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ICSE Class X Notes 2024 : English Paper 2 (English Literature) : The Merchant of Venice

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SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 1 Q.1. What does Morocco tell Portia at the beginning of the scene? Ans. At the beginning of the scene, Morocco tells Portia, not to dislike him for his dark complexion. He has received this complexion as a livery from the burning sun, to whom he is a neighbour and near bred. He asks her to get the fairest creature born in the north, where Phoebus fire does not melt the icicles and make an incision to see whose blood is redder. He says that this aspect of his has frightened the valiant. The best- regarded virgins of his clime have loved his hue. He would not change it except to steal Portia s thoughts and win her affection. Q.2. What reply does Portia give? What does it reveal about her character? Ans. Portia says that in terms of choice, she is not entirely influenced by the attractive looks which please a maiden s eyes. Besides, the lottery of her destiny bars her from the right of voluntary choosing. But if her father had not scanted her and hedged her by his wit to give herself as a wife to the one who chooses the right casket, Morocco would stand a fair chance as any other suitor whom she has seen so far. Q.3. Which examples of his acts of bravery does Morocco give? Ans. Morocco swears by his scimitar that slew Sophy and a Persian prince who won three fields of Sultan Solyman and says that he would outstare the sternest eyes that look, outbrave the heart most daring on the earth, pluck the young sucking cubs from the she bear and mock the lion when he roars for prey. Q.4. Why does Morocco sigh sadly? Ans. Morocco sighs sadly as his fate does not depend on his strength or courage but on blind chance. If Hercules and Lichas play a game of dice, the higher throw of dice might, by luck be made by the weaker hand of Lichas. Morocco talks about the test which is not a test of valour but a matter of blind chance which may favour the unworthy one. He cannot win Portia by an act of courage. He is forced to take his chance as against any inferior rivial. He may miss his chance and then he says that he will die of grief. Q.5. What warning goes Portia give? Ans. Portia tells Morocco that he must either take his chance or not attempt to choose at all because if he makes a wrong choice, he would never be able to a speak to a lady in way of marriage. Q.6. Explain the lines : Good Fortune then! 1 To make me blest or crused among men. Ans. The prince of Morocco wishes that he may be fortunate when he makes his choice, for when that a decided, he will either be the happiest or the most miserable of men. 2 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 2 Q.1. Where does Act II Sc.2 take place? Who enters the scene? Ans. Act II sc.2 takes place on a street in Venice. Launcelot enters the scene. Q.2. What does Launcelot say in his soliloquy at the beginning of the scene? Ans. Launcelot wants his conscience to help him in his purpose of running away, but his conscience asks him to stay with the Jew. He says that the fiend is at his elbow and tempts him by telling him to use his legs, take the start and run away. The fiend uses the word via , away and budge to ask Launcelot to run away from the Jew, his master. The fiend also tells him for heaven sake, to rouse up a brave mind and run. His conscience asks him to take heed and scorn running. His conscience also tells him that as he is an honest man s son and an honest woman s son, he should not budge, he should stay with the Jew. Q.3. Who is Old Gobbo? What does Launcelot plan to do when he realizes that his father has not recognized him? Ans. Old Gobbo is Launcelot s father. When Launcelot realizes that his father has not recognized him, he tries to confuse him. Q.4. Ans. What direction does Launcelot give? Launcelot confuses his father by giving him confusing directions. He tells him to turn up on his right hand at the next turning, but at the next turning of all, on his left, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew s house. Q.5. Ans. How does Launcelot plan to bring tears to his father s eyes? Launcelot plans to bring tears to his father s eyes by telling him that his son is dead. He tells his father not to talk about Master Launcelot because the young gentleman, according to Fates and Destinies and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and such other branches of learning, is, indeed deceased or in plain terms gone to heaven. Q.6. What does Old Gobbo say when Launcelot tells him that his son is dead? What does Launcelot say in his aside? Ans. Old Gobbo is shocked and tells Launcelot that the boy was the very staff of his old age, his sole support. Q.7. Ans. Why according to Launcelot has Old Gobbo failed to recognize him? According to Launcelot, Old Gobbo has failed to recognize him because it is only a wise father that knows his own child. 