Shakespeare act 2

Act Two, Scene One

1. We have watched racial and religious tensions at work in A1S3. The Prince of Morocco opens A2S1 with another sensitive issue. What is it?
2. If Antonio loses his gamble, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. What must Portia’s suitors give up if they fail to win her?
3. Shylock practices ‘usury’. What is this?
4. Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other?
5. What is Portia’s opinion of the Prince of Morocco- give examples. 

Act Two, Scene Two

1. Why does Launcelot want to leave Shylock? Because he treats him badly.
2. Why is Bassanio worried about taking Gratiano with him to Belmont? Because he has a history of getting drunk and doing stupid things

In lines 114-142...

3. Launcelot and his father are very anxious to find Launcelot a new job. They both want to impress Bassanio. This leads to a. frequent interruptions.

     b. contradictions

       c. misuse of words to impress. 

Act Two, Scene Three

1. What does Jessica think of her life at home? That its like hell
2. Which of Bassanio’s friends is Jessica planning to marry? lorenzo

Act two, Scene 4

1. How does Jessica get a message to her lover?

By giving a letter to Launcelot to give to his new master.

2. How will she be disguised for the elopement?

by being a errand boy.

Act two, scene 5

1. Why is Shylock uneasy about going out for the evening? Give evidence from the text to support your thinking.

       Because unlucky things have been happening to him like having nose bleeds and other just unlucky things

Act two, scene 6.

1. How does Launcelot manage to tell Jessica that Lorenzo will be there that evening? he tells her by a vague message that references to Lorenzo.
2. What does Jessica throw down to Lorenzo? a basket full of ducats.
3. Why is Antonio looking for Gratiano? he is looking for him because he almost got left behind of the ship to belmort.

Act two discussion questions

1. In A2S2, Launcelot deceives his father. In A2S6, Jessica deceives hers, What does each of them hope to achieve? Freedom and revenge.
2. In A2S5 Lines 11-18 & 28-39. In both speeches Shylock is speaking to his daughter, Jessica. What is his attitude to her? Give supporting examples from the text. He trusts her but he is still a little unsure." I am bid forth to supper, Jessica . Here are my keys" -- "Hear you me, Jessica. Lock up my doors"
3. In A2S5 Lines 11-18 & 28-39. What do Launcelot and the audience know, that Shylock does not? How does this show dramatic irony.

Act two, scene 7.

1. Which casket does the Prince of Morocco think is worthy to contain Portia’s portrait. Use evidence of the text to justify your answer. He thinks that the golden casket is the one worthy because it said on it "Who chooseth me shall gain what many man desire"
2. How is Portia feeling in A2S7 -at the beginning, -while the Prince is making his choice, at the end. In the beggining she feels nervus but by the end she feels relived.
3. What was Portia's father trying to achieve by the use of the caskets. Does this seem to be working? Its not working as she doesn't like any of them.

Act two, Scene 8.

1. What double disaster has struck Shylock? His daughter fled with a christian and is dukets and jewels were stolen.
2. Where did Shylock think Lorenzo & Jessica might be? he through they went to go on bassanio ship, so they searched it.
3. How did Bassanio and Antonio part? They left on Antonios ship.
4. What is the first suggestion of trouble for Antonio? Find a quote that tells you this. " in narrow seas that part french and English, there miscarried a vessel of our country richly fraught "

Act two, Scene 9.

1. What is the purpose of the rhymes in the caskets? To mock the suitors choices.
2. Why does the Prince of Arragon discard the golden caskets. What does his interpretation of the inscription tell us about his character? He thinks that people are foolish enough to not see past looks.
3. What is Portia’s reaction to Bassanio’s arrival? she doesn't think it's him.