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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Antonio think Shylock hates him for while he is in prison?
(a) Helping people who hate Jews.
(b) Loaning money to those who can't afford it.
(c) Helping Jessica run away with Lorenzo.
(d) Not dealiing fairly with Shylock in the past.

2. What does Portia request while Bassanio is choosing his casket?
(a) That he let her read the inscriptions to him.
(b) That music be played.
(c) That lunch be served.
(d) That he wait an hour.

3. What does Nerissa plan to get from her husband before returning home with Portia?
(a) The ring she gave him.
(b) The pendant around his neck.
(c) A lock of hair.
(d) The deed to Shylock's house.

4. What does Portia plan to do with what she got from her husband while in Venice?
(a) Embarrass him.
(b) Forgive him.
(c) Divorce him.
(d) Demand an explanation from him.

5. Where have some of Antonio's ships sunk?
(a) The English Channel.
(b) The straits of Gibraltar.
(c) Off the coast of Africa.
(d) In the Parisian harbor.

6. What does Portia threaten to do when she hears Bassanio has given away his ring?
(a) Live in complete silence with him.
(b) Never visit his bed again.
(c) Divorce him.
(d) Find a new husband.

7. How much money did Jessica spend in one night?
(a) 8000 ducats.
(b) 80 ducats.
(c) 8 ducats.
(d) 800 ducats.

8. Which casket does the second suitor choose?
(a) The silver casket.
(b) The jewel encrusted casket.
(c) The lead casket.
(d) The brass casket.

9. Why does the second suitor choose to forgo the gold casket?
(a) Portia is not kind enough.
(b) Portia is not beautiful enough.
(c) Portia is not rich enough.
(d) Portia is not smart enough.

10. Why does Portia want Bassanio to wait to choose his casket?
(a) He doesn't want him to choose incorrectly.
(b) She doesn't want him to choose correctly.
(c) She wants him to get to know her better.
(d) She feels it inappropriate to let him choose so soon.

11. What does the Duke tell Shylock he expects Shylock to do?
(a) Remain cold and heartless.
(b) Lose all his busniess due to his ferocity.
(c) Become partners with Antonio.
(d) Relent and forgive Antonio at the last minute.

12. What does the letter that Portia gives to Antonio say?
(a) His ships are all safe in port.
(b) He is dismissed of all charges.
(c) He has inherited a great fortune.
(d) He is being summoned as a judge in Venice.

13. What does Lorenzo praise Portia for after Bassanio leaves Belmont?
(a) Her patience.
(b) Her strength of character.
(c) Her love.
(d) Her beauty.

14. Why does Solanio say the duke will not uphold the law?
(a) He does business with Antonio.
(b) It is too cruel.
(c) He is a fair ruler.
(d) He hates Jews.

15. Why has Bassanio left Portia just after winning the right to marry her?
(a) To prove his love for her.
(b) To get his things.
(c) To help Antonio.
(d) To prepare for the wedding.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Shylock petition for help when he sees that his daughter is gone?

2. Who does Shylock say has never had sympathy for him?

3. What does Shylock say will happen to Jessica due to her betrayal?

4. Who does Nerissa marry?

5. What does the young lawyer from Padua warn Shylock he must not take in addition to his pound of flesh?

(see the answer keys)

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