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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the inscription on the lead casket say it holds?
(a) A joy beyond all measure.
(b) What many men want.
(c) A risky investment.
(d) What he deserves.

2. Why is Launcelot leaving Venice?
(a) He has a shipment to watch over.
(b) He fears Shylock has figured out his plans with his daughter.
(c) He has business over seas.
(d) He is now employed by Bassanio.

3. Who is Launcelot's master?
(a) Antonio.
(b) Bassanio.
(c) Salarino.
(d) Shylock.

4. Why does Jessica return to her house before the masquerade?
(a) To leave a note for her father.
(b) To lock it up.
(c) To find some more money.
(d) To change her clothes.

5. Why is Antonio not worried about his wealth at the beginning of the play?
(a) All of his wares are insured.
(b) He has more than enough money.
(c) He cares not for money.
(d) His wares are on more than one ship.

6. What is Shylock's daughter most ashamed of?
(a) Her father.
(b) Her low social rank.
(c) Her religion.
(d) Her looks.

7. Why has Shylock chosen to dine where he is on the night of the masquerade?
(a) To keep an eye on his competition.
(b) To spite Bassanio.
(c) To avoid the noise of the celebration.
(d) To take comfort with friends.

8. What does the money lender want if the loan that Bassanio needs cannot be repaid?
(a) A promise that Antonio will never touch his daughter.
(b) A pound of flesh.
(c) A portion of Antonio's company.
(d) A signed deed of Antnio's land.

9. How is Bassanio related to Antonio?
(a) Bassanio is his uncle.
(b) Bassanio is his brother.
(c) Bassanio is his cousin.
(d) Bassanio is his best friend.

10. Where will Shylock be when his daughter attends the masquerade?
(a) Sleeping.
(b) On a business trip.
(c) At a worship service.
(d) Dining out.

11. How does Portia react when she sees what is in the casket chosen by the guest at Belmont?
(a) She joins in laughing about the joke.
(b) She is glad he chose wrong.
(c) She is frightened by his anger.
(d) She thanks him for his good nature and bids him farewel..

12. What does Launcelot want to do when he first appears on stage?
(a) Steal some money.
(b) Run away from his master.
(c) Get married.
(d) Move out of Italy.

13. Who is Bassanio in love with?
(a) Placius.
(b) Portia.
(c) Prenatia.
(d) Pattea.

14. Where is Bassanio heading to after speaking with Gratiano?
(a) Belmont.
(b) London.
(c) Rome.
(d) France.

15. How does the guest at Belmont react when he sees what is in the casket he has chosen?
(a) He starts raving furiously.
(b) He laughs at the wit of Portia's father.
(c) He bursts into tears.
(d) He leaves the scene quickly.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Lorenzo say Shylock's only way to Heaven will be?

2. Whose arrival is announced at the end of the second scene?

3. What does Bassano demand of the man who begs to go on the journey with Bassanio?

4. Why does Gratiano say Jessica is not a true Jew?

5. What convinces Lorenzo to change his plans on the night of the masquerade?

(see the answer keys)

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