Literature Review grade 9

1. What does the Duke think Shylock is going to do? What is Shylock's response?
The duke thought that shylock is going to be merciful. Shylock responded that he wants justice; he
wants to have his bond.

2. Why is Shylock unwilling to show mercy? How does he respond to the Venetians and their call for
mercy? What is his ultimate claim (even "threat") in demanding justice?
Because he wants revenge from Antonio. He refused. He said that there is no force in the decrees of
Venice.

3. What is Portia's first judgment about the bond? Why “must” Shylock then be
merciful?
Shylock has to be merciful because it is a human quality should be there in all humans as it drops
from heaven like rain.

4. How does the law begin to work against Shylock? How has his strategy for revenge backfired?
He was demanding justice being so strict to the terms of the bond and Portis was too. The bond says
that he should have a pound of flesh and nothing else. On the other hand, the law in Venice says he
should not shed one drop of blood otherwise his lands and money will be confiscated to the state of
Venice .
5. Why can't Shylock take the money now and leave (4.1.335-336)? What additional problem with the
law does Shylock have at 4.1.363-377? Why does this law against an "alien" apply to Shylock?
Because it is not stated in the bond that he can have anything but the forfeiture (a pound of flesh form
Antonio’s bosom . the law has another hold on him, it is proved that he was plotting against a
venetian life ( Antonio ) so half of his money will be confiscated by Venice and the other half will go to
Lorenzo and his fate will lie in the hands of the duke .

6. How are the tables turned? How does Gratiano respond to this request? How does the Duke
respond?
Now Shylock is the one asking for mercy from the duke, Gratiano called Portia a second Daniel. the
duke spared Shylock’s life and asked Antonio to show mercy.

7. Describe the different kind of mercy Shylock asks for? how does this bring the meaning of mercy
into question?
Shylock asked to be executed and they would be merciful if they do so.
Mercy from Antonio’s point of view puts Shylock into worse position because all of his props, his ways
of life are taken ,also , his faith because he is forced to convert to Christianity, so he will be cursed
by his tribe and friends ,and he will not be able to take interest because it forbidden in Christianity.
For Shylock , it would have been easier to end his life by executing him. ( it is a highly dramatic
situation ).
8.Disguise is a very important element of comedy in the play how many times was it used and why ?
Portia disguised to save Antonio , yet she played her role till the end to punish Shylock for his
inhumane actions and to test Bassanio.
Nerissa disguised to help Portia and she was convinced by her to test Gratiano ( her husband )
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Jessica disguised to escape with Lorenzo .
9.Mercy is a very important theme in scene 1 act 4 to whom was it first asked and how did
Shakespeare excel in writing a plot twist before the end of the trial?
At first Shylock was asked to show mercy more than once but he refused, then the law was turned
against him and he was granted justice more than he asked .He was about to lose his life but the
duke was mercy and he spared his life then Antonio showed mercy by Putting the money in a trust for
shylock’s daughter and her husband after Shylock’s death .He has one condition that he has to
convert to Christianity.
10.The theme of promises and bonds is another important theme. Illustrate
The first and the main bond of the play is between shylock and Antonio , that he has to pay a
forfeiture as a pound of his own flesh if he could not pay 3 thousands ducats in three month .
The second was between Portia and Bassanio when she gave him the ring as a symbol of their love
and commitment on one condition that he cannot lose, sell, or give it to anyone. the third promise is
the one made between Gratiano and Bassanio before he takes him to Belmont, Gratiano promised
that he will not be rude and he will act like priests. We can consider the friendship between Bassanio
and Antonio is a strong bond too.
11.Why did Shakespeare classify the play as tragicomedy?
Because the play has a lot of comic elements like Portia, Nerissa, and Jessica ‘s disguise to
accomplish their purposes. the happy ending, the presence of Lancelot the fool who lightens the
whole mood of the play like the comic relief scene between Lancelot and old Gobbo ,and happy
ending of the play ( everyone gets what he desires ). However, the play has a tragic touch too.
Shylock lost everything in the trial (his daughter – his money – his faith & religion – his life style) and
he will be cursed by his tribe .Also , Antonio’s mistreatment of shylock made him a dark hero.
shylock’s ill treatment fueled his desire for revenge which considered a very important theme in the
play.
12.Illustrate what do you remember about William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet who is widely considered to be the greatest
dramatist of all time. He was an actor and poet and is often called England’s national poet. Born in
Stratford-upon-Avon, England,
With the exception of the tragic love story Romeo and Juliet (which was the first play to receive a
good review by critics), William Shakespeare's first plays were mostly histories. Henry VI (Parts I, II
and III), Julies ceaser, he wrote very famous dramas like Macbeth, King Lear, and Othello.
Shakespeare also wrote several comedies during his early period: ‘’ A Midsummer Night's Dream’’,
the romantic Merchant of Venice, the wit and wordplay of ‘’Twelfth Night’’.
13. What does it mean for Shylock to call Portia a “Daniel”?
Daniel is a famous Jewish character from the old testament, he was a man famed with sound
judgement and wisdom, shylock used his name to call Portia as a representation of perfect
judgement.
14.What is the legal punishment for conspiring against a Venetian’s life?
Half of his wealth will be confiscated by the general state of Venice and the other half will go to the
defendant and the life of plotter lies in the hands of the duke.
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15. Why did Portia change her attitude towards Shylock after calling him by his name, she started
calling him ‘’Jew’’?
Because she could not dissuade him from his cruel actions. She is now sure that he will neither show
mercy nor compassion he is too greedy and he deserves the punishment.
16.What is tragedy ? Give an example of a tragic elements from ‘’ merchants of Venice ‘’
Tragedy is the drama that usually ends with death.

17.What are the three types of irony? Give an example of dramatic irony between shylock and
Jessica
Verbal
Dramatic
Situational
Shylock did not know that Jessica will escape with Lorenzo and He was advising her to take care of
the house while he is away. That is an example of dramatic irony because the audience knew her
plans but not her father.
18.What are the important elements to consider a play a comedy?
Disguise – comic relief – happy ending – no tragic death – a character plays a fool.