3 Q.8. What acts as a conclusive proof to Old Gobbo that Launcelot is his son? Ans. When Launcelot tells Gobbo that Margery, his wife is his mother, this acts as a conclusive proof to Old Gobbo that Launcelot is his son. Q.9. Why does Old Gobbo refer to Dobbin his fill-horse? What reply does Launcelot give? Ans. When Launcelot kneels down to ask his father for blessing, Gobbo feels his beard and tells him that he has got more hair on his chin than Dobbin his fill horse has on his tail. Launcelot replies that Dobbin s tail must be growing backwards for he was sure that Dobbin had more hair on his tail than he has on his face when he last saw him. Q.10. What has Launcelot finally planned to do? What reasons does he give to leave Shylock s service? Ans. Launcelot finally plans to run away from Shylock, his master. He tells Gobbo that he has made up his mind to run away and he will not rest till he has run some distance. He tells Gobbo that he is famished in his service and he can also feel every finger with his ribs. He tells him that his master is a typical Jew and he was not interested in serving him anymore. Q.11. What does Launcelot want his father to give Shylock? Why? Ans. Launcelot wants his father to give Shylock a halter (a rope to hang himself). He says this because he did not want to serve the Jew any longer as he is famished in his service and he has also made up his mind to run away from the Jew. Q.12. What would Launcelot do if he is not able to serve Bassanio? Ans. If Launcelot is not able to serve Bassanio, he would run some distance and not rest till he has run some ground. Q.13. What instruction does Bassanio give to his servant as soon as he enters the scene? Ans. As soon as Bassanio enters the scene, he gives some instructions to his servant. He tells him that supper should be ready by five o clock. He also asks him to deliver the letter and arrange for uniforms to be made. Q.14. How does Old Gobbo convince Bassanio to accept his son as his servant? Ans. Old Gobbo blesses Bassanio when he meets him. He also presents him with a dish of doves. He speaks on behalf of his son and requests Bassanio to accept his suit. Q.15. Explain the lines: The old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you, sir: you have the grace of God, sir and he hath enough. Ans. The old proverb is, The grace of God is gear enough, which means that the man with the grace of God has all he needs for his salvation. Bassanio being a Christian has the grace of God, while Shylock, being a rich man has enough (earthly possessions). Q.16. What does Launcelot tell his father as soon as Bassanio decides to give him a livery? Ans. As soon as Bassanio decides to give him a livery, Launcelot is filled with pride, he tells Gobbo that he had once told him that he could not speak for himself, however, he has got this job through his own eloquence. He looks at the palm of his hand and says that there is no man in Italy who has a more fortunate palm, which he places on the Bible when he is swearing an oath. He says that he 4 has a simple line of life. Fifteen wives is nothing, he will get married to eleven widows and nine maidens. He will escape drowning thrice and be in peril of his life with the edge of a feather bed. He also says that although Fortune is a woman, she has proved to be a kind woman in his case. Q.17. What instruction does Bassanio give to Leonardo as soon as Launcelot and Old Gobbo exit? Ans. As soon as Launcelot and Old Gobbo exit, Bassanio tells Leonardo that when he has purchased the thing Bassanio had told him to buy and packed them carefully, to come back as quickly as possible, for that night he was entertaining all his most valued friends. Q.18. What request does Gratiano make? Why was Bassanio reluctant to grant his request? Ans. Gratiano tells Bassanio that he would like to accompany him to Belmont. Bassanio tells Gratiano that he is too wild, too rude and bold of voice, qualities that suit him and in the eyes of friends it does not appear as a fault. But in a place where he is not known, these qualities may appear too liberal. He asks him to allay with some cold drops of modesty his skipping spirit, else through his wild behavior, he may be misconstrued in the place where he plans to go and lose all his hopes of winning Portia. Q.19. How would Gratiano change his behavior and mannerism? Ans. Gratiano tells Bassanio that he will put on a sober habit, talk with respect, and swear but now and then, wear prayer-books in his pocket, look demurely and while the grace is being said, he would