For Wednesday, March 23^rd:

Come to my office by 2:15 on Wednesday and recite your lines.

Finish reading Act 5 of Merchant and answer the following questions:

1.      Draw a sketch of the journey of Portia’s ring. What’s the purpose of this elaborate scheme with the rings?  Why does she pass it through Antonio instead of giving it straight to Bassanio? What is Portia waiting for?

2.      Do you think Portia is being cruel to Bassanio? Do you think there is a cruel streak running through Portia? Who has she teased or been cruel to in this play?

3.      Pick out words and phrases that show day gradually breaking in Act V. Why do you think it begins in moonlight and ends in daylight?

4.      The story ends with Antonio, like Shylock, alone. In what ways are these two characters similar?

5.      If you were the director, would you end the play after the trial scene and not have any of the business with the rings in Act 5?

6.      One production ended with an image of Shylock at prayer after Gratiano’s speech. Another had Jessica left alone and desolate on stage as all the Christians had gone off ignoring her. What final impression would you wish to create? Describe your final tableau.

7.      Portia doesn’t need the caskets any longer. Write or design an advertisement for the caskets.

And answer either #8 or #9 (or both for extra credit):

8.      Imagine it’s ten years later. You are writing an article for the Venetian Gazette titled “Where are they now?”  Find out what the main characters are doing; include some direct quotes from them. And find out what has happened with the three marriages:

Portia and Bassanio

                                    Nerissa and Gratiano

Jessica and Lorenzo

9.      Imagine that you are the principal of a school that is going to put on a production of Merchant of Venice, but some parents think it is too offensive, too critical of Jews and Christians. How would you respond?