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ICSE Notes 2018 : English Paper 2 (English Literature) (Bhagwanti Education Centre, Kanpur Nagar)MERCHANT OF VENICE

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The Merchant of Venice, Act I, Scene III Extract I Bassanio: For the which, as I told you Bassanio: Have you heard any imputation to the contrary? 1. Give the conditions to which Antonio is bound. How wise was Antonio to bind himself to such conditions? Ans.Antonio is bound to a bond according to which if he fails to repay the amount in due time, Shylock will be entitled to take an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio s body that he may wish. It was very unwise of Antonio to misjudge Shylock s intentions and sign such a fatal bond. 2. Give the meaning of: May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Ans.Can you help me and will you do me this favour? 3. Shylock says that Antonio is a good man. What does Shylock mean with the connotation good ? Ans.When Shylock says the above words, he means that Antonio is a reliable man, whose surety is sufficient to give a loan. 4. Enumerate the possible threats to Antonio s business ventures as stated by Shylock, after the above extract. Ans.Shylock enumerates the possible dangers to Antonio s merchandise-ships being only planks of wood are apt to be broken; the mariners being merely human beings, are liable to be drowned; there are pirates on the waters; and there are all the dangers of the ocean from the gales, tempests and dangerous rocks. 5. How can it be proved that Antonio is a prudent businessman but he is overconfident? Ans.Antonio can considered as a prudent businessman as his wealth is distributed over the whole world. one of Antonio s ship is on its journey to Tripolis, another is bound for the Indies, a third is voyaging to Mexico, fourth to England and others to various other distant places. He is so overconfident of his riches that he agrees to an unreasonable and dangerous bond. Extract II Shylock: How like a fawining publican .most do congregate 1. What is meant by a fawning publican ? Give three reasons why Shylock hates Antonio. Ans.Publicans were tax collectors for the Romans and were generally oppressive. They were hated by the Jews because they were the agents of Rome, who collected taxes also from the Jews. Publican is a natural term of contempt and loathing in the mouth of a Jew. Shylock hats Antonio because he is a Christian, lends money without interest and hurls abuses on him. 2. Give the meaning of the following: a) Low simplicity: Childish foolishness b) Gratis: Free of interest c) Rate of usance: rate of interest 3. Write the meaning of the following in your own words: I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him Ans.The above words mean that if Shylock could get hold of Antonio at a disadvantage or in a weak spot, he will satisfy fully the long-standing hatred he has against him. 4. What old grudge does Shylock have against Antonio? Ans.Shylock had a long-standing grudge against Antonio because Antonio was a Christian and looked upon the holy Jewish race with contempt. He used to lend money without interest. He even spat on Shylock, kicked him and called a cut-throat dog. 5. What does the sacred nation refer to? What insults has Antonio heaped upon Shylock? Ans.The Sacred Nation is a reference to the holy Jewish race. Antonio insults Shylock for his business deals and for earning profit by lending money on interest. 6. How does Shylock plan to get the money immediately? What light does this extract throw on Shylock s character? Ans.Shylock plans to get money immediately from a wealthy fellow-Jew, Tubal. It shows that Shylock wants to execute the bond as soon as possible and use the chance to take his revenge on Antonio. Extract III Shylock: When Jacob grazed . Shylock: Should fall as Jacob s hire. 1. What topic is referred to in the extract? Who were Jacob and Abhraham? Ans.The topic referred to in the extract is lending money for interest. Jacob was the second son of Issac who became the third successor to Abraham. Abraham was the founder of the Hebrew nation and Jacob s grandfather. 2. Give the story of Jacob who got his share as his payment from Laban. Ans.Laban was Jacob s uncle. Jacob and Laban entered into an agreement that Jacob would receive as his wages the lambs which were born with spots or stripes. During the breeding season, Jacob arranged the wooden rods in such a way that the shadows of the rods should fall on the sheep. Consequently, most of the lambs were born spotted or stripped, and thus, they became Jacob s property. 3. What is the difference between taking interest and receiving payment for one s labour?. Ans.Taking interest means to charge specific amounts on the money given as loan for a specified period. Receiving payment for one s labour means to take remuneration for one s service rendered. This is legitimate while taking interest is not in order. 