The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare study (Part 5)

Act Two, Scene Three
What does Jessica think of her life at home? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking.

'Alack, what heinous sin is it in me

To be ashamed to be my father’s child!

But though I am a daughter to his blood,

I am not to his manners.'

Which of Bassanio’s friends is Jessica planning to marry?

Lorenzo.

Act Two, Scene Four
How does Jessica get a message to her lover?
She gets Lancelot to deliver it.

How will she be disguised for the elopement?

She will be wearing a page's uniform.

Act Two, Scene Five
Why is Shylock uneasy about going out for the evening? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking.

'I am right loath to go.

There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest,

For I did dream of money bags tonight.'

The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare study (Part 4)

Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking.

'If I listened to my conscience, I’d stay with the Jew my master, who’s a devil. But if I ran away from the Jew, I’d be following the advice of the devil, who’s the very devil himself. Certainly the Jew is the devil incarnate, and my conscience is giving me a hard time by telling me to stay with the Jew. The devil’s advice is nicer. I’ll run, devil. Tell me to run, and I’ll run.'

Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont?

He's worried that Gratiano will get drunk and sleep with ladies again.

In lines 114-142...

Launcelot and his father are very anxious to find Launcelot a new job. They both want to impress Bassanio. This leads to a. frequent interruptions.

      b. contradictions

      c. misuse of words to impress.

      Find examples of each of these in the text.

a. LAUNCELOT:

In very brief, the suit is impertinent to myself, as your worship shall know by this honest old man—and though I say it, though old man, yet poor man, my father—
BASSANIO:

One speak for both. What would you?

b. GOBBO:

Here’s my son, sir, a poor boy—
LAUNCELOT:Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew’s man that would, sir, as my father shall specify—

I can't find an answer for C.

Music: AOTEAROA

In Music, we are doing a piece for Matariki. This will be a performance of AOTEAROA by Stan Walker. I am wearing a lavalava over my school uniform. I'm doing quite well with the lyrics for my solo. The actions are quite straightforward too. I'm not really having trouble with anything, although some of the other boys keep forgetting the actions, especially Ansh and Nishnit.

What am I learning?
I am learning to cooperate with others in choreography.
How does this work show my learning?
It shows that I am helping others with choreo.

The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare study (Part 3)

We have watched racial and religious tensions at work in A1S3. The Prince of Morocco opens A2S1 with another sensitive issue. What is it?

The skin complexion issue and racism.

If Antonio loses his gamble, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. What must Portia’s suitors give up if they fail to win her?

If Portia's suitors pick the wrong casket, he must never marry another woman.

Shylock practices ‘usury’. What is this?

The practice of interest.

Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other?

Shylock is a Jew and Antonio is a Christian. There is also the matter of Antonio spitting on Shylock, calling him a dog and kicking him.

What is Portia’s opinion of the Prince of Morocco- give examples.

He is the favourite of her suitors so far.

What am I learning? I'm learning to be able to answer questions about a text.
How does this work show my learning?
It proves I can show evidence from the text.
What am I wondering? How much racism is still in the world?

The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare study (Part 2)

Shylock is a moneylender. Does he seem eager to do business with Bassanio? How do you know?

Yes. He is eager to see if Antonio will pay out.

Which does Shylock think is safe, his business or Antonio’s? Why?

His own. Because all of Antonio's cash is at sea, there's risk of him losing it all, while his own has no risk of losing his profit.

Why doesn’t Shylock want to dine with Bassanio and Antonio?

He can smell pork, which is cursed by Jew standards.

What strict principal of his is Antonio breaking to help Bassanio?

Lending money on interest.

Shylock tells a bible story to prove that the taking of profit is blessed, as long as thieving is not involved. Does he convince Antonio? Give evidence.

No. Antonio points out that it was the work of God, not Jacob.

Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole catalogue of nastiness. How does Antonio answer the charges?

Antonio admits to all of them and admits he will do it again.

How does Bassanio react to the proposed bond?

He immediately tells Antonio to drop it, but he accepts it anyway.