Gratiano reacts violently because not only does he feel helpless like Bassanio about saving Antonio, but is also extremely angry. He asserts that the fiendish nature of Shylock s revenge upon Antonio makes him almost lose faith in his own religion, namely, Christianity, which says that God made a man in His own image, and believe in the doctrine of the transmigration of souls taught by Pythagoras. (ii) Who was Pythagoras? What was the theory about rebirth according to him? Ans: Pythagoras was a famous Greek philosopher (540 510 BC) who believed that souls of men and animals appeared several times on earth, sometimes assuming higher and sometimes lower forms of life. (iii) How did the spirit of the wicked wolf enter into Shylock? Ans: According to Gratiano, the theory of Pythagoras is very apt in the case of Shylock, as all his inclinations are wolf-like, bloodthirsty, greedy and rapacious. Certainly the spirit dwelling in his breast must have formerly been that of a wolf. When its former body was slain, it took up its abode in his body. (iv) State clearly how Shylock ridicules Gratiano after the extract. Ans: Shylock laughs at Gratiano s violent outburst. He speaks very slowly to show it has not made the faintest impression on him. He tells him he is only injuring his lungs by all that noise. It is a mere waste of breath, unless curses can make his bond illegal. He sarcastically tells him to try to get more wisdom, or his understanding will soon be beyond hope of improvement. 8. Portia The quality of mercy is most strained . But mercy is above the scepted sway; (i) What is the meaning of strain d ? Why is the quality of mercy strained? Ans. The literal meaning of strain d is forced or compelled. Portia replies that the very characteristic of mercy is that there can be no compulsion in its exercise. It is beyond the power of man and the law to compel a man to be merciful. Mercy is a purely voluntary action, whereas justice has the compelling force of the law. (ii) In what way is mercy twice blessed and is mightiest in the mightiest? Ans. According to Portia mercy is doubly blessed as it blesses the person who showers mercy and also him who receives it. It is therefore the greatest quality in the most powerful man. (iii) What is a sceptre? What does the sceptre signify? Ans. A sceptre is a rod which a king holds in his hand, symbolizing his royal power. The sceptre is the emblem of his worldly power, reminding men of the respect due to law and majesty. But mercy is something far above this earthly power; it is noble quality coming from the very heart of the king. It is a tribute to almighty God, and the power of things is most divine in its working when justice is mingled with mercy. (iv) Why does Portia say that if strict justice is followed none of us would have salvation? Ans. Portia say so in order to make shylock understand that we all pray to God for mercy and that same prayer we make should teach us to show mercy to others. She says so as a warning as she has planned to expose the cruel nature of Shylock for which he will have to seek mercy. (v) What does Shylock say in answer to Portia s mercy plea? Ans. Shylock has closed his mind to all such arguments as Portia gives him. In answer to her plea, he merely calls down on all his own head, all responsibility for his acts. He demands justice and the carrying of the agreement. (vi) Why does Portia later say, We do pray for mercy ? What does this prayer teach us about mercy? Ans. As she speaks of mercy, Portia tells the Jew to consider, that though he asks for justice, if strict justice were to be meted out to all, no one can enter heaven. We all pray to God for mercy, not for justice. We pray to him to forgive us our trespasses that we may forgive those who trespass against us . He who needs God s mercy to be shown to him, should show mercy to the man who need it from him. Therefore Portia requests Shylock not to press for mercy to the man bare in case, but to forgo his legal rights, and to season justice with mercy. 9. Portia: Why, this bond is forfeit bid me tear the bond Shylock: When it is paid according to the tenour ..I stay here on my bond (i) What is meant by this bond is forfeit ? How is the bond now forfeit? Ans. This bond is forfeit means the penalty must be paid as the agreement has been broken. The bond has become forfeit as Antonio has failed to repay the money that Shylock loaned him, after the stipulated period. Moreover, Shylock has turned down several pleas of mercy. Therefore the bond has now become forfeit in all aspects. (ii) Why does Shylock call Portia a worthy Judge? What was she compared to Daniel earlier? Ans. Shylock calls Portia a worthy Judge as she agrees to the fact that the bond has been forfeit and therefore pronounces the judgement in favour of Shylock. Daniel was a wise Jewish prophet . He was a wise Judge as Solomon. Once, a pious Jewish woman named Susannah was falsely accused by some elders of misdemeanour. Daniel, cleverly cross- examined the elders separately and caused one of them to contradict the other s statements. In this way, he enabled justice to triumph and saved Susannah. So Shylock is comparing Portia for her wisdom with Daniel the Prophet, for she refuses to break the law on the ground that bad precedent will be created. (iii) What was Shylock s reaction when Portia offered him twice the due amount for the first time? Ans. When Portia tells Shylock that thrice the money has been offered to him, Shylock tells her that he has sworn an oath before God to have nothing but his bond. He cannot commit the sin of breaking an oath; not the whole wealth of Venice can convince him to break his oath. (iv) State Why Shylock was confident that no one could take away his right to forfeiture. Ans. Shylock was confident as he had a written legal document signed by Antonio in the presence of witness. 10. 