4. What role did Jacob s wise mother play to make him the third possessor? Ans.Esau and Jacob were Issac s sons. Issac wanted to bless his elder son Esau but would do so after he brought him some savoury meant. Jacob s mother Rebecca overheard thisconversation. She wanted to get this blessing for Jacob. She told Jacob to fetch two goats to make a savoury dish. Rebecca then asked Jacob to go to his blind father with the savoury meat. In this way, Jacob, through the crafty assistance of his mother, got the blessing of his father. 5.How does Antonio interpret Jacob s success after this extract? Ans.After this extract, Antonio tells Shylock that it was purely a matter of chance in Jacob s case. He had no control over it himself, but providence guided and governed the event. It was not a matter in the hands of men, like the taking of interest. Extract IV Antonio: Well, Shylock, shall we be beholding to you? .for all use of that which is mine own. 1. What is meant by shall we be beholding to you ? What is Rialto? Ans.Shall we be beholding to you -this statement was made by Antonio and he wants to say to Shylock, Are you going to lend us money? Rialto was the Venetian Stock Exchange where the merchants met for the transaction of business. 2. Give some examples to show that Shylock was ill-treated by Antonio. How did Shylock react to Antonio s insults? Ans.Shylock speaks of his ill-treatment at the hands of Antonio. He says that Antonio had spat upon his Jewish robe in contempt and called him an unbeliever and a cur. He had also spat upon his beard. On another day, he had pushed him aside with his foot as if he were a stray dog being kicked out of his house. Shylock reacted to Antonio s insults patiently. 3. Why did Shylock bear Antonio s insults patiently? Ans.Shylock bore Antonio s insults patiently since, as a shrewd Jew, he was waiting for an opportune time to take revenge on Antonio. Earlier, in the scene Shylock admits that patience is the badge of his race. 4. Give the causes, financial and racial, for Shylock s hatred for Antonio. Ans.Financially Antonio is a threat to Shylock s money lending business because he lends money without charging interest and thus brings down the rate of interest charged by money lenders. Besides, he hates Antonio since he is a Christian, who despises the Jewish race. 5. What is the need for Antonio to borrow money from his enemy? Ans.Antonio needs to borrow money from his enemy Shylock to give it to Bassanio, his friend so that he can go to Belmont to woo the rich lady Portia. 6. Which trait of Shylock s character emerges in this scene? Ans.In this scene, Shylock is presented as shrewd, cunning and crafty. However, the most evident trait of his character is that of revenge- to take revenge on Antonio for all the insults heaped on him by Antonio. He is eager to execute the bond-document for this purpose. Extract V Shylock: Why, look you, how you scorn! ..kind I offer. 1. What were the shames which stained Shylock? Ans.Shylock is referring to the insults hurled on him by Antonio such as speaking abusively of him and his money-lending, spitting on him, kicking him, calling him a dog and ridiculing the Jews. 2. What is meant by the present wants ? On what terms is the speaker willing to supply the wants? Ans.The present wants refer to the immediate need of Antonio-three thousand ducats to provide for Bassanio s trip to Belmont to woo Portia. The speaker is ready to supply the wants provided Antonio signs a bond, according to which if Antonio is unable to pay him the money on the specified date, the penalty to be paid will be an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio s body. 3. How does Antonio storm Shylock? Why was Shylock willing to lend money without interest? Ans.Antonio storms Shylock by saying that in future too he is likely to abuse and disgrace him and that he should lend the money as to an enemy rather than a friend. He challenges him exact the penalty if he fails to repay on time. Shylock is willing to lend the money without interest because he wants to trap Antonio in a fatal bond and take his revenge. 4. What did the speaker propose to do immediately after this? Ans.Immediately after this, the speaker proposes to Antonio to accompany him to a lawyer and execute a bond with his signature wherein the forfeit to be paid will be an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio s body. 5. What is meant by Shylock when he says: This is kind I offer ? Ans.This is kind I offer you means this is the kindness that I offer you. This refers to his lending of money without charging any interest on it. 6. Who is the third person, present at the scene? Why is he reluctant to agree to Shylock s terms? Ans.The third person present at the scene is Bassanio. He is reluctant to agree to Shylock s terms because he did not trust the kind words uttered by Shylock. He tells Antonio that he will not have him make such an agreement on his account. He would rather remain as poor as he is now and do without his wants supplied at such a price. Extract VI Shylock; Go with me to a notary .pleaseth me. 1. Who is a notary? Whom does Shylock want to take to the notary? Why? Ans.A notary is a lawyer who has the authority to execute official and legal dealings and agrrements. Shylock want to take Antonio to the notary to sign the bond document which stipulates that the forfeit to be paid will be a pound of flesh from any part of Antonio s body. 2. Give the meaning of: a) Single bond: agreement in which Antonio will be the only signatory b) Merry sport: for a pleasant joke. 3. What does Bassanio say to prevent Antonio from signing the bond? Ans.Bassanio tells Antonio that he will not have him make such an agreement on his account. He adds that he would rather remain as poor as he is now and do without his wants supplied at such a price. 