The Merchant of Venice - Act Two

Act Two, Scene One

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

2. 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 they fail to win her, they should never marry another woman again.

3. Shylock practices 'usury'. What is this?
Usury is the act of charging more money each time the person who borrowed money does not pay back the correct ammount.

4. Why does Shylock and Antonio hate each other?
They hate each other because they have different religion (Shylock is Jewish, Antonio is Christian), and the way Antonio treated Shylock.

Act Two, Scene Two

1. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock?
Launcelot wants to leave Shylock because Shylock is a Jew and he doesn't like working under a Jew.

2. Why is Bassiano worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont? 
He is worried to take Gratiano with him  to Belmont because Gratiano parties and get drunk a lot.

3. 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

Act Two, Scene Three

1. What does Jessica think of her life at home?
She thinks that it's hell in their house.

2. Which of Bassanio's friend is Jessica planning to marry?
Jessica is planning to marry Lorenzo.

Act Two, Scene Four

1. How does Jessica get a message to her lover?
She gave it to Launcelot and he will give the message to her lover.

2. How will she be disguias for the elopement?
She will disguias as a guy.

Act Two, Scene Five

1. Why is Shylock uneasy about going out for the evening?
Because things aren't going his way.

Act Two, Scene Six

1. How does Launcelot manage to tell Jessica that Lorenzo will be there that evening?
By sending a letter to her.

2. What does Jessica throw down to Lorenzo?
The money that she stole from her father.

3. Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano?
For the masquerade.

Act Two Discussion Questions:

4. In A2S2, Launcelot deceives his father, In A2S6 Jessica deceives hers, What does each of them hope to achieve?
They deceive their father because they want freedom and Launcelot says that he doesn't want to live in a house like hell.

5. In A2S5 Lines 11-18 & 28-39. In both speeches Shylock is speaking to his daughter, Jessica. What is his attitude to her?
Shylock is being calm but at the same time he is being bossy.

6. In A2S5 Lines 11-18 & 28-39. What do Launcelot and the audience know, that Shylock does not?
Launcelot knows that there's no masquerade.

Act Two, Scene Seven

1. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia's portrait?
He believes that it is the golden casket.

2. How is Portia feeling in A2S7 -at the beginning, -while the prince is making his choice at the end.
She does not want the prince to be in there.

3. What was Portia's father trying to achieve by the use of the casket? Does this seem to be working?
To make sure that Portia will have a good husband.

Act Two, Scene Eight

1. What double disaster has struck Shylock?
Portia run away with lots of his money.

2. Where did Shylock think Lorenzo & Jessica might be?
He thought that they were on Belmont.

3. How did Bassanio and Antonio part?
They shook hands with each other.

4. What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio?
That a ship has sunken.

Act Two, Scene Nine

1. What is the purpose of the rhymes in the casket?
To tell them if they are right or wrong for choosing the casket.

2. Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden casket?
He discard the golden casket because he said to portia that he will not go by the social normality.

3.  What is Portia's reaction to Bassanio's arrival?
Portia seems curious to see if it's actually him.

Act Two: Can Do Tasks:

Find the meaning of the words:
Incisions - A cut made in skin or flesh.
Renowned - Famous
Casket - A box or a chest for holding valued objects.
Fiend - An evil spirit or a demon.
Impertinent - Rude
Tedious - Slow
Prodigal - Recklessly spending money
Garnish - Decorate

Qualities, properties, and uses of Gold, Silver, and Lead.

Gold is use for making jewellery, fine wire for electronics, and many more stuff.

Some of the uses of Silver are jewellery, tableware and mirrors.

Lead is used for car batteries, pigments, ammunition, cable sheathing, and weights for lifting. Lead is very soft, highly malleable, ductile, and a relatively poor conductor of electricity.