Act 2 sc 7

Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
On the silver casket
2. Why does Morocco initially doubt
his worth to deserve the lady?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
‘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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
5.Explain how the theme of
appearance and reality is shown in
the choice made by the prince.
Write your own opinion.
 Act 2 scene 8

Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Act II Scene 8
Like740 257

1. What is meant by 'a passion so confused, so strange, outrageous, and so variable'? Why was the
Jew so excited?
In the above lines, Salanio says that he has not seen such an outburst of anger, so confused, so
strange, excessive and frequently changing as is displayed by the few Shylock discovers that his
daughter has eloped after robbing him of his money and jewellery. This makes him excited and
furious with grief and despair. He gives vent to it by an exhibition of passionate excitement and
anger which is strange, excessive and frequently changing.

2. Earlier, how did the Jew trouble the Duke? Where did the Duke go and what were his findings?
Earlier, Shylock roused the Duke with his complaints against Lorenzo and Jessica (or robbing him
and eloping. He made such a disturbance that the Duke was obliged to attend to his demands. He
even accompanied the Duke to search for Lorenzo and Jessica on board Bassartio's ship. By the
time they reached the place, the ship had already set sail. The Duke was told by someone that
Lorenzo and Jessica had been seen sitting together in a gondola.

3. What did Shylock utter in his excitement? Besides money, what else did his daughter steal?
In his excitement, Shylock utters confused cries for his daughter, who had eloped with a Christian,
taking with her, his ducats and jewellery. He wants justice from the law. Besides money, Jessica has
taken away from Shylock some jewels, precious stones and diamonds.

4. Give the meaning of:

(a) double ducats: coins of double ducats.
(b) sealed bag: a bag that is securely sealed to ensure the security of its contents.

5. Explain how Shylock’s lamentations add to the humour in the play.

Shylocks' lamentations add to the humour in the play. He is depicted as a comic character in the
scene. The manner in which he laments the loss of his daughter and his ducats amuses the
audience, Shylock's repetition of 'O my daughter! O my Christian ducats!' indicate his greedy nature
and shows that Jessica is another possession for him like the ducats. The manner in which all the
boys of Venice follow him and repeat his words of lamentation in a tone of mockery and jeer at him
further add to the humour in the scene.

Extract 2 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 8

1. What is meant by: 'Let good Antonio look he keep his day'? What could be the consequence if
Antonio failed to 'keep his day'?
'Let good Antonio keep his day' means let worthy Antonio make sure that he has the money to pay
Shylock on the appointed day. If he fails to keep his day, Shylock would take his revenge on
Antonio.

2. What did Salarino hear from the Frenchman, the previous day? Why was the news quite startling?
In his conversation with a Frenchman, Salarino heard that a richly laden ship from Italy had been
wrecked in the narrow channel which divides England and France. The news was startling because
Salarino thought of Antonio's ship and wished that it might not be one of his ships.

3. After hearing the news from the Frenchman, what did Salarino wish?
Salarino wished that the wrecked ship might not be one of Antonio's ships.

4. What 'advice does Salanio give to Salarino regarding Antonio?

Salanio advises Salarino to tell Antonio what he has heard about a shipwreck. However, he advises
hurt not to tell Antonio about the news immediately for it may make him sad.

5. Explain how the news given by the Frenchman creates suspense in the story. What would be
Shylock's reaction after hearing the news?
The news given by the Frenchman creates a suspense in the story. The possibility of the wreckage
of one of Antonio's ships casts a gloom since it may imply that Antonio would not be able to make
payment of the loan on the day the bond is due. After hearing the news, Shylock is happy that he
could take his revenge on Antonio. He calls him a bankrupt and insists on the execution of the bond.

6. What role do Salanio and Salarino play in this scene?

Salanio and Salarino provide the information about recent events. They report Shylock's fury and
parody his behaviour. They are worried about Antonio and go quickly to look for him and cheer him
up. They do not take part in the action of the play, but keep the action going when the chief
characters are absent.

Extract 3 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 8

1. In what context has Antonio said the words given in quotation? Who quotes his words here?
Antonio has said these words at the time of bidding farewell to Bassanio, when the latter was about
to embank on his journey to Belmont. Salarino quotes his words here.

2. Give the meaning of:

(a) Slubber not business for fly sake, Bassani
Bassanio, do not spoil your plan for my sake.
(b) But stay the wry riping of the time.
But stay as long as it would be necessary to attain your objective.

