Act 1 Scene 3. Flashcards
Character: Shylock. Bassanio. Antonio.
How much money does Bassanio want to borrow in Antonio’s good name?
Bassanio wants 3,000 ducats on Antonio’s credit, he says that he’ll pay them back in three months.
Shylock says he’ll lend the money, but would like to speak to Antonio first. What does Bassanio suggest that Shylock refuses to do and why?
Bassanio invites Shylock to dinner with himself and Antonio to discuss the terms of the agreement. Shylock refuses this offer because it will likely be a Christian dinner with pork, which Shylock does not eat because he is Jew.
He says he’ll trade with Christians, talk and walk with Christians, but he has to draw a line somewhere. Where does he draw the line?
Shylock’s drawn it at eating, drinking, and praying with Christians.
When Antonio then enters the scene, what does Shylock say about him aside?
Shylock says that he hates Antonio because he is a Christian, Antonio lends money to people without charging interest; Antonio publicly condemns Shylock for charging excessive interest.
Shylock then tells a little story taken from the Bible about Jacob’s dealings with his Uncle Laban as evidence that it isn’t a sin to charge interest. What does Antonio say as a reaction to Shylock using the bible?
Antonio mocks Shylock’s attempts to use the Bible as justification for charging interest when he says the “devil” can cite Scripture for his purposes.
While calculating interest Shylock hears one of Antonio’s remarks while he was ranting and he is quickly incited to anger. What does Shylockpoint out?
Shylock points out that in the Rialto, Antonio spit on him, called him a dog, and insulted him publicly for his practice of lending with interest.
What is Antonio’s reaction to being confronted by Shylock?
Antonio doesn’t defend himself against these nasty charges. He admits it’s true he spat and cursed at Shylock. In fact, he’ll probably do it again.
Shylock decides not to charge interest on Antonio’s loan, but what does he offer “as a joke” instead?
Shylock will have the right to cut a “pound of flesh” from any part of Antonio’s body.
Antonio thinks this is a good idea to use the “pound of flesh” agreement. What does Bassanio think?
Bassanio insists that it isn’t necessary but Antonio is confident.
