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4. Who are the Turks and Tartars, and what is said about them in this extract?
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Question 1.
What does Antonio now say? Does he approve of any more pleading with the Jew?
Answer:
Antonio knows enough about Shylock’s obduracy and revengeful spirit. So he realises that arguing with the Jew is futile. The suspense of the trial is unbearable to him, and he prefers to hear the verdict.
Question 2.
Explain the following
making “the ewe bleat for the lamb”.
forbidding “the mountain pines’ To wag their high tops.”
“bid the main flood bate his usual height”
Answer:
Antonio makes several comparisons to explain the stubbornness of the Jew. It is futile to argue with him.
it is as futile as arguing with the wolf and asking him why he has devoured the lamb and thus
made the mother- sheep cry in distress.
It is as futile as ordering the pine-trees growing on the mountain-tops not to shake their top most branches and not produce any sound when they-are agitated by the assaults made by the winds blowing over them.
It is as futile as going and standing on the sea-shore and calling upon the high tide to remain lower than its usual level.
Question 3.
Does Antonio speak in a mood of calm resignation? Is he afraid of consequences?
Answer:
Antonio speaks in a mood of philosophic resignation. He does not seem to be afraid of the consequences. He is ready to hear the judgement to let the Jew have what he wants. He knows that the Jew’s revenge is volcanic and sweeping in its motion and range. He, therefore, resigns before his fate.
Question 4.
Why does Shylock say that the pound of flesh “is dearly bought”?
Answer:
Shylock had given Antonio a loan of three thousand ducats which Antonio has failed to repay within the prescribed period of time. As Antonio has forfeited the bond which he had signed, Shylock is now entitled to a pound of Antonio’s flesh. In other words, having lost an amount of three thousand ducats, Shylock can demand a pound of Antonio’s flesh as the penalty specified in the bond. Three thousand ducats is a large amount of money; and therefore Shylock says that he has paid a heavy price for the pound of flesh which he is demanding. He would not now accept any amount of money in lieu of the flesh to which he is entitled; and so the price, which he is now paying for that flesh, is even higher than before because Bassanio is now willing to pay the Jew any amount of money in order to save Antonio.
Question 5.
What answer does the Duke give to Shylock’s question?
Answer:
Shylock’s question is whether or not the Duke is willing to enforce the law and let him cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh. To this question, the Duke replies that he would use his authority to dismiss the court and to resume the proceedings only when a learned doctor of laws by the name of Bellario arrives here. The Duke says that he has sent for that learned lawyer to decide Shylock’s claim against Antonio.
Question 6.
To what extent does Shylock’s comparison of the pound of flesh with asses, dogs, and mules seem to you to be appropriate?
Answer:
Shylock’s comparison of a pound of Antonio’s flesh with asses, dogs, and mules owned by the Duke and by other persons in Venice is perfectly sound. The owners of asses, dogs and mules have full authority over their animals, and have a right to use them for any purpose they like. Shylock, having become legally entitled to cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh, has now acquired similar authority over that flesh. The owners of those animals had paid a price to buy them and then to use them to carry goods from one place to another or for any other purpose, according to their requirements. Shylock too had purchased a pound of Antonio’s flesh at a certain price. He had given Antonio an amount of three thousand ducats which he had not got back; and, therefore, according to the terms of the bond, he has acquired a right over a pound of Antonio’s flesh which he can then use in any way he likes.
Question 7.
Why is Antonio willing to die?
Answer:
Antonio thinks himself to be a useless man now when he has become a bankrupt, and has completely lost his flourishing business. He compares himself to a sheep which becomes infected with some disease dangerous to the other sheep as well. It would be better if an infected sheep, and the continued presence of which in a flock of sheep can prove dangerous to the other sheep as well. It would be better if an infected sheep dies than that it should infect the other sheep as well. In the same way, Antonio would like to die instead of continuing to live and cause endless anxiety to his friends like Bassanio.
Question 8.
Explain the following expressions:
(a) a tainted wether of the flock
(b) Meetest for death
(c) and write mine epitaph
Answer:
(a) A tainted wether of the flock- an infected male sheep of a flock of sheep; a sheep which has caught some disease and which is likely to infect the other sheep as well, by its contact with the others. Actually the word “wether” means a male sheep which has been castrated and thus rendered incapable of impregnating the female sheep.
