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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Launcelot do that breaks up the discussion about the masquerade?

2. What does Jessica hope her father will lose on the night of the masquerade?

3. Why does Gratiano not attend the masquerade?

4. Where does the Moroccan prince first touch land?

5. Who begs to travel with Bassanio on his journey before he leaves Venice?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Shylock say it is so brave of Antonio to guarantee a loan for Bassanio at this time?

2. Whose arrival is announced at the end of the second scene, and how is this news received?

3. What must a suitor do in order to win Portia's hand in marriage?

4. Where is Shylock going on the night of the masquerade, and why?

5. What do the men discussing the masquerade say they need for the ball?

6. Who is Bassanio in love with, and what must he do to woo her?

7. What does the Moroccan prince look like when he is first seen on stage?

8. What is Bassanio's response to the men who want to travel with him when he leaves Venice?

9. What and how does Antonio compare life on earth to while he is speaking to Gratiano?

10. What does Gratiano say about Jessica after speaking with her for a time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sacrifice is a theme that was very prevalent in this play. Who are the characters most affected by this theme, and how do they allow sacrifice to change their lives?

Essay Topic 2

Portia and Nerissa both have similar relationships with their husbands, but there are some notable differences. Please compare and contrast these relationships and explain how they affected the other characters around them.

Essay Topic 3

Security and safety were two themes that are touched on a number of times throughout the course of this play. What are some of these instances, and how do they affect the characters in these scenes?

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This section contains 698 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample