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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. Why is guaranteeing this loan so dangerous to Antonio?

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

3. What does the Moroccan prince beg Portia not to judge him by?

4. What physical ailment does Launcelot's father have?

5. Who is meant to pick a husband for Portia?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Jessica say she hopes will happen as her father leaves the house on the night of the masquerade?

3. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock as his master?

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

5. Who asks to travel with Bassanio when he leaves Venice and why?

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

7. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco choose, and what is found inside it?

8. How does Jessica look when she arrives at the masquerade?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Which character do you relate with the most in this play? Why is this? How does this character change throughout the play?

Essay Topic 2

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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