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MOV - ACT IV 1. Where does the scene tale? Name the characters who enter the scene. A. This scene takes place in a court of Justice in Venice. The scene begins with the Duke of Venice, the Venetian noble men or magnificoes, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, Antonio s merchant friends and a crowd of other eager people. 2. How does the Duke show his sympathy for Antonio? A. The Duke shows his sympathy for Antonio by telling him that he pities him for he had to defend himself against an opponent who was stone-hearted and cruel, who did not a single drop of pity or mercy. 3. What has Antonio heard and how is he prepared to reconcile to his fate? A. Antonio has heard that the Duke himself has taken great pains to soften or moderate the severeness of his cruel plan of action. But since Shylock is adamant and no legal means can carry him out of the dangers of his envy, he can only face his anger with his patience. So, he is prepared to suffer his anger and his cruelty with a calm spirit. 4. How does the Duke address Shylock after he enters the court? A. In his last attempt to make Shylock show mercy on Antonio, the Duke tells Shylock that it is everyone s opinion, and his also, that he is only keeping up this show of cruelty and hatred until it has gone to the last minute of action. Then, it is believed, he will suddenly show mercy and repentance which will be all the more unexpected than his present cruelty. While he is now insisting upon taking the penalty, which is a pound of Antonio s flesh; instead of it , he will not only leave the penalty but also forgive half of the original money lent to Antonio. He will do so because he will be touched with gentleness and love. He will look with pity upon the losses that have recently fallen upon Antonio s shoulders. Those losses were enough to break the heart of the royal merchant and win sympathy from breasts made of brass, hearts made of rough stone and obstinate Turks and Tartars, who have never received any training in expressing sympathy or show acts of kindness. 5. What is Shylock s reply to the Duke s appeal? A. Shylock replies that he has already informed the Duke of his intentions and moreover, he has taken an oath by his holy Sabbath (Saturday the Jewish day of rest), to see that the terms of the forfeit are carried out.
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