(b) Meetest for death- most fit to die. The word “meet” in this sense means “proper” or “appropriate”. “Meetest” is the superlative degree of the word “meet” which is here an adjective. “Meetest” therefore means “most proper” or “most appropriate”.
(c) And write mine epitaph- and compose the epitaph to be inscribed on my tomb. “Epitaph” means the words (in prose or in verse) which are inscribed on a tombstone. An epitaph is generally a tribute paid to a dead man or woman by his or her relatives or admirers.
Question 9.
What feelings does this piece of dialogue arouse in your heart?
Answer:
This piece of dialogue arouses our sympathy for Antonio and our admiration for Bassanio. We are filled with deep pity at the fate which Antonio is on the verge of meeting; and we certainly admire Bassanio for his sincerity towards his friend who is in deep trouble.
Question 10.
What is the difference between “sole” and “soul” as used by Gratiano? In what sense has the word “keen” been used?
Answer:
The word “sole” means the bottom side of a shoe, and the word “soul ” means the spirit of a man. A sole is made of leather (and, in some causes, of rubber), while a soul is the spirit which dwells inside a body and which is immortal. The words “sole” and “soul” have an identical pronunciation though they have different meanings. Thus we have a pun here. The word “keen” as used here means “sharp.”
Question 11.
In what way is Shylock making his knife keen on his soul?
Answer:
Gratiano means to say that Shylock’s knife has been made sharp by the cruelty of his spirit, and not as a result of his rubbing the knife against the leather sole of a shoe.
Question 12.
Explain the line : “And for thy life let justice be accus’d”.
Answer:
Justice itself would deserve to be condemned and denounced if it allows a revengeful and savage man like Shylock to continue to live in this world. Gratiano means to say that the law should take ‘‘cognizance of Shylock’s inhumanity and savagery, and should condemn him to death instead of allowing him to cut off another man’s flesh and killing the other man.
Question 13.
Who was Pythagoras?
Answer:
Pythagoras was an ancient Greek Philosopher who believed in the transmigration of the soul. According to him, the soul of a man might, after his death, enter the body of an animal, and vice versa. (That is the belief that many Hindus also hold even in these scientific times).
Question 1.
Why does Gratiano use an abusive language for Shylock? What has exactly provoked him so much?
Answer:
All appeals to Shylock to have mercy on Antonio, have failed. The Jew is bent upon inflicting penalty on his enemy by cutting off a pound of flesh from his body. Gratiano reminds Shylock that he is bringing damnation to his soul by persisting in his blood-thirsty course.
When Gratiano asks Shylock if any prayers can influence the Jew, Shylock curtly answers that no words can soften his heart. In sheer desperation, Gratiano bursts into a language of abuse. He calls Shylock a merciless dog.
Question 2.
Why does Gratiano blame justice?
Answer:
Gratiano blames justice for allowing a person like Shylock to live and enjoy human rights. This blood-thirsty fellow is less like a human being and more like a beast.
Question 3.
What makes him “waver” in his faith? What is his faith?
Answer:
Gratiano is a Christian, but on seeing a man like Shylock, his faith in Christianity is shaken. He begins to believe in the doctrine of the ancient Greek philosopher, Pythagoras. This doctrine is known as the doctrine of transmigration of souls.This meant that the souls of animals often entered the bodies of men.
Question 4.
In what respect does he seem to agree with Phytha- goras?’
Answer:
Accounting thus for Shylock’s behaviour, Gratiano says his spirit was earlier in a wolf who was hanged for killing human beings. Then this spirit fled from the body of wolf, and entered Shylock’s mother’s womb. This is the reason that Shylock has his insatiable wolfish desires. In this respect Gratiano seems to agree with Phythagoras.
Question 5.
How does Shylock respond to Gratiano’s outburst?
Answer:
Shylock responds to Gratiano’s angry outburst in a calm and assured manner. He knows the futility of all curses uttered against him. So long as Gratiano’s curses cannot erase Antonio’s seal from his bond, he (Gratiano) is only injuring his lungs to curse the Jew so loudly.
In a malevolently patronising attitude, Shylock advises Gratiano to look to his wit or it will be ruined past all repair. Shylock stands for law, and abusing or cursing him is altogether foojustice.
(i) Why does Portia speak about mercy in the extract?