4. Why is Antonio confident that there is no danger in signing the bond? What aspect of Antonio s character is shown in this incident? Ans.Antonio is confident that there is no danger in signing the bond because he is confident that one month before the date of payment, his ships will have brought nine times the amount they are borrowing and they will not have to pay the penalty. This incident shows Antonio s overconfidence and generosity towards Bassnio. 5. Why does Shylock insist on a pound of Antonio s flesh in the bond? Which aspect of his character is shown in his absurd demand? Ans.Shylock insists on a pound of Antonio s flesh to take revenge on him and to put him completely at his mercy. Shylock s hatred for Antonio and Christians is shown in his absurd demand. Taking advantage of the situation, he wants to take revenge on Antonio and all Christians, who persecuted him and his race. The Merchant of Venice, Act II Scene 7 Extract I Portia: Go draw aside the curtains ..make your choice 1. Who is asked to draw aside the curtains? Who is asked to make his choice? Ans.Portia asks one of her attendants to pull apart the curtains so that the different caskets are made visible. The prince Morocco is asked to make the choice. 2. What does Portia say later to the prince regarding the right casket? Ans.After reading the inscription on the three caskets, Morocco asks Portia how he will know if he chooses the right casket. Portia replies that her portrait will be in the right casket. If he selects that one, then she will be his wife. 3. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco finally choose? What are the reasons for his choice? Ans.The Prince of Morocco finally chooses the golden casket. Morocco argues that base lead cannot contain such a saintly person like Portia. Silver which is ten times inferior to gold also cannot hold Portia as he is such a rich gem. So he concludes that Portia, whom many men desire and is most precious must be contained in the golden casket. Besides, the English have a gold coin which with the figure of an angel engraved on it. Portia is an angel and hence her portrait may be in the golden casket. 4. For what reasons does the prince reject the other two caskets? Ans.He rejects the base lead arguing that it cannot contain such a noble person like Portia and silver which is ten times inferior to gold cannot contain Portia as she is such a rich gem. 5. What does the prince find when he opens the casket? Ans.When the prince opens the casket he finds a skull and in its eyeless socket a scroll. 6. How does the prince bid farewell to Portia? What does Portia say when the prince leaves the place? Ans.Morocco bids farewell to Portia with the warm-heartedness of a lover and says he must accept the cold comfort of the rejected. He says that his sorrow is too great for many words. Those who have lost their hearts desire depart thus sadly. When the prince leaves the place, Portia calls it a good riddance and wishes that every suitor like him should make a similar choice. Extract II Morocco Who chooseth me shall in love I do deserve. 1. On which casket do the words, who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves? Ans.On the silver casket 2. Why does Morocco initially doubt his worth to deserve the lady? Ans.Morocco initially doubts his worth to deserve the lady because he thinks that though by his own standard, his merits may be very high, yet those merits may not be sufficient enough to deserve Portia, as her reputation is greater than his. 3. Why does he change his mind and say that he deserves the lady? Ans.Morocco, after having doubts about his worth to win Portia, later on changes his mind. He feels that he deserves Portia because of his royal birth, his wealth, his virtues and his upbringing. Above all, he is worthy of her because of his deep affection for her. 4. Give the meaning of: A) And weigh thy value with an even hand And compare your personal worth impartially. B) A weak disabling of myself A sign of weakness which would bring discredit on myself. 5. Why does Morocco think that Portia s picture is not in the lead casket? ANS.Morocco read the inscription on the lead casket which stated that whosoever selects it must be prepared to give all and to risk everything. Morocco declares that no one except a fool will be prepared to risk everything for the sake of dull lead. He argues that lead cannot contain such a noble person like Portia. Extract III From the four corners of the earth ..to see fair Portia. 