SME Quotes

Question 1

“I hate him for he is a Christian”
- Shylock, Act 1, Scene 3

Answer 1

Shylock expresses his own prejudice against Christians, demonstrating that intolerance exists on both sides of the religious divide.

Question 2

“If you prick us do we not bleed? … And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?”
- Shylock, Act 3, Scene 1

Answer 2

• Shylock pleads for equality, arguing that Jews and Christians share a common humanity and desire for retribution when wronged.
• Jewish teaching of eye for an eye

Question 3

“The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction”
- Shylock, Act 3, Scene 1

Answer 3

Shylock justifies his vengeful behaviour as learned from the villainy and prejudice of Christians, making him harder to empathise with.

Question 4

“You take my life when you do take the means whereby l live”
- Shylock, Act 4, Scene 1

Answer 4

Despite being spared death, Shylock faces ruin through the loss of his possessions, profession, and religion, suggesting the judgment against him is too harsh as punishment.

Question 5

“But love is blind, and lovers cannot see / The pretty follies that themselves commit.”
- Jessica, Act 2, Scene 6

Answer 5

Jessica acknowledges that love can blind people to their beloved’s flaws, underscoring how romance can impair one’s judgment.

Question 6

“First go with me to church and call me wife, / And then away to Venice to your friend”
- Portia, Act 3, Scene 2

Answer 6

Portia’s compassionate nature is shown as she encourages Bassanio to marry her quickly so he can aid his friend Antonio.

Question 7

“I like not fair terms and a villain’s mind”
- Bassanio, Act 1, Scene 3

Answer 7

Bassanio wisely distrusts Shylock’s strange bond terms, demonstrating sound judgment in contrast to Antonio’s obliviousness.

Question 8

“In Belmont is a lady richly left, / And she is fair and — fairer than that word -/ Of wondrous virtues”
- Bassanio, Act 1, Scene 1

Answer 8

Bassanio reveals his primary motivation for pursuing Portia is to attain her great wealth, underscoring the power of material desires.

Question 9

“If fortune be a woman, she’s a good wench for this gear”
- Gratiano, Act 2, Scene 2

Answer 9

Gratiano personifies fortune as a promiscuous woman, reflecting both the sexist attitudes and emphasis on wealth in Venetian society.

Question 10

“For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe”
- Jessica, Act 3, Scene 1

Answer 10

Jessica laments that sufferance (patient endurance of hardship) is expected of Jews, highlighting the oppression they face.