Act 1, Scene 1

1. Quote: “In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.”

o Question: Who says this line, and what does it reveal about the speaker's state of
mind?

o Answer: Antonio says this line, expressing his unexplained sadness, which sets a tone
of melancholy and mystery for his character.

2. Quote: “I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano, A stage where every man must play a
part.”

o Question: What does Antonio mean by comparing the world to a stage, and how
does this reflect his outlook on life?

o Answer: Antonio sees life as a performance where everyone has roles to play,
showing his philosophical and somewhat detached perspective on life's troubles.

Act 1, Scene 3

3. Quote: “If you repay me not on such a day, In such a place, such sum or sums as are
Expressed in the condition, let the forfeit Be nominated for an equal pound Of your fair
flesh.”

o Question: Who proposes this bond, and what does it reveal about their intentions?

o Answer: Shylock proposes this bond to Antonio, revealing his bitterness and desire
for revenge, as he suggests a harsh penalty should Antonio fail to repay.

4. Quote: “The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”

o Question: Who says this line, and what does it imply about their view of Shylock?

o Answer: Antonio says this about Shylock, implying that he sees Shylock as deceptive
and capable of twisting religious teachings to justify wrong actions.

Act 2, Scene 1

5. Quote: “Mislike me not for my complexion, The shadowed livery of the burnished sun.”

o Question: Who speaks these lines, and what are they asking the listener not to
judge?

o Answer: The Prince of Morocco speaks these lines, asking not to be judged for his
darker skin color, which he attributes to his exposure to the sun.

6. Quote: “All that glisters is not gold.”

o Question: How does this line relate to the theme of appearance versus reality in the
play?

o Answer: This line, appearing in the inscription on one of the caskets, reflects the
theme that outer appearances can be deceiving and that true value lies within.

Act 2, Scene 2
 7. Quote: “Certainly the Jew is the very devil incarnation.”

o Question: Who says this line, and what does it reveal about attitudes toward
Shylock?

o Answer: Launcelot says this line, expressing the prejudice and mistrust that many
characters feel towards Shylock as a Jewish moneylender.

8. Quote: “I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so.”

o Question: Who says this line and to whom? What does it indicate about the
speaker’s feelings?

o Answer: Jessica says this to Launcelot, showing her sadness about him leaving her
father’s service, which also hints at her own complicated feelings about her father.

Act 2, Scene 5

9. Quote: “But yet I’ll go in hate, to feed upon the prodigal Christian.”

o Question: Who says this and about whom? What does it reveal about their
motivations?

o Answer: Shylock says this about his intention to attend the dinner with Bassanio,
showing his resentment and his desire for revenge against Christians.

10. Quote: “Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil.”

o Question: Who says this line, and what does it imply about their view of their home
life?

o Answer: Jessica says this to Launcelot, suggesting that she feels trapped and
unhappy in her father’s house.

Act 2, Scene 6

1. Quote: “But love is blind, and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves commit.”

o Question: Who says this line, and what does it mean about love and its effects?

o Answer: Jessica says this to Lorenzo, suggesting that love makes people overlook
each other's faults and act foolishly, as lovers often lack self-awareness.

2. Quote: “Here, catch this casket; it is worth the pains.”

o Question: What is the speaker doing, and what does this action symbolize in the
context of the play?

o Answer: Jessica, disguised as a boy, is handing Lorenzo a casket with her belongings,
symbolizing her commitment to leave her old life behind and start anew with
Lorenzo.

Act 2, Scene 7

3. Quote: “All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told.”

o Question: Who reads this message, and what does it warn against?
 o Answer: The Prince of Morocco reads this inscription inside the gold casket. It warns
against judging things based solely on outward appearances, a recurring theme in
the play.

4. Quote: “Fare you well; your suit is cold.”

o Question: What does this line indicate about the outcome of the speaker’s choice?

o Answer: Portia says this to the Prince of Morocco after he chooses the wrong casket,
signaling his unsuccessful attempt to win her hand in marriage.

Act 2, Scene 8

5. Quote: “I never heard a passion so confused, So strange, outrageous, and so variable.”

o Question: Who says this, and what does it describe about Shylock’s reaction?

o Answer: Salarino says this, describing Shylock’s intense and conflicted reaction to his
daughter Jessica’s elopement and the loss of his wealth.

6. Quote: “My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter!”

o Question: What does this line suggest about Shylock's feelings toward his daughter
and wealth?

o Answer: Shylock's cry shows his mixed emotions, indicating his distress over both
Jessica's betrayal and the loss of his wealth, highlighting the complexity of his
character.

Act 2, Scene 9

7. Quote: “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.”

o Question: What is the significance of this inscription on the silver casket?

o Answer: The inscription suggests that the chooser will receive a reward based on
merit. It reflects the theme of justice and worthiness, questioning who truly
deserves Portia’s hand.

8. Quote: “There be fools alive, I wis, Silvered o’er; and so was this.”

o Question: Who says this, and what do they realize about the silver casket?

o Answer: The Prince of Arragon says this after choosing the silver casket, realizing that
the choice represents false pride and vanity rather than true merit.