1. Who speaks these words? Where is he? What has he said about his courage in an earlier scene? ANS.The prince Morocco speaks these words. He is in a room in Portia s house getting ready to make his choice of caskets. In an earlier scene, Morocco said that with his sword he had slain the emperor of Persia and a Persian Prince, who had defeated Solyman of Turkey thrice. He boasted that he was courageous enough to confront a hungry lion, defy the most valiant warrior on earth and face the wrath of a mother-bear by separating its young ones from her. 2. What is the significance of the words Shrine and Saint in the context? ANS.Shrine is a place where any sacred relic of a holy person or the image of a saint is kept. In this context, the saint is Portia and the shrine is Belmont. The breathing saint is a reference to Portia. Morocco says that people came from every part of the globe to worship at the holy place which enshrines this living object of adoration-Portia. 3. What warning is given by Porita to the speaker before he makes the choice? ANS.Before he makes the choice, the speaker is told by Portia that the correct casket contains her picture and if he chooses it, she will be his wife. 4. Who are they that are referred to in the extract? What difficulties do they face while coming? ANS. They the refers to the many suitors who come to Belmont from all parts of the globe to woo Portia. While coming they travel through Persian deserts, wilderness of Arabia and even cross the ocean. 5. Give the meaning of: a) Hyrcanian deserts Hyrcania was a province of the ancient Persian empire. Hyrcanian deserts were deserts lying in the South of Caspian sea. b) Watery kingdom: The oceans and its fierce waves do not stop suitors 6. Why does the speaker reject the lead casket? ANS.The speaker rejects the lead casket since on it was written that whoever selects it must be prepared to give all and to risk everything for the dull lead. He thinks lead is too crude a metal even to enclose the winding sheet when she is buried in the grave. He asserts that the lead casket cannot hold Portia s picture and so he rejects it. Because silver is ten times inferior to gold and such a rich gem can never be set in anything less than gold. Extract IV Or shall I think in silver she s immured .and thrive I as I may. 1. Why does the prince think that Portia s picture not in the silver casket? ANS.Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver has only a tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything less than gold. 2. What is the sinful thought, why is it so? ANS.Sinful thought is the thought that Portia is contained in the silver casket because silver has only a tenth of the value of gold and a rich gem like Portia can never be set in anything less than gold. 3. Describe the coin referred to in the extract. What is the difference between an angel on the coin and the angel in the casket? ANS.The coin referred to in the extract is the gold coin in England on which the figure of Archangel Michael standing and piercing a dragon was engraved on one side. The coin was called an angel and its value was about ten shillings. Morocco says that the figure of the angel on the coin is engraved on the surface of the coin. It is outside, whereas Portia is an angel, who lies on a golden bed within the casket entirely hidden from view. 4. After opening the casket, the Prince finds a dead skull and a scroll. Explain what is written on the scroll? ANS.On the scroll it is written that things which make the most brilliant show are not always the truest metal. For the sake of mere gold, hundreds have risked and sacrificed their lives. Costly gold plated tombs may be erected, but they have no real value. Decay and death are all they contain. The Merchant of Venice, Act II, Scene 6 Extract I Gratiano: And it is marvel he out-dwells ..are with more spirit chased than enjoyed. 1. Where does this scene take place? Who has out-dwelt his hour? Normally what do the lovers do as far as the appointed time is concerned? Ans.This scene takes place in the street outside Shylock s house. Lorenzo has out-dwelt his hour to meet Gratiano and Salarino for the masque. Lovers generally rush to the meeting place long before the appointed hour. 2. Who is Venus? How do the Venu s pigeons behave as far as love is concerned? Ans.In Greek mythology, Venus is the goddess of love. Salarino comments that the doves that draw the chriot of Venus, the goddess of love, fly ten times faster when they are journeying to bind new love more firmly, than they do when love is already pledged and certain. 3. How does Gratiano explain in the extract the state of people in love? Ans.According to Gratiano, people in love are anxious to meet each other. They rush to their meeting places much before the appointed time. Thus, people in love keep punctuality in their meetings and never delay. 