Act 1 Scene 1. Flashcards
Characters: Antonio. Bassanio. Solanio. Salerio. Gratiano. Lorenzo.
Antonio tells Salonio and Salerio he feels sad without knowing why. What do they suggest could be a reason?
His friends suggest that he is either worried about his ships, which are ‘tossing on the ocean’ and full of valuable goods, or that he is ‘in love’. Antonio rejects both of these ideas and Salerio and Solanio leave when Bassanio, (Antonio’s ‘noble kinsman’), Gratiano and Lorenzo arrive.
When Gratiano notices Antonio’s unhappiness what does he suggest?
Gratiano suggests that the merchant worries too much about business and he adds that some men who are quiet and sad-looking seem thoughtful, but they’re likely to be as foolish as anyone else; they’re just hiding it well. Gratiano then takes his leave with Lorenzo.
After Gratiano and Lorenzo left, Antonio asks about Bassanio’s “secret pilgrimage” to see a lady. What does Bassanio reply with?
Bassanio admits to Antonio that he has run out of his own money and is in need of resources so that he can go to Belmont and woo Portia.
How does Antonio help Bassanio in his quest for resources to woo Portia?
Since all the capital which Antonio possesses has been invested in his ships, his cash flow is insufficient for any major investments at this time. Still, he tells Bassanio to try his hand at raising some money around Venice on credit, using his (Antonio’s) good name.
