The Merchant of VeniceAnswers Act 4

1. Why is the Duke sorry for Antonio?

Antonio may lose his life.

2. What has the Duke been trying to do for Antonio?

The Duke tried to make sure what Shylock asked was legal.

3. Why does the Duke think Shylock is so cruel?

Shylock is only pretending to be cruel.

4. Why does Shylock insist on having the flesh?

Shylock swore in heaven that he would have it.

He feels like having it.

5. With what does Shylock threaten the Duke if his bond is not honoured?

He will curse the laws of Venice.

6. Why is it useless to argue with the Jew, according to Antonio?

Shylock will never change his mind.

His heart is a hard as rock.

7. Why does Shylock think he is right when he insists on having the flesh rather than the money?

He bought the flesh with his own money. It belongs to him.

8. Who is the Duke waiting for before he gives sentence?

He is waiting for Bellario, a well educated lawyer.

9. How does Gratiano react when he sees Shylock sharpening his knife?

Gratiano says Shylock is sharpening the knife on his soul.

Metal can never be as sharp as Shylock’s hate for Antonion.

10. Why is Shylock not bothered by Gratiano’s tirade?

Gratiano can not change what is written in the bond with the things he says.

11. Who is the young lawyer that arrives at the court?

Portia, dressed as a man.

12. Why must Shylock show Antonio some mercy, according to Portia?

Mercy comes from heaven. By showing mercy Shylock will save them all.

13. Why does Shylock call Portia a second Daniel?

She is young and wise and it looks as if she is on his side.

14. How many chances does Portia give Shylock to take the money?

Twice

15 . Why doesn’t Shylock want a doctor present when he cuts Antonio?

It is not stipulated in the bond.

16. Why must Shylock wait before he cuts the flesh?

Portia wants to give him information that Shylock is not aware of.

17. What will Bassanio sacrifice to save Antonio’s life?

His wife and everything he has.

18. Why does Gratiano wish his wife is dead?

He wished his wife was in heaves so she could speak to some angel who would change Antonio’s fate.

19. Why does Shylock decide to take the money?

Shylock realises if he cuts he will spill blood and lose everything. By taking the money he will have something.

20. Why won’t Portia give him the money?

Shylock said in court that he did not want the money, only the flesh.

21. Why does Portia insist that Shylock may only have the flesh?

The flesh is what Shylock wanted.

He must cut it and destroy himself in the process.

22. Why can’t Shylock leave without taking the flesh or the money?

Shylock has broken another law.

23. How does the Duke show his character differs from Shylock’s?

He shows Shylock mercy before Shylock asks for it.

24. How does Antonio react to the turn of events?

He is relieved.He will use half of Shylock’s money and leave it to Jessica when he dies.

He demands that Shylock becomes a Christian.

25. Why does Bassanio refuse to give his ring to Portia?

His wife made him promise never to take it off.

26. Why does Bassanio give his ring to Portia in the end?

Antonio makes him do it.

Antonio will explain to Portia how much the young lawyer deserved it.

27. What is Nerissa going to try and get from her husband?

The ring she gave him.