hood his eyes with his hat and sigh and say amen. He would use all the observance of civility like one well studied in a sad ostent to please his grandam. Q.20. Why did he want to make an exception that night? What reply did Bassanio give? Ans. Gratiano wanted to make an exception that night because they had planned for a party. Bassanio says that it would be a pity to behave in a sober manner. He asks him to put on his boldest suit of mirth as they had invited friends for a party that night. Q.21. How does Launcelot try to use fine language? Ans. In all his speeches, Launcelot tries to use fine language and makes many ludicrous mistakes. He uses indirectly instead of directly he uses frutify for notify, impertinent for pertinent and defect for effect . He also makes allusions to the classical lines Fates and Destiny and the Sister Three . 5 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 3 Q.1. How does Jessica express her sorrow? Why does she give Launcelot a ducat? Ans. Jessica is sorry that Launcelot is leaving her father s house in this manner. She says that her house is a hell and Launcelot is a merry devil. His lively spirits made her house a little less miserable. She gives Launcelot a ducat and asks him to deliver a letter secretly to Lorenzo who would be one of the guests for supper at Bassanio s house. Q.2. Ans. What reply does Launcelot give? Launcelot tells Jessica that his tears prevent him from speaking. He calls her a most beautiful pagan and a most sweet Jew. He tells her that if a Christian does not play the knave and get her, he would feel deceived. He also tells her that his tears of grief drown his manly spirit. Q.3. Ans. What does Jessica say in her soliloquy? What does it reveal about her character? Jessica considers it a deadly sin to be ashamed to be her father s child. Though she is Shylock s daughter to his blood, she is not like him in behaviour. She says that if Lorenzo keeps his promise of taking her away from her father s house, she will end this strife of being loyal to a father and love for Lorenzo by becoming a Christian and Lorenzo s loving wife. This tells us that she is true and loyal to Lorenzo but she proves to be a mean, selfish and dishonest daughter to Shylock. 6 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 4 Q.1. Ans. What is a masquerade? The masque in Elizabethan times was a dramatic performance. The participants wore masks and costumes and took part in a torch light procession, playing instruments like the fife and the drum. Q.2. What do Lorenzo, Gratiano, Salarino and Salanio plan to do? (Explain how they prepare for the masque) Ans. Lorenzo tells his friends that they will slink away at supper time, disguise themselves at his lodging and return in an hour. Gratiano tells him that they have not made good preparation. Salarino says that they have not spoken about the torch-bearers. Salanio says that the masque will be a very poor affair unless it is arranged in style and in his opinion, they should not attempt it at all. Lorenzo tells them that it was only four o clock and they had two hours to get themselves ready. Q.3. Ans. Who comes with a letter? What does Lorenzo say on reading the letter? Lauchelot comes with the letter. Lorenzo reads the letter and recognizes the handwriting and says that the handwriting is familiar to him. He also remarks that a fair hand has written the letter and the hand is whiter than the white paper. Q.4. Ans. Where was Launcelot planning to go? Launcelot planning to go to Shylock s house to invite him to dine with his new master, Bassanio. Q.5. Ans. Why does Lorenzo give Launcelot some money? Lorenzo gives Launcelot some money as a tip and asks him to tell gentle Jessica that he will not fail her and he will keep his word. He also tells him to give the message privately. Q.6. Ans. What does Lorenzo tell Gratiano about the contents of the letter? Lorenzo tells Gratiano the Jessica has directed him how to take her from her father s house, what gold and jewels she is furnished with and what pages suit she has in readiness. 7 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 5 Q.1. Ans. How according to Shylock, would Launcelot s life be different at Basanio s place? According to Shylock, Launcelot s eyes shall be the judge and he will see the difference between old Shylock and Bassanio. He will not be able to gormandize nor sleep and snore and rend apparel out. Q.2. Ans. Why does Shylock call Jessica repeatedly? Shylock calls out to Jessica impatiently because he wants to give her the keys of his house before leaving for Bassanio s house. Q.3. Ans. Q.4. Ans. Why does Launcelot call Jessica? Launcelot calls out to Jessica as he wants to give her the message from Lorenzo. What does Shylock tell Jessica as soon as she arrives? As soon