Merchant Of Venice - Summary

Question 1

Beginning: Bassanio and Antonio

Answer 1

Antonio - a prosperous merchant
worries he’s spent too much money so he gets a loan from Shylock so his best friend Bassanio can impress Portia

Question 2

Beginning: Portia

Answer 2

Portia is being courted by men + has no choice in who she marries, it is decided by the casket system. Bassanio chooses the right casket

Question 3

Jessica and the ships

Answer 3

Shylock’s daughter Jessica elopes with Lorenzo (a Christian) stealing Shylock’s money. Shylock is distraught, but overjoyed when he hears that Antonio’s ships are lost at sea, so he can claim a pound of flesh from Antonio

Question 4

Courtroom

Answer 4

In the courtroom Portia poses as a
lawyer to protect Antonio, stating that Shylock could take a pound of flesh but if he takes a drop of blood, he will be arrested and his money will be takenfrom him

Question 5

End/denouncement

Answer 5

Shylock is forced to convert to
Christianity. In the denouncement
Portia test Bassanio’s loyalty by asking him for her ring, Bassanio gives her the ring