Answer : Portia knew that the laws favoured Shylock. It was true that the bond had no logical reasoning behind it but it had been signed by Antonio upon consent. The law stated that its terms must be followed. Therefore, she tried to persuade Shylock to show some mercy on Antonio and be noble.
(ii) Give the meaning of the following.
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
Answer : Portia appeals to Shylock to have mercy on Antonio. She says that the king’s scepter represents his earthly power, the symbol of majesty, the focus of royal authority. But mercy is higher than the scepter. It’s enthroned in the hearts of kings, a quality of God himself.
(iii) Who else had appealed for mercy earlier? What was the outcome of the appeal?
Answer : Earlier, Bassanio had requested Shylock to show mercy on Antonio. He tried to reason with him and told him that just because we hate someone, we don’t try to take their lives. However, Shylock was unmoved. Even Bassanio’s curses could not deter him.
(iv) When Shylock refuses to show mercy, what legal tactics does Portia use to free Antonio?
Answer : Shylock wanted revenge and there was no saving Antonio from his malice. Then Portia asked Shylock to produce the bond. She was able to find a loophole in it. The bond talked about only one pound of flesh of Antonio. It said nothing about blood being spilled or consequent death. She used the tactic and warned Shylock that if these two things happened, the bond would become void. Shylock got perplexed and ultimately, Antonio was saved.
(v) One should stand for justice. Referring only to the extract, state why, according to Portia, mercy should temper justice.
Answer : Portia says that no one shows mercy because he has to. It just happens, the way gentle rain drops on the ground. Mercy is a double blessing. It blesses the one who gives it and the one who receives it. It is strongest in the strongest people. It looks better in a king that his own crown looks on him.
The king’s scepter represents his earthly power, but mercy is higher than the scepter. It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, a quality of God himself. Kingly power seems most like God’s power when the king tempers mercy with justice. Therefore, mercy should temper justice.
[1/25, 10:00 PM] Papa Jio: What is ultimately suggested by the Bassanio?
Answer:
Bassanio suggests that in these extraordinary circumstances the law for once may be made inoperative. He argues that a little wrong, i.e. suspending the operation of the law, may be allowed to do a great right, i.e. saving Antonio’s life. By doing this, it will be possible to prevent the devilish Jew from getting what he wishes to have, i.e. a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
Bassanio implores the judge to twist the law a little in order to save the life of an honest man like Antonio. Shylock could not be prevented from mischief by following a strictly legal procedure.
Question 5.
What is Portia’s opinion on the question of Venetian law?
Answer:
Portia rejects Bassanio’s suggestion. She asserts that there is no power in Venice which change law. It will set a bad precedent and this example will be quoted in future to do wrong things. If this is allowed, other mistakes will find their way into the administration of the state.
Question 6.
How does Shylock respond to Portia’s interpretation of law?
Answer:
Shylock is delighted to Portia’s argument while rejecting Bassanio’s appeal to interfere with law. He thinks that Portia is pleading in such a manner that he must win the case. So he praises her skill and sense of justice. Shylock compares Portia with Daniel, a young Jewish prophet who in case had exposed the falsity of certain witnesses by cleverly cross-examining them.
[1/25, 10:05 PM] Papa Jio: Why does Shylock refuse an offer of money?
Answer:
Shylock refuses the offer of money because he wants to put an end to the life of a man whom he regards as his enemy and whom he hates fiercely.
Question 3.
What makes Portio say: be merciful, Take thrice thy money, bid me tear the bond.
Answer:
Portia in these words makes a two fold appeal to Shylock. Originally she had suggested that Shylock should accept the money and spare Antonio’s flesh. She had then appealed to Shylock to show mercy to Antonio and spare his life. Now she combines both those appeals into one. She first asks him to show mercy and then, in the same breath, she appeals to his greed, suggesting that he should accept three times the amount which he had given to Antonio as a loan. Thus she tries her utmost to induce Shylock to soften or relent. She would like to put an end to the dispute in this way, and to tear the bond on the basis of which Shylock is demanding a pound of Antonio’s flesh in order to kill him.
Question 4.
Why does Antonio beseech the court to proceed to judgment instead or wanting the judgment to be delayed?
Answer:
Antonio is feeling impatient because Shylock has refused to budge from his position in spite of many appeals which have been made to him. Antonio does not want that any more appeals should be made to the Jew because he knows that the Jew is not going to relent. He sees no point in the proceedings of the court being prolonged because he feels certain that no purpose would be served by delaying them. Being a serious-minded and stoical kind of man, he wants that the proceedings should be expedited, and the judgment be delivered without any further appeals being made to the Jew.
Question 5.
What causes a turn in the course of events as depicted here?
Answer:
The turn in the events is caused by Portia’s sudden announcement that the Jew can have a pound of Antonio’s flesh but that the Jew must not shed a single drop of Antonio’s blood in the course of his cutting off the flesh.
[1/25, 10:07 PM] Papa Jio: Why does the speaker think that fortune is kinder to him?
Answer:
He thinks fate is kinder to him because it is always the customs of fate to let the wretched man live even when he is absolutely penniless. He is being allowed by fate to die. Thus he would not live a life of poverty.
Question 4.
What does Antonio want Bassanio to do?
Answer:
Antonio wants Bassanio to convey his greetings to his (Bassanio’s) honourable wife. He also wants him to tell her the manner of his death.
[1/25, 10:09 PM] Papa Jio: Who is ‘you’ referred by Nerissa in the first line of extract? What is the offer made and why would it make an unquiet house?
Answer:
The person referred to as ‘you’ is Gratiano. He has made an offer that is likely to make an unquiet house. He has declared that he loves his wife, but he wishes that she were in heaven, so that she could request some heavenly power to change the mind of the villainous Jew.
Nerissa remarks that it is better for Gratiano to make this offer in the absence of his wife. If she heard this, she would be annoyed with her husband. This would make an unquiet house. There is dramatic irony in Nerissa’s remark. She herself is his wife and she is listening to what he has said. This fact is not known to Gratiano because Nerissa is dressed as the lawyer’s clerk.
Question 2.
Name two husbands who have said something which makes Shylock exclaim “These be the Christian husbands”. What have they said about their wives?
Answer:
The two husbands are Bassanio who is Portia’s husband, and Gratiano, who is Nerissa’s husband. Both these husbands have offered to sacrifice their wives to save Antonio from the cluthes of the cruel Jew.
Shylock, to whom everything no Jewish is inferior and mean, here sneers at what he considers the lightness of these two Christian husbands in offering to sacrifice their wives. Shylock says that he would prefer his daughter to marry a Jew.
Question 3.
Give two reasons-one financial, the other emotional- which made Shylock annoyed with his daughter.
Answer:
Shylock is annoyed with his daughter for two reasons. One is financial. She stole her father’s ? ducats and precious stones before leaving his house. Secondly, she gave Shylock emotional pain by eloping with a Christian. Elopement of a daughter is always scandalous for a father. But Shylock is twice pained because she ran away with the member of a community whom he hates
[1/25, 10:10 PM] Papa Jio: Who is Barrabas? Why is he preferred in comparison to a Christian? Briefly state why Shylock hates Christians?
Answer:
Barrabas was a murderer whose story figures in the Bible. He was set free while Jesus Christ. was sentenced to be crucified, Murder is a sin which is particularly rare and highly contemptible r act amongst the Jews. Yet Shylock says that he would have preferred to see Jessica married to a descendant of Barrabas rather than to a, Christian.
Shylock has his cogent reasons to hate Christians. The first reason is that the Christians hate him y just because he is a Jew. They hate him because he does the business of money-lending. He earns his profit by charging interest on the loans he gives to people. The Christians disapprove . this business of money-lending for profit. Shylock has been insulted by Christians often at the stock exchange where merchants gather to do business. One of the Christians, Antonio, lends money to people and his loans are interest-free. This harms the business interests of the Jew. Thus, these are the many reasons why Shylock hates Christians.
Question 5.
What quarrel does Nerissa have with her husband towards the end of the play? What is humorous in that incident?
Answer:
Towards the end of the play, Nerissa has quarrel with her husband. They are back to Belmont. When she finds that Gratiano’s marriage ring is missing, she charges him with infidelity. She blames hirb for making a gift of her ring to some other woman.
It is a humorous incident. Gratiano does not know that he gave his ring to Nerissa herself when she was dressed as the’ lawyer’s clerk. Later he finds it difficult to defend himself before his wife, who enjoyed the fun at his cost.
Question 6.
What is meant by “We trifle time”? ‘What sentence does Portia pursue? What is the outcome of her sentence?
Answer:
Shylock is in a hurry. He does not want the court to waste any more time. He wants to hear the final judgement. He is itching to take his revenge by cutting off a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. He requests the court to pass the sentence without delay.
Portia has accepted the Jew’s claim. She declares that a pound of Antonio’s flesh is Shylocks. The court awards it and the law allows it. Thus, Portia passes the judgement that the court gives Shylock the right to get a pound of Antonio’s flesh according to the provisions of the law. However, when Shylock jubilantly proceeds forward with a knife in his hand, tables are turned against him. Portia who gave the hope, finally demolishes the fine structure of the Jew’s success. Shylock is defeated and Antonio honourably acquitted
[1/25, 10:18 PM] Papa Jio: Whom does Shylock call a “learned judge”? Why does he give such a praise to anyone?
Answer:
Shylock praises Portia as a learned judge. She is disguised as a young lawyer. She has interpreted the Venetian law. She has upheld the claim made by the Jew. She has declared that the bond’s forfeiture cannot be denied because Antonio has failed to repay the loan within the time limit. Shylock is delighted to hear a verdict favourable to him.
Question 2.
Shylock talks of a “sentence”. What is this sentence? Whom does he ask, “come, prepare”?
Answer:
Shylock talks of the sentence which gives to the Jew the right to cut off a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. The court has awarded it according to the provisions of the law. He now victoriously turns Antonio to prepare himself for a deadly stab from his enemy.
Question 3.
“Tarry a little, there is something else,” What has been said already, to which something need be added?
Answer:
Portia interrupts Shylock as he moves towards Antonio. She asks him to wait a bit to consider some very important legal point. She has already awarded to the Jew a pound of flesh claimed by him. That was the simple meaning of the bond. But the young lawyer has a very fine point to make now. This will hinder the unqualified execution of the sentence.
Question 4.
What does the bond give the Jew ? What is it that it does not give him?
Answer:
Portia agrees that the bond entitles the Jew to receive his pound of flesh. But the words expressly mention only a pound of flesh and no more. It does not give him a single drop of blood.
Question 5.
What is the warning given to the Jew?
Answer:
Portia warns the Jew that he may cut off a pound of flesh but he should not shed a drop of blood. If he sheds one drop of Christian blood, his lands, hjs goods shall be confiscated by the state of Venice. This is the law of Venice.
Question 6.
Does Shylock continue to claim a pound of flesh from the merchant’s body? Does he change his stand at any stage? What is the consequence?
Answer:
When Shylock finds that he has been defeated on his own ground, he changes his stand. He; . agrees to receive three times the original sum. Bassanio is willing to make this payment But the r young lawyer pushes the Jew into a tight corner by telling him that he would be given no payment. He must have his bond. As a consequence, the Jew loses all his money. He also receives punishment for conspiring to take a citizen’s life.
[1/25, 10:18 PM] Papa Jio: Explain the line : “Now infidel I have you on the hip.”
Answer:
Gratiano describes Shylock as a misbeliever, and says that now he has the misbeliever in his grip. As a Christian, Gratiano regards a Jew as an infidel (or a non-believer in Christ and in the faith which Christ preached). To have somebody on the hip means to have him in one’s hold or in one’s grip.
Question 5.
What are your feelings as you go through this dialogue?
Answer:
We at this time feel greatly relieved because Portia has been able to rescue Antonio from the Jew’s clutches; and we also enjoy the manner in which Gratiano ridicules and mocks at Shylock who has been thwarted in his purpose. Gratiano shows an exceptional talent for making sarcastic remarks which are most appropriate at this time, and which the audience in a theatre would greatly relish. The tables have been turned upon Shylock; and Gratiano is now repeating Shylock’s own words in order to mock at him. We have here to remember that previously Shylock had used these words for the judge: “An upright judge, a learned judge! A second Daniel,” etc.
[1/25, 10:19 PM] Papa Jio: What has been laid down in the laws of Venice?
Answer:
The law of Venice say that if a foreigner has tried directly or indirectly to take the life of any native citizen of Venice, the victim shall be entitled to get one half of the property of the defaulter. The other half will be attached by the state treasury. The life of the defaulter would be at the mercy of the Duke.
Why does the speaker think that fortune is kinder to him?
Answer:
He thinks fate is kinder to him because it is always the customs of fate to let the wretched man live even when he is absolutely penniless. He is being allowed by fate to die. Thus he would not live a life of poverty.
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