as Jessica arrives Shylock tells her that he has been invited to dinner at Bassanio s house. He gives her the house keys and tells her that he is not invited out of love but they flatter him. He decides to go in hate to feed upon the prodigal Christian. He asks Jessica to look after his house and tells her that he is very reluctant to go. He feels that there is some evil being plotted against his peace of mind, as he dreamt of money bags that night. Q.5. Ans. What does Launcelot tell Shylock to make fun of his superstitious beliefs? Launcelot tells Shylock that they have conspired together. He also tells him that he will not say that Shylock will see a masque but if he does then it was for nothing that his nose fell a bleeding on Black-Monday last at six o clock in the morning, falling out that year on AshWednesday was four year in the afternoon. Q.6. Ans. Which important information does Launcelot give, which alarms Shylock? Launcelot indirectly informs Shylock about the masque. On hearing this news, Shylock is alarmed. Q.7. Ans. How does Shylock react? What does he ask Jessica to do? Shylock is alarmed on listening to the news about the masque. 8 He asks Jessica to lock up his doors, when she hears the drum and the vile squealing of the wry-neck d fife. He asks her not to climb up to the casements, nor thrust her head into the public street, to gaze on Christian fools with varnished faces, but stop his house s ears, he means the casements and let not the sound of shallow foppery enter his sober house. Q.8. What does Shylock tell about Launcelot after he leaves? What final advice does Shylock give to Jessica? Ans. As soon as Launcelot leaves, Shylock tell Jessica that the patch is kind enough but a huge feeder, snail-slow in profit, he sleeps by day more than the wild-cats. He says that drones do not hive with him. He says that he is ready to send him to Bassanio to help Bassanio waste his borrowed money. Shylock tells Jessica that he would return immediately. He asks her to the shut the doors after her. He uses the proverb Fast bind, fast find. He tells her that this proverb is never too old fashion for a careful man. Q.9. Ans. What does Jessica tell in her Soliloquy at the end of the scene? Jessica says that if nothing goes wrong with the plans, she will lose a father and Shylock will lose his daughter. 9 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 6 Q.1. Why are Gratiano and Salarino surprised at Lorenzo s delay? Ans. Gratiano and Salarino are surprised, as Lorenzo has not reached there at the appointed the time. The time he gave them was almost past. Gratiano says that it is surprising that he out-dwells his hour for lovers always run before the clock. Q.2. Explain the line : O, ten times faster Venus pigeons fly To seal love s bonds new-made, than they are wont To keep obliged faith unforfeited! Ans. Venus, the classical goddess of love rode in a chariot drawn by doves. Doves of Venus are quick to seal the promises made by new lovers. Lovers are always in a greater hurry to keep a new engagement than they are to keep their marriage promises (obliged faith) unbroken (unforfeitted). Q.3. Which three examples does Gratiano give to prove that new love is more ardent than old love? Ans. Gratiano says that no one rises from the banquet with the same appetite as he sits down. He says that one will not find a horse on his return journey with the same energy with which it set out. When a ship with its sails spread and its flag flying, sails out from the harbour, it looks like a high-spirited and spend thrift youth setting forth in such of pleasure. When the ship returns to the port, like the spend thrift youth, it has torn and ragged sails. It is like the prodigal son of the Bible lean, ragged and penniless. These are the three comparisons Gratiano makes to enforce the truth of his maxim. Q.4. Ans. How would Lorenzo reward Salarino and Gratiano for their patience? Lorenzo tells Salarino and Gratiano that if they to plan to elope with someone in future, then he too would wait just as long for them. Q.5. Ans. Why did Jessica want to be certain that the person calling out to her was Lorenzo? Jessica wanted to be certain that the person calling out to her was Lorenzo because although she had recognized his voice, she was not sure who was calling because all three were wearing masks. Q.6. Ans. What does Jessica say after she hands over the casket to Lorenzo? After handing the casket to Lorenzo, she tells him that it was worth the pain. She tells him that she is glad that it is night and he cannot see her clearly as she feels extremely 10 ashamed in her page boy s attire. She tells him that love is blind and lovers cannot see the pretty follies that they themselves commit. She says that if lovers could see then Cupid himself would blush to see her transform into a boy. Q.7. How does Jessica react when Lorenzo tells her that she was going to be his torch bearer? Ans. Jessica is surprised to know that she is going to be Lorenzo s torch-bearer. She asks him whether she must hold a candle to her shames. She says that her deeds in themselves are too light. Jessica is ashamed of being dressed as a boy. She tells him that it is an office of discovery and she should be obscured. Q.8. What reply does Lorenzo give? Ans. Lorenzo tells her that she looks sweet even in the lovely garnish of a boy. He asks her to come down at once for the night was slipping away and all his friends were waiting for them at the banquet which Bassanio was giving. Q9. How does Gratiano and Lorenzo praise Jessica? Ans. Gratiano swears by his hood and says that Jessica is a Gentile and not a Jew. Lorenzo says that he loves her heartily for she is wise, if he can judge of her. She is fair, if what he sees is true and she is true as she has proved herself and she is always be placed in his constant soul. Q.10. What news does Antonio bring? How does Gratiano react? Ans. Antonio brings the news that the masque is cancelled because the wind is favourable for sailing and Bassanio has decided to go aboard. He has planned to leave for Belmont immediately . 11 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 7 Q.1. What was inscribed on the gold/ silver and lead casket? Ans. The inscription on the gold casket was : Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire. The inscription on the silver casket was : Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves . The inscription on the lead casket was : Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath. Q.2. Why does Morocco reject the lead casket? Ans. Morocco reads the inscription on the lead casket with states : Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath. He says that he will neither give nor hazard anything for lead. He says that the casket threatens. Men that hazard all, do it in hope of fair advantage. A golden mind does not stoop to shows of dross. Later he says that lead is too crude a metal even to hold the cerecloth in which Portia will be wrapped when she taken to the grave. Q.3. Why does Morocco almost decide on the Silver Casket? Later, why does he reject the Silver Casket? Ans. Morocco reads the inscription on the Silver Casket which states : Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves . He looks at the word deserves and says that if he examines his personal worth, he deserves enough but enough may not extend to the lady Portia. He says that to be unsure of what he deserves is a sign of his weakness, which would bring discredit to himself and may work against his chances of winning Portia. He says that he deserves the lady in birth, in fortunes, in graces and in qualities of breeding but above all her deserves her because he loves her. Later he rejects the silver casket because he feels that silver is ten times undervalued to tried gold. Q.4. Ans. What does Morocco say on reading the inscription on the gold casket? Morocco reads the inscription on the gold casket which states: Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire. He says that many men desire the lady . The whole word desires her. From the four corners of the earth they come, to kiss this shrine, the mortal breathing saint. 12 The Hyrcanian deserts and the vasty wilds of wide Arabia are as throughfares now for princes to come view fair Portia. The watery kingdom, whose ambitious head spits in the race of heaven, is no bar to stop the foreign spirits but they come, as over brook to see fair Portia. Q.5. Ans. Why does Morocco choose the gold casket? Morocco chooses the gold casket because according to him, a rich gem is always set in gold, a precious metal. In England there is a coin that bears the figure of in angle which is engraved in gold. Q.6. Ans. What does Morocco find in the gold casket? What was written on the scroll? Morocco finds a carrion Death (skull). On the scroll were the following words: All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told; Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold; Gilded tombs do worms infold. Had you been as wise as bold, Young in limbs, in judgement old, Your answer had not been inscroll d: Fare you well; your suit is cold. Q.7. Ans. How does Morocco react? On reading the scroll, Morocco says that the suits is cold indeed and all his labour is lost. He says farewell heat and welcome forst. He bids Portia adieu and says that he has too grieved a heart to take tedious leave. He also says that loser depart sadly. Q.8. Ans. How does Portia react after Morocco leaves? Portia is happy that Morocco has selected the wrong casket. She expresses her happiness by saying gentle riddance . She also says that all the suitors of his complexion should make a similar wrong choice. 13 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 8 Q.1. Where does scene 8 of Act II take place? Ans. Q.2. Scene 8 of Act II takes place on a street of Venice. Name the characters who enter the scene. Ans. Q.3. The characters who enter the scene are Salarino and Salanio. What does Salarino tell Salanio at the beginning of the scene? Ans. Salarino tells Salanio that he saw Bassanio under sail, Gratiano has gone along with him but Lorenzo is not with them on the ship. Q.4. What reply does Salanio give? Ans. Salanio tells Salarino that the villain Jew with outcries raised the duke, who went with him to search Bassanio s ship. Q.5. Was the Duke able to search the ship? Why? What information about Lorenzo and Jessica was given to the Duke? Ans. The Duke was not able to search the ship because they reached there too late, the ship was under sail but there the duke was given to understand that in a gondola were seen together Lorenzo and his amorous Jessica, besides, Antonio certified the duke they were not with Bassanio in his ship. Q.6. How does Salanio express Shylock s outburst? What reply does Salarino give? Ans. Salanio says that Shylock is wild and furious with grief and despair. He gives vent to his frustration by an exhibition of anger which was strange, outrageous and variable. He uttered confuse cries of his daughter and his ducats. He says that his daughter has fled with a Christian. He calls his ducats, Christian ducats as the ducats were now in the possession of Lorenzo who is a Christian. He says that his daughter has taken away his sealed bag and two sealed bags of double ducats. She has also taken away two precious stones (diamond and turquoise). He wants justice and he wants them to find his daughter. Salarino says that all the boys in Venice follow him crying, his stones, his daughter, and his ducats. Q.7. Ans. What remark about Antonio does Salanio make? Salanio says that Antonio should take care to pay his debt on the appointed day, otherwise he may have to pay for this. Q.8. Ans. What do Salanio s words remind Salarino of? Salanio s words remind Salarino of a conversation he had with a Frenchman the previous day. The Frenchman told Salarino that a richly laden ship from Italy had come to grief in 14 the narrow channel which divides England and France. Salarino thought of Antonio s ship when he heard this and hoped that it might not be one of his ships. Q.9. Ans. What does Salanio suggest on hearing about the wrecked ship? Salanio tells Salarino to inform Antonio about what he heard from the Frenchman but not to disclose the news suddenly as it may grieve him. Q.10. What does Salarino remark about Antonio s nature? Give an account of the parting scene. Ans. Salarino says that he has not seen a kinder gentleman than Antonio. Salarino was present when Antonio and Bassanio took leave of each other. Bassanio told Antonio that he would come back as quickly and possible but Antonio asked him not to rush through his business carelessly. He asked him to wait them until the time wass ripe. He told him that the Jew s bond should not enter his mind of love. He asked him to be cheerful and let his thoughts be mainly directed to his love-suit and to making fair displays of love as shall be suitable and which would give him credit there. Tears rose to Antonio eyes, turning his face, he put his hand behind him and wrung Bassanio s hand and then they parted. Q.11 Why does Antonio love the world according to Salanio? What do Salanio and Salarino decide to do? Why? Ans. Antonio loves the world only for the sake of Bassanio. Salarino and Salanio decide to look for Antonio in order to cheer him up and pull him out of the sadness with some amusement. 15 SCARLET S ELIXIR EXCELLENCE English Athenaeum THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ACT II SCENE 9 Q.1. Where does scene 9 of Act II take place? Ans. Q.2. Scene 9 of Act II takes place in a room in Portia s house. What does Nerissa tell the servant? Ans. Nerrisa asks the servant to draw the curtain at once as Prince of Arragon has taken his oath and has come to make his choice. Q.3. What does Portia say to Arragon? Ans. Portia tells Arragon that if he chooses the casket with her portrait in it, straight their nuptial rites will be solemnized but if he fails, without speaking a word, he should leave immediately. Q.4. What are the three conditions, the suitors are bound by oath to observe? Ans. The three conditions were: Never to disclose to anyone which casket they chose. Never to woo a maiden in way of marriage. If they fail to choose the right casket, they should leave immediately. Q.5. What remark does Portia make? Ans. Portia says that every suitor