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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 the letter that Portia gives to Antonio say?

2. What does Antonio receive after Shylock is accused of threatening his life?

3. What is the name of the young lawyer who has come to Venice to help the Duke make a ruling on the case?

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

5. Where does Shylock want to search for his missing daughter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Shylock denied the money that Antonio first offered him in lieu of the pound of flesh?

2. What does Portia offer to do when they hear of Antonio's misfortune, and what does Jessica say about this plan?

3. What does Shylock tell Solanio and Salarino he will do with the pound of flesh he gets from Antonio, and why?

4. What cheers Shylock while he is so upset about his daughter running away with a Christian?

5. What does Lorenzo praise Portia for after Bassanio leaves for Venice and how does Portia respond?

6. Why is Launcelot so worried about Jessica, and what does he think her only hope is?

7. Who is Shylock forced to deed his property to, and why is Portia so happy about this?

8. How does Antonio try to smooth things over when Portia hears that Bassanio gave his ring away?

9. What is found in the silver casket and how does the Prince respond to this?

10. What announcement does Gratiano make after Bassanio chooses the correct casket?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

There are many different symbols present in this play. What are these symbols and how does their presence alter the course of the plot?

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This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample