S2 - Homework - Mark your Own!

Hi S2

Remember, I am trusting you to mark your own work! But I'll still be looking in your jotters at some point soon, so don't be too generous!

1.Why does Shylock ask if Antonio is “a good man” (12)?

He wants to know whether Antonio would be able to repay the debt
And/or
He wants to know that Antonio is well respected

2.Look at lines 38 – 48. What is the first reason Shylock gives for hating Antonio?

He hates him because he is a Christian

3.Why do you think this speech is given as an aside?

Shylock is telling the audience how he feels, but he doesn’t want to let Antonio or Bassanio know

4.“I cannot tell, I make it breed as fast” (93) – what technique is this an example of, and what is being compared?

Technically this is a simile, although case could also be argued that it is a metaphor. The speed with which Shylock can make money is like the speed sheep breed, so these two thnigs are being compared.

5.Look again at lines 103 – 126.
a)Write a list of the other reasons why Shylock hates Antonio.

Antonio “rated” him(as in 'berated'), called him “misbeliever, cut-throat dog”, spat on him and kicked him

b)Of all the reasons Shylock gives in this scene, which do you think he feels is the main reason. Give reasons for your decision

He hates him for being a Christian – it is the first reason he gives, and the differences drive all the other insults. BUT answer should be based on well justified opinion.

6.How does Antonio ‘sell’ the idea of lending him the money to Shylock. Quote the lines that show this.

He tries to tell Shylock to take more pleasure in having an enemy in his debt:
“…lend it not as to thy friends …
But lend it rather to thine enemy
Who if he break, thou mayst with better face
Exact the penalty”

7.Think about the bond between Antonio and Shylock:
a)Who comes up with the idea first?

Shylock

a)Do you think they are serious?

No / Yes – judge on merit of the evidence in part (b)

b)Explain your answer with reference to the text.

No – reference to “merry sport”
Yes - Reference to hatred of Antonio

8.How does Bassanio respond to the bond?

He doesn’t want Antonio to take Shylock’s money:
“you shall not seal to such a bond for me
I’ll rather dwell in my necessity”

9. Explain the significance of the lines below: what do they mean, and what do they tell us about Shylock?
“A pound of man’s flesh taken from a man
Is not so estimable, profitable neither,
As flesh of muttons, beefs or goats.” (162-164)

Shylock thinks about the flesh as being worthless – it isn’t even as valuable as beef, goat or mutton because it can’t be eaten or sold. At this point, he seems to be only interested in the money. However, it does also link back to the extended imagery of sheep that we've seen throughout the scene.

10.“The Hebrew will turn Christian, he grows kind” (176)
Where have we heard a similar but contrasting thought before?

Shylock says: “Cursed be my tribe If I forgive him” which contrasts against the idea that he is so kind to Antonio that Antonio feels he is converting to Christianity.