Quotations about Bassanio

Question 1

Bassanio takes time to justify his plan to repay his debts to Antonio

Answer 1

“I do not doubt, / As I will watch the aim, or to find both / Or bring your latter hazard back again” (1.1.149)

Question 2

Bassanio is confident he could win over Portia and repay his debt to Antonio if he had enough money

Answer 2

“had I but the means / To hold a rival place with one of them, / I have a mind presages me such thrift / That I should questionless be fortunate!” (1.1.173)

Question 3

Portia initially states she remembers Bassanio as deserving of Nerissa’s praise, suggesting she and Bassanio were destined to love each other

Answer 3

“I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of thy / praise” (1.2.106)

Question 4

Bassanio offers for Shylock to dine with his and Antonio, implying he dislikes Shylock less than Antonio initially

Answer 4

“If it please you to dine with us” (1.2.27)

Question 5

Bassanio describes Gratiano in high regard, showing their friendship (not completely sure who he is referring to)

Answer 5

“I do feast tonight / My best esteemed acquaintance” (2.2.155)

Question 6

Shylock likens Bassanio to the prodigal son, implying he is wasteful, which he might be

Answer 6

“to feed upon / The prodigal Christian” (2.5.14)

Question 7

Solanio thinks Antonio only loves the world because of Bassanio, suggesting Antonio loves Bassanio more than Bassanio does in return

Answer 7

“I think he only loves the world for him” (2.8.50)

Question 8

Bassanio is mysteriously attracted to the lead box, suggesting he is destined to marry Portia

Answer 8

“But thou, thou meagre lead, / Which rather threaten’st than dost promise aught, / Thy paleness moves me more than eloquence” (3.2.104)

Question 9

Bassanio claims that when the ring Portia gives him is taken off, he will be dead, which is ironic as he gives it away later in the play

Answer 9

“But when this ring / Parts from this finger, then parts life from hence. / O, then be bold to say Bassanio’s dead!” (3.2.183)

Question 10

Bassanio is horrified at the contents of Antonio’s letter, showing he truly cares for him

Answer 10

“The paper as the body of my friend, / And every word in it a gaping wound, / Issuing life blood” (3.2.263)

Question 11

Bassanio states he shall sacrifice everything he has for Antonio, showing his commitment to his and how much he cares for Antonio

Answer 11

“The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all, / Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood” (4.1.112)

Question 12

Bassanio seems to value Antonio more than his wife, as he would sacrifice her to save his life

Answer 12

“But life itself, my wife, and all the world / Are not with me esteemed above thy life. I would lose all - ay, sacrifice them all / Here to this devil - to deliver you” (4.1.281)

Question 13

Bassanio gives away the ring Portia, his wife, asked him to keep

Answer 13

“Give him the ring and bring him, if thou canst, / Unto Antonio’s house” (4.1.450)

Question 14

Bassanio justifies himself giving the ring Portia gave him away

Answer 14

“If you did know to whom I gave, / If you did know for whom I have the ring… You would abate the strength of your displeasure” (5.1.191 - 196)