Merchant of Venice

Question 1

In sooth, I know not why I am so sad: It wearies me; you say it wearies you; But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, what stuff ‘tis made of, whereof it is born, I am to learn. (Meaning?)

Answer 1

Speaker: Antonio
He is sad but doesn’t know why

Question 2

Why, then you are in love.

Fie, fie! (Meaning?)

Answer 2

Antonio answers too fast and strong.

Question 3

I would have stay’d till I had made you merry, if worthier friends had not prevented me.

Your worth is very dear in my regard… (Meaning?)

Answer 3

Salerio leaves the account that Antonio’s closer friends had arrived.

Antonio dismisses this thought and claims he is just as important to him.

Question 4

I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano; a stage where every man must play a part and mine a sad one (Meaning?)

Answer 4

Antonio feels his existence in the world is a sad one.

Question 5

But fish not, with this melancholy bait (Device?)

Answer 5

Foreshadowing

Question 6

Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing more than any man and all Venice his reasons are as two… (Device?)

Answer 6

Characterization of Gratiano

Question 7

Meaning of the word prodigal

Answer 7

Something extravagant

Question 8

My purse, my person, my extremist means, lie all unlock’d to your occasions (Meaning?)

Answer 8

All his resources are available to him.

Question 9

Hang on her temples like a golden fleece (Meaning?)

Answer 9

Bassanio is immature because he is only in it for the money.

Question 10

That shall be rack’d even to the uttermost (Meaning? Device?)

Answer 10

Antonio would do anything for Bassanio but he might get killed for it.
Foreshadowing.

Question 11

Meaning of rack’d

Answer 11

Torture

Question 12

Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have a good inspirations; therefore, the lottery that he has devised in these three chests of gold, silver, and lead, whereof who chooses his meaning (Meaning?)

Answer 12

Nerissa is saying that the test created by Portia’s father is a good idea.

Question 13

If he should offer to choose, and choose the right casket, you should refuse to perform your fathers will, if you should refuse to accept him (Meaning?)

Answer 13

Portia has no choice but to accept the person who passes her father’s test. If she doesn’t she wouldn’t be honouring her father’s wish.

Question 14

If I could be the fifth welcome with so good heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be glad of his approach: if you have the condition of a saint in the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should strive me than wive me. (Meaning?)

Answer 14

Wishes well for the fifth person as he has shown kindness and depth to his personality.

Question 15

Yes, it’s a small pork; to eat of the habitation with your profit the Nazarite conjured the devil into. I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.

Answer 15

Shylock refuses to eat with Bassanio and Antonio. It is strictly business, no pleasure.

Question 16

I hate him for he is a Christian; but more for that in low simplicity he lend out money gratis, brings down the rate of usance since here with us in Venice if I catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. He hates our secret nation and he rails even there were merchants most to congregate on me, my bargains and my well one thrift, which he calls interest cursed to be my tribe if I forgive him.

Answer 16

Shylock hates Antonio for these reasons.