The Merchant of Venice Quiz

Shylock agrees to lend Antonio the money because he hopes to take revenge on him for insulting him and mistreating him in the past. He also sees it as an opportunity to exact his "pound of flesh" if Antonio fails to repay the loan.

Jessica feels alienated from her father, Shylock, due to his strict, oppressive nature and their strained relationship. She secretly converts to Christianity and runs away with Lorenzo, her Christian lover, which highlights her rejection of her father's values and lifestyle.

The three caskets (gold, silver, and lead) are part of Portia's father's will, designed to test the suitors who wish to marry her. The caskets represent different values: gold signifies greed, silver represents what is expected, and lead represents humility and wisdom. Bassanio chooses the lead casket, which contains Portia's portrait, signifying his selfless love for her.

Shylock refuses to show mercy, insisting on the strict letter of the bond for a pound of Antonio's flesh. He believes justice is