3. What advice did Antonio give to Bassanio about the latter's stay in Belmont and his love affair?
Antonio advises Bassanio to stay at Belmont as long as if would be necessary for winning Portia and
tells him not to bother about the bond. He advises Bassanio to be cheerful and devote himself
entirely to win his lady-love in a most suitable manner.

4. Describe how Antonio parted front Bassanio. What does it show about their relationship?
While parting. Antonio's eyes were filled with tears. He turned his face away and extended his hand
behind him. Then, moved by his fove, he held the hands of °Assam° and they parted from each
other. It shows that there is great love and affection between them.
5. What do Salanio and Salarino decide to do at the end of this scene?
At the end of the scene, Salanio and Salarino decided to look for Antonio and raise his low spirits
with some amusement.
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Act 2 sc 9

Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers

Act II Scene 9
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1. What proper honour is given to Arragon to indicate that he is a prince?

To honour Arragon as a prince, trumpets were sounded as he entered the room and Portia
addressed him as 'noble prince'.

2. Enumerate the three conditions in the oath which Arragon was supposed to rake. Which
conditions in the oath he explicitly keeps at the end of the scene?
Arragon is bound by the oath to observe three conditions. First, he must never reveal to any other
person which of the caskets he has selected. Second, if he does not win Portia, he should not woo
any other lady. Third, if he chooses wrongly he must depart at once without further words. He
explicitly kept the last condition at the end of the scene.

3. How wise is it to arrange marriages through a lottery system where chance plays a significant
role? What does Portia feel in this regard? How does Nerissa justify the system in Portia's case?
It is not wise to arrange marriages through a lottery system where chance plays a significant role.
Portia initially feels that her fate is sealed by the lottery of caskets designed by her father. However,
later she accepts her father’s will and asserts that she will abide by it and would remain a virgin like
Diana if no suitor wins her in marriage. Nerissa justifies the lottery of caskets saying that her father
was a virtuous man, who must have had her well-being at heart. So, according to her father's will
she will be chosen by someone who will truly love her.

4. It is said that Arragon is too proud and self-opinionated. Do you agree with this statement? Give
two reasons to justify your answer.
Prince Arragon is too proud and self-opinionated. While making his selection, he calls the common
people as 'fool multitude’ and again as 'barbarous multitudes'. He says that he will not act according
to what common men choose and put himself on the level of the ignorant and the foolish. Secondly,
Arragon thinks himself to be most deserving because of his inherited nobility.
Extract 2 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9
1. What does the inscription on the gold casket say? Which casket does the speaker choose?
The inscription on the gold casket says 'who chooses me shall gain what many men desire'. The
speaker chooses the silver casket.
2. How does Arragon interpret the meaning of 'many men' given on the gold casket?
Arragon says that the words 'many men' probably refer to the foolish majority, who are so slow-
witted and who have so little wisdom that they judge only by appearances and outward glitter. Their
untaught eyes never see the inner meaning of things, but is content to remain on the outside like the
swallow.
3. How does Arragon compare the martlet to the foolish rook/rode?
Arragon compares the multitude to the martlet. The martlet, instead of seeking a sheltered place for
its nest, constructs it in the most exposed places like the outer wall, unprotected from, any stormy
weather or any accident which may occur. Similarly, the foolish common people who Judge by the
outside of things, fall into errors and calamities.

4. Give the meaning of:

(a) in the force mid rani of casualty: Open to disaster and In the very path of danger.
(b) rank me with the barbarous multitudes: I don't put myself at the level of the ignorant and foolish
common people.

5. How is the theme of appearance and reality brought out in the choice of caskets?
The theme of appearance and reality is brought out in the choice of caskets. Arragon rejects the lead
casket calling it base lead because of its dull and plain appearance. He says lead must present a
more attractive appearance than it does before he gives or risks anything for it. He rejects the gold
casket saying he will not chose what many people desire. He will not put himself at the level of
ignorant common people. The -.word 'deserves' meaning 'merit' on the silver casket attracts Arragon
and he selects it.
Extract 3 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9
1. What does the inscription on the silver casket say?
The inscription on the silver casket says, 'who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves'.

2. Why did the words of the inscription on the silver casket appeal to Arragon?
Words on the inscription on the silver casket appeal to Aragon because the word 'deserves' meaning
'merit' in the inscription appeals to him. He thinks himself to be the most deserving. He feels that
there are many who succeed without having any inner merit. But he 'deserves' because of his
inherited nobility.