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, then; pay the bond thrice, And let the Christian go. Bassanio Here is the money. (i) What is the law as interpreted by Portia just before this extract? Ans: The law as interpreted by Portia, is that the bond permits Shylock to have a pound of flesh but not the smallest drop of blood. So while cutting the pound of flesh if one drop of the Christian s blood is spilled, then by the laws of Venice, all his land and property will be confiscated by the State of Venice. (ii) Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest. What kind of justice is Shylock going to have? Ans: When Shylock drew the document his only intention was to take revenge on Antonio. Therefore, he took all precautions to trap him. That was his only desire. When Portia turned the tables against him, she says that since he wanted justice, she proposes to give him more than he desires. So, he began the entire trap episode expecting the least; that is harming only Antonio. But he ends up losing not only his property but even his freedom and dignity. (iii) Why does Gratiano rejoice by repeating the words, O learned judge ? Ans: Gratiano rejoices by repeating the words O learned judge as he merrily taunts Shylock. Now that the tide has turned, Gratiano throws back at Shylock his words in praise of Portia s wisdom. He calls Portia a most honourable judge. He tells Shylock to notice well that she is a most wise judge. (iv) When the money being offered by Bassanio, what does Portia say by declining the offer? Ans: Portia states that Shylock shall have the justice he asks for, to the fullest extent. She tells Bassanio not to be in such a hurry. Shylock can have nothing now, but the exact fulfilment of the bond. (v) After the extract, what loophole in the bond is highlighted by Portia? And: When Portia tells Shylock to proceed in cutting off Antonio s pound of flesh, Portia defeats Shylock with further legal technicalities. She tells him first of all to be careful not to spill a single drop of blood. Further, she tells him to be careful to cut neither more nor less than an exact pound. If he fails in cutting that amount precisely and if he cuts more or less than one exact pound, if it weighs lighter or heavier by the twentieth part of an insignificant grain, or if the beam of the scales inclines to one side only by the breadth of a hair, he will suffer the penalty of death, and all his possessions will be confiscated by State. 11. Duke He shall do this, 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. (i) State in your own words the pardon referred to in the extract? State the conditions under which the pardon is granted. Why does the duke threaten to recant the pardon? Ans: The Duke tells Shylock that he grants him his life before he asks for it, in order to show Shylock the difference between his nature and the nature of a Christian. As for half his riches, they now belong to Antonio, the merchant he plotted against. The other half belongs to the State, but if he repents and humbly begs for mercy, the State may just impose a fine, instead of taking the full amount. (ii) What two conditions did Antonio impose on Shylock for being allowed to retain half of his wealth? Ans: Antonio answers Portia that he will be very glad if the court remits the fine in place of one half of Shylock s goods which comes to the State, provided that Shylock draws up a will leaving this half, which re retains during his lifetime, to Lorenzo and Jessica on his death and that he becomes a Christian. Antonio will hold the half, awarded to him in trust also for the benefit of Lorenzo and Jessica. He will give them money regularly until shylock dies. Then he will give it all to them. (iii) What would Gratiano do if he were the judge? What comic effect does Gratiano s offer make in the context? Ans: Gratiano says that if he were the judge who would pronounce the sentence, Shylock should have had a jury of twelve man who would sentence him to be hanged on the gallows instead of being baptized at the font. When a man is admitted to the Christian faith through baptism by holy water, he has two godfathers to ensure that he grows up to be a good Christian. Godfathers was also a funny name for the members of the jury a body of twelve men who were needed to pass a sentence on a criminal. It is alluded here that a jury of twelve men would have condemned Shylock to death. (iv) How can you conclude that Shylock is in a frustrated mood at this time? What are your feelings for Shylock at the end of this scene? Ans: Shylock s obsession with revenge breaks down only when his intention to kill Antonio is thwarted and utter destitution threatens him. His sense of reality returns now. He exclaims that there is no point in pardoning his life if the prop that sustains it is taken away. Now his greed for money returns and he asks for his three thousand ducats, but it is refused. He is deprived of almost all his property, of his religion, and of his daughter. Shylock s fall is truly pathetic. We feel sorry for him in spite of his horrible inhumanity. On the other hand, he has brought the troubles upon himself. He insisted on the letter of the law and is defeated by the letter of the law. We cannot excuse his conduct of heartless cruelty at all. 12. Portia You press me far, and therefore I will yield . And you in love shall not deny me this. Bassanio This ring . .. give you this. Portia I will have nothing. .. I have a mind to it. (i) What does Portia say about the payment for her services? How does Bassanio insist that Portia should take something as a token of gratitude? Ans: Portia tells them that one who is well pleased with one s work is sufficiently rewarded. She is well pleased that she had been the means of liberating them from the power of Jew, and she considers that a sufficient recompenses. She has never thought of any other payment than the pleasure of doing a good action. She will be happy to renew their acquaintance when they meet again. She will now wish them farewell with many good wishes for their welfare. Bassanio tells Portia that he really must press her to accept something as a token of their gratitude. If she will not take it as a payment for her skill, let it be a gift, a token of their friendship. He tells her to do him two favours; first