Introducing Shakespeare

In Shakespeare's plays there was no women, no sets but there was props, costumes and makeup/ wigs.

• Antonio is depressed without knowing why. His friends suggest the two reasons.
• ‘And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks, which touching but my gentle vessels side would scatter all her spices on the stream’ (Black P.5)

• ‘Why then, you are in love.’ (Black P.5)

• What do you think of Bassanio? i think he is love sick but is also in for the money

• Is he in love? her looks and money
• Why does he need to borrow money? to show the farther he is worthy and marry Portia and get rich.

• How do Portia’s first words compare with Antonio’s?
• Antonio- In sooth, I know not why I am so sad
• Portia- By my troth Nerissa, my little body is aweary of this great world. Portia just complains but Antonio is just love sick and maybe a bit sad.

• Why is Portia unhappy? Because lots of men want to marry her but she thinks their ugly and she has no say in her life.

• Do you think Nerissa talking with Portia about her options is a helpful, why? no because she still cant do anything about it.

• What does Portia’s think of her suitors so far? she complains a lot about all the bad things about her suitors.

• Shylock is a moneylender. ‘Three thousand ducats for three months, and Antonio bound...I think I may take his bond’ (Black P.27) Do you think Shylock is happy to lend Bassanio money? because if antonio can not pay then shylock gets his revenge. How do you know? "... Be nominated for an equal pound Of your fair flesh, to be cut and taken In what part of your body pleaseth me."
• Which does Shylock think is safer, his money lending business or Antonio’s shipping business? Why?
• Why doesn’t Shylock want to dine with Bassanio and Antonio? ‘Yes to smell pork, to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into’ (Black P.29)
• Finish this quote that tells how Antonio is breaking his principal of not taking money lent with interest. ‘Methought you said you neither lend nor borrow upon advantage’ (Black P.31)
• Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole lot of nastiness. How does Antonio react? he says he will most likely call him names again (Black P.35)
• Why doesn’t Bassanio want Antonio to agree to the bond? because if he cant pay shylock a pound of flesh

 

• Vocabulary Find the meanings of the following words:
  1. • 
       

Venture: noun= a risky or daring journey or undertaking. verb= undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action.
Vessel: a ship or large boat.

Signior: an Italian man usually of rank or gentility used as a title equivalent to Mr.

Mortifying: causing great embarrassment or shame.

Profound: (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense.

Exhortation: an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.

Virtuous: having or showing high moral standards

Squandered: waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless and foolish manner.

• Create- Create a Character Map of people we have meet in the story.

Antonoio

Salerio

bassanio

Lorenzo

Gratano

Portia

Nerissa

Servant

Shylock