Structure and Form

Question 1

What does act 1 do?

Answer 1

Introduces the main characters and the feud between Antonio and Shylock

Question 2

What does act 2 do?

Answer 2

Develops some of the sub-plots. Jessica runs away and Portia meets two more suitors

Question 3

What does act 3 do?

Answer 3

Introduces a problem in the main plot. Antonio can’t repay Shylock, so his life is at risk

Question 4

What does act 4 do?

Answer 4

The action reaches a climax. Portia saves Antonio

Question 5

What does act 5 do?

Answer 5

It’s the resolution. Everyone learns the truth and the couples are happily reconciled

Question 6

What do the sub-plots help Shakespeare to do?

Answer 6

Control the mood of the play and develop different themes which include the Pursuit of Portia, Jessica’s Betrayal and the Ring Plot

Question 7

What does Portia’s casket test help Shakespeare explore?

Answer 7

Explore the theme of appearence and reality. Bassanio’s romantic love for Portia also contrasts his friendship with Antonio

Question 8

What does Jessica’s abandonment do for Shylock?

Answer 8

It strengthens Shylock’s hatred for the Christian character and it allows Shakespeare to explore ideas about family and revenge

Question 9

What does Portia’s practical joke of the Ring Plot do?

Answer 9

It highlights the conflict between romantic loce and male friendship

Question 10

How does swapping between different plots create suspense?

Answer 10

It causes important issues to be left unresolved which makes the audience wonder what will happen

Question 11

How do long scenes create tension?

Answer 11

It causes the drama to build as the scene goes on

Question 12

What do comic scenes do?

Answer 12

They help the tension to rise and fall

Question 13

What are the three rules that blank verse follows?

Answer 13

• The lines usually don’t rhyme
• Each line has 10 or 11 syllables
• Each line has a 5-beat rhythm

Question 14

What do the main characters usually speak in?

Answer 14

Blank verse

Question 15

What is poetry with a 5-beat rhythm called?

Answer 15

Iambic pentameter

Question 16

What do the stressed syllables highlight?

Answer 16

The most significant words in the line

Question 17

What do prose not have?

Answer 17

Any rhyme or set rhythm so it sounds like everyday speech

Question 18

What scenes use prose?

Answer 18

Scenes about everyday life or for rude comedy

Question 19

Why does Shakespeare use lots of quick exchanges in acr 4, scene 1?

Answer 19

To add to the tense atmosphere between hostile characters in the courtroom

Question 20

Why does Bassanio’s speech with Portia sound forced?

Answer 20

Because Shakespeare wants the audience to question if love is his only reason for marrying her

Question 21

What does Portia speaking to Nerissa in prose in Act 1, scene 2 suggest?

Answer 21

They feel comfortable when they’re together