not to refuse this request and second to forgive his persistence. (ii) What does Portia asks Bassanio to give her as token? Ans: Portia replies that he urges her so strongly, that she really cannot refuse. She tells Antonio that as a token of their friendship, she will accept the gloves he is carrying and wear them in remembrance of him. She asks Bassanio that as a memento of their friendship, she will take the ring that he is wearing. (iii) Why does Bassanio say that it is a shame to give Portia what she has asked? Ans: Bassanio draws back his hand and is very unwilling to part with his ring. He tells Portia that the ring is far from valuable. He really cannot think of allowing her to accept such a paltry gift. (iv) What is the reality that makes Bassanio hesitant to comply to Portia s request? What does he offered to do instead? Aans: Bassanio replies that he does not hesitate merely because of the worth of the ring. The ring means more to him because of its actual value. He will send a proclamation throughout the whole city of Venice and discover the most valuable ring in it to present to her but as regards this particular ring he beseeches her to forgive him if he refuses to give it. (v) How does Portia reacts to his hesitation even after Bassanio tells her of his promise made to his wife. Ans: Portia remarks that many a man who does not wish to give a present, gives that as a reason for refusing one. If his wife is a sensible person and understands what Portia has done to earn this ring from him, she will soon relent. She will not be angry for long with him for giving her the ring. (vi) What make Bassanio change his mind and part with the ring? Ans: Antonio tells Bassanio that he should let Portia have the ring. He tells him that the promise he made to his wife should be outweighed on this occasion by Portia s merit and by the love he bears for Antonio. Bassanio feels that he cannot refuse his friend, Antonio anything. So he sends Gratiano after Portia with the ring. He tells Gratiano to hasten and reach Portia before she departs. vii) What effect does the ring episode have on the audience? Ans: The comedy of the ring episode has its origin in this scene. Towards the end of the scene, Portia and Nerissa cleverly managed to get their rings from their husbands. The parting with the ring subsequently leads to a lot of mirth and laughter. The ring episode provides the welcome relief needed of the tension after the trial scene. The scene serves as a comic interlude. Narissa s act of imitating her mistress and asking for her own ring from Gratiano reflects the culture of the people of humble backgournd trying to imitate the manners and ways of the nobility. The ring episode and the disguise theme add humour to the play and offers the much required relief after the intense Trial Scene. Act IV Scene II 1. Portia: Inquire the jew s house.......... ................................................. .............well welcome Lorenzo Gratiano: Fair sir, you well o erta en ................................................ ..................at dinner (i) Which deed is referred in this extract? What are the contents of the deed? Why will Lorenzo be happy to have the deed? Ans: The deed refers to the deed that Portia has prepared for Shylock to sign. According to the bond, half of his property would be given to Antonio and other half to the state. Lorenzo will be happy to have the deed as Antonio has requested the Duke to relieve Shylock of his debt to the state and he himself be given the use of Shylock s fortune, which upon his death will be given to Jessica and Lorenzo, thus securing their future. (ii) Where is Portia going that night? Why should she reach home before her husband? Under what pretext was she away from home? Ans: Portia plans to return to her house in Belmont. She has to reach home before her husband so that she can continue with the disguise plan for a little while more. She can catch her husband for giving away the ring to some other woman. She was away from home with Nerissa under the pretext of going to a monastery until her husband returned. 2. Portia: That cannot be: ........................ ....................old Shylock s house Gratiano: That will i do Nerissa: Sir, I would speak...... .................................. ......keep for ever. (i) To what does Portia refer when she says, That cannot be ? Why do you think she say so? Ans. That cannot be refers to the invitation to dinner by Bassanio which Portia says will be impossible for her to accept. She says so because she doesn t want to be caught in the disguise of a lawyer. Secondly she plans to reach Belmont before Bassanio reaches there. (ii) Who is the youth referred to in the extract? Why should the youth be shown Shylock s house? Ans. The youth referred to here is Nerissa disguised as a young man. The youth should be shown Shylock s house so that Shylock s signature can be obtained on the deed. (iii) What trick is Nerissa planning? How would Nerissa and Portia challenge their husbands about their rings? How will this incident later on have a comic effect in the play? Ans. Nerissa also plans to some how get the ring she had given Gratiano, the way Portia has obtained it from Bassanio. This incident later has a comic effect as first Nerissa, and then Portia accuses their respective husbands of giving away the rings and therefore being unfaithful in love. The comic effect comes about when the clever women outwit their men and finally declares that they won t marry unless they produce the ring. (iv) How does Act IV of the play end? How does it prepare the audience for the final Act? Ans. This scene is short as it is introduced merely to help the ring episode, as it accounts for Nerissa s getting her ring from Gratiano. It is also important to show the interval of time required to give Gratiano time to run and overtake Portia. Portia also fulfils her duty by sending the deed to Shylock for his signature. It announces the return of Portia and Nerissa to Bassanio before their husbands.

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