View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What do the men lack for the upcoming masquerade?

2. What does Launcelot want to do when he first appears on stage?

3. How many items do Portia's suitors have to choose from to win her hand in marriage?

4. What does Gratiano say most lovers really love?

5. Which of these is NOT a fault Portia saw in some of her past suitors?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do the inscriptions on each of the caskets say?

3. What reason did the Moroccan prince give for choosing the casket he chose?

4. What does Launcelot do when he sees his father on the streets?

5. Who does Jessica want to marry, and why would her father oppose of this?

6. How does Antonio feel at the beginning of the play and why?

7. What has caused the interest rates on loans to go down in Venice?

8. How did Portia feel when the Prince of Morocco chose the wrong Casket?

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

10. What does Portia say to the Moroccan prince when he asks her to judge him by his beauty?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Betrayal is a theme introduced near the very beginning of this play. How does this constant stream of betrayal affect the outcome of the plot and which characters are most affected by it?

Essay Topic 2

Antonio endures many different trials before the end of the play. What are some of these trials and what lessons does he learn through these experiences?

Essay Topic 3

The characters in this play all had their own goals and motivations. Select four characters and write about their main motivations and how this goal affects the characters around them.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 665 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample