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 is Jessica holding when she arrives at the masquerade?

2. Why does Shylock hate Antonio?

3. Where is Bassanio heading to after speaking with Gratiano?

4. Why would Shylock not approve of his daughter's choice in husband?

5. What does Shylock's daughter hate herself for?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Jessica ask Launcelot to do before he leaves Venice?

3. What is Portia so upset about when she is first seen in this book?

4. What does the Moroccan prince think is causing Portia's reserved and quiet reaction to him?

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

6. How has Portia felt about some of her past suitors?

7. How does Shylock react when he hears that Launcelot has chosen to find new employment with Bassanio?

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

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

10. What does Bassanio ask of Antonio when they first meet in this play and how does Antonio respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nerissa is a minor character whose presence makes a big difference in the plot. How does she accomplish this? What are some ways that her presence, however brief, alters the outcome of the plot? What would have happened differently if Nerissa had not been in the play at all?

Essay Topic 2

Love is a theme that is displayed by a few different relationships. Choose two of these relationships and compare and contrast these relationships with each other.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 731 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample