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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
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