who comes to hazard for her worthless self, abides by the conditions. Q.6. Why does Arragon reject the lead casket? Ans. Arragon calls lead, base lead and says that lead should look fairer before he gives or hazards anything for it. Q.7. Why does Arragon reject the gold casket? Ans. Arragon reads the inscription on the gold casket with states: Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire. He looks at the word many and says that here many refer to the foolish multitude who choose by show, not learning more than what their fond eyes teach them. They do not look more closely for the deeper meaning of anything. Like the bird martlet who builds its nest on the outer walls, open to disaster and in the very path of danger. He says that he will not jump with the common spirits nor rank himself with the barbarous multitudes. Q.8. What remark does he make when he reads the inscription on the silver casket? 16 Ans. After the reading the inscription on the silver casket, he says that no one should cheat Fortune and be honourable without the stamp of merit. He says that no one should wear underserved dignity. He wishes that estates, degrees and offices were not derived through corrupt means and that clear honour were purchased by the merit of the wearer. He uses the metaphor of harvesting and winnowing and says that how many of those who belong to the lower class could be picked out from the true sons of the nobility and how much truly honourable could be sorted out to be newly varnished. He says that he will claim to be deserving and so he selects the silver casket. Q.9. What was his earnest wish? What according to him, would happen if honour was based on merit? Ans. Same as answer 8 Q.10. Why does Arragon select the silver casket? Ans. Same as answer 8 Q.11. What does Arragon find on opening the silver casket? Ans. Arragon finds the portrait of a blinking idiot ( a fool with goggling eyes), presenting a scroll. Q.12. How does Arragon react? What does he say? Ans. Arragon pauses for a long time after opening the casket as he shocked to find the portrait of a blinking idiot. He says that the portrait looks completely different from Portia. He also questions whether he deserve nothing more than a fool s head. Was that his prize? Were his deserts no better? Q.13. What was Portia s reply? Ans. Portia says that to offend and judge were of distinct offices and of opposed nature. Q.14. What was written in the scroll? Ans. The fire seven times tried this: Seven times tried that judgement is, That did never choose amiss. Some there be that shadow kiss, Such have but a shadow s bliss. There be fools alive, I wis, Silver d over and so was this I will ever be your head, So be gone, you are sped. Q.15. What does Arragon say on reading the scroll? Ans. On reading the scroll, Arragon says that if he stays there longer, he will appear to be a greater fool. He says that he came with one fool s head to woo but he goes away with two. He tells Portia that he will keep his oath to patiently suffer his feelings of resentment. Q.16. What does Portia say after he departs? Ans. Portia says that the candle has sing d the moth. She says that these deliberate fools when they choose, they have the wisdom by their wit to lose. 17 Arragon is here compared to a foolish insect that has fluttered around a bright light, and has been burnt. The right choice does not depend on reasoning but on instinct (love) which should have been prepared to hazard all he hath . Q.17. What does Nerissa say about the old proverb? Ans. Nerissa says that the old proverb is true, Hanging and wiving goes by destiny. It is Fate that decides what happens to one, whether one is to be wedded or to be hanged. It is not reasoning or wisdom that decides the matter but it is destiny that decides. Q.18. What news does the servant bring? Ans. Servant brings the news that a young Venetian, has alighted at her gate. He comes in advanced to announced the arrival of his lord. He not only brings greetings but also gifts of rich value. He has never seen and ambassador of love like him. He says that a day in April never came so sweet to show how costly summer was at hand as this messenger comes before his lord. Q.19. Why does Portia ask the servant to stop speaking? What does Portia say to Nerissa? With what prayer does Nerissa end the scene? Ans. Portia asks the servant to stop speaking because she is afraid that he would say that the messenger is his kin as he is praising him so much. Portia tells Nerissa to come quickly along with her as she is impatient to behold the messenger of Cupid who comes in so courteously. Nerissa prays to Cupid, the God of love that the lord announced should be Bassanio if such is his will. ********************* 18

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