3. Give the meaning of:

To cozen fortune and be honourable
Without the stamp of merit?
To try to cheat fortune and win something without merit. It means no one ought to be allowed to
deceive and trick fortune by asking her for what he does not deserve.

4. How does Arragon explain further the importance of deserving before getting an honoured
position?
Arragon further tells that no man should aspire to be honoured unless he deserves it. Arragon
wishes that all the positions of rank, dignity and offices were bestowed on the deserving, instead of
being obtained dishonestly. If this happens, many low ranking people would be separated out from
the ranks of the truly honourable.

5. Which casket did Arragon finally choose? What did he feel after making the choice?
Arragon finally chooses the silver casket. After making the choice, Aragon is dumb-founded and very
disappointed with what he finds in the casket. He pauses silently for a long time before speaking. He
says that there is such a difference between that creature and the picture he hoped to see. He asks
Portia whether he deserves no more than the head of a fool. He wants to know whether that is his
prize and whether he deserves nothing more than that.
Extract 4 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9
1. After which incident does Arragon speak these words? In what mood is he? With which fool's
head did he come to woo?
Arragon speaks these words after opening the silver casket. He is in a mood of disappointment. He
came to woo Portia with one foolish head of his own.
2. Which second head did he get? Briefly state what was written on the schedule attached to the
second head?
The second head he got was from the silver casket. The scroll attached to the second head says
that silver metal of the casket was tested seven times by fire. A mind which never makes an error of
judgment must be similarly tested seven times. Some people find their happiness in shadows and
unreality. Their happiness is therefore only shadowy and unreal. There are many living fools whose
foolishness is hidden by their silvery-hair because they have the appearance of being venerable and
wise. One of these is the toot's head concealed in the silver casket. Arragon will always have a
foolish head. He should now leave as his chance is over.

3. Which casket doer the speaker choose' Why did he choose that casket?
The speaker chooses the silver casket. The motto of the silver casket appeals to the speaker. It says
'who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves’. He feels that he deserves Portia because of his
inherited nobility.

4. After the departure of the prince, what did Portia say about him?
After the departure of the prince. Portia says that there is another moth which has burnt itself in the
flame of the candle. These people, when they choose, the wisdom of their superficial knowledge
makes them look utterly foolish and lead them to make the wrong choice.

5. State the old saying uttered by Nerissa after the prince's departure.
After the Prince's departure, Nerissa utters an old saying, “Hanging and winning goes by destiny”. It
means that it is fate that decides what happens to one, whether one is to be hanged or to be
wedded. It implies that it is destiny that has saved Portia from two unsuitable cantors and it is destiny
that may give her a worthy suitor.
Extract 5 from The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 9
1. Where sloes this scene take place? Who has alighted at the gate?
This scene takes place in a room in Portia's house at Belmont. Gratiano has alighted at the gate.

2. The visitor brought gifts of rich value. What does this indicate in the context of the scene?
Gifts of rich value indicate the great regard and love Bassanio has for Portia.

3. Give the meaning of the last three lines of the extract.

ln the last three lines, the servant says that he has not seen so generous an ambassador of love.
Even a day in April, the sweetest spring day, coming to give people a foretaste of bright and
bountiful summer, is not comparable to this gorgeous messenger, who rides in advance of his
master.

4. What were the reactions of Portia and Nerissa to the announcement of a new suitor?
Portia asks the servant to slop speaking because he is so generous in his praise that she is dreading
to hear him say that he is some relative of his. Then Portia tells Nerissa to come quickly along with
her to meet this messenger of Cupid, who has arrived in such a courteous manner. Nerissa prays to
Cupid, the god of love, that the lord announced be Bassanio if such is his will.

5. Why does Portia say to the servant to be silent and not to praise the young Venetian further?
Portia tells the servant to be silent because he is too extravagant in his praises that she is dreading
to hear him say that he is some relative of hat.

6. Explain how the plot makes progress in this scene.

The plot of the play makes further progress in this scene. This scene, the second of the casket
scenes, is important because it fills up the interval of the three months between the signing up of the
bond and the forfeiture. It also seems to reveal the wisdom of the device of caskets because it
shows that the results are not a mere lottery. It proves that only the person, who rightly loves, will
choose rightly. This scene also, reveals to the audience which is the right casket. It will heighten the
suspense during Bassanio's selection later. This scene also keeps up the theme of appearance and
reality.
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