4. Give the meaning of: a) He out dwells his hour He overstays the time fixed by him to meet. b) To seal love s bonds new-made To bind new love more firmly 5. Explain the meaning of: Where is the horse that doth untread again His tedious measures with the unabated fire Ans.The above lines mean that you will not find even a house travel again over the same road on its return journey with the same energy and animation with which it set out. 6. All things that are, Are with more spirit chased than enjoyed How far is this statement brought out by giving the example of a ship? Ans.It means that the pursuit of any desired object is more enjoyable a task and gives more joy compared to the pleasure one gets on its attainment. The truth of the statement is brought about by the example of a ship. A ship with its sails spread and flags flying, sails out from the harbour like a high-spirited spendthrift youth in search of pleasure. But after being tossed about and hugged by the rough wind, it comes back to the port with broken planks and torn sails. It looks like the returning of the prodigal son, ruined by the faithless gales. Extract II Lorenzo: Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode ..who s within? 1. Where is Lorenzo and who are his sweet friends? Ans.Lorenzo is in the street outside Shylock s house. His sweet friends are Salarino and Gratiano. 2. What did his friends say about the anxiety of those in love? Ans.His friends said that lovers generally rush to meet each other before the appointed time. Salarino commented that the doves that draw the chariot of Goddess of love, fly ten times faster, when they are journeying to find new love than they do when love is once pledged and certain. 3. What were the affairs that kept the speaker away so long? Ans.The speaker was kept away so long due to his business affairs. Also he had to plan for the masquerade, in which he would elope with his lady-love, Jessica. 4. What is meant by to play the thieves for wives ? How apt are these remarks in the context? Ans.To play the thieves for wives means if ever any of them wishes to do what he is doing that night and steal away a fair lady to be his wife, he will wait as long as they have done to help him on the occasion. These remarks are quite relevant because Lorenzo wants to give the reason for his delay as well as thank his friends, whom he has kept waiting for a long time. 5. What does Lorenzo ask Jessica to do later in the scene? What is Jessica s reaction to his request? Ans.Later in the scene, Lorenzo tells Jessica to come down in the street quickly and that she has to play the part of his torch-bearer in the masque that night. Jessica is shocked and embarrassed at the suggestion. She asks Lorenzo whether she must hold a light to show up her shameful acts-her elopement, theft and male dress. 6. Who appears on the stage after the extract? In what condition does the person appear? Ans.After this extract, Jessica appears on the stage. She appears on the stage dressed in a boy s clothes, as a page-boy. Extract III Jessica: Here, catch this casket ..thus transformed to a boy. 1. What do you think is sent down in the casket? How can you conclude that the contents in the casket are valuable? Ans.The casket must have valuables like jewellery which Jessica has stolen from her house. We can conclude that the contents in the casket are valuables since Jessica hands over the casket only after making sure that the person to whom she is giving the casket is her love, Lorenzo. Besides, she tells Lorenzo that it is worth carrying the casket. 2. What is meant by I am much ashamed of my exchange. ? Why is the exchange needed? Ans. The above words mean that Jessica is much ashamed that she has to change her dress to that of a page boy. This exchange was needed for her to elope with Lorenzo. 3. In what way is love blind in the context? Who is referred to as Cupid? Why would he blush? Ans.Love is blind in the context since it makes Jessica dress like a page boy, steal jewellery and money from her house and be ready to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian. Cupid is the classical God of love who is always represented as a blind boy with bows and arrows. Jessica says that Cupid, the little blind God of love himself would be shocked and blush if he saw her dressed like a boy. 4. What is meant by a torch bearer? In what way Jessica would hold a candle to her shames, if she were a torch bearer? Ans.Masquerades were dramatic performances where players wore masks and costumes and took part in a torch like procession playing drums and fife. Jessica was to carry the torch light or candle. If she carries the candle, she will show up her shameful acts- her male attire, the casket containing her theft and the fact of her elopement. 5. Give the meaning of: Why it s an office of discovery, love; And I should be obscured Ans.These lines mean: The duty of a torch bearer would expose me to all when I should be concealed. Jessica means that her shameful disguise of a pageboy s dress is too frivolous and Lorenzo should not light them further by having her as a torchbearer. 6. How is Jessica s feminine nature is highlighted in the extract? Ans.Jessica s feminine nature is highlighted in the extract. Her shyness at her male clothes shows her feminine modesty as in Elizabethan times women never wore men s clothes. Also she comes down from her house after making sure that the person who has come to take her is Lorenzo, her lover.

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