The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare study (Part 7)

Act Two, Scene Seven

Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia’s portrait. Use evidence of the text to justify your answer.

He thinks the silver one has Portia's portrait.
"A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross.

I’ll then nor give nor hazard aught for lead.

What says the silver with her virgin hue?"

How is Portia feeling in A2S7 -at the beginning, -while the Prince is making his choice, -at the end?

At the beginning: Probably quite impatient, as she doesn't seem to like the Prince of Morocco.
While the Prince is making his choice: Even more impatient because he's stalling.
At the end: Happy that he chose the wrong casket.

What was Portia's father trying to achieve through the use of the caskets? Does this seem to be working?

He hoped that unworthy men would not get a chance to marry Portia. It does seem to be working, as all of her suitors that she didn't like chose the wrong casket.

Act Two, Scene Eight

What double disaster has struck Shylock?

His daughter has run away with a Christian, and Antonio's ships have reportedly sunk.

Where did Shylock think Lorenzo & Jessica might be?

He thought they were on the ship with Bassanio.

How did Bassanio and Antonio part?

Antonio teared up and shook Bassanio's hand affectionately before separating.

What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio? Find a quote that tells you this.

SALARINO:

"Marry, well remembered.

I reasoned with a Frenchman yesterday,

Who told me, in the narrow seas that part

The French and English, there miscarried

A vessel of our country richly fraught.

I thought upon Antonio when he told me,

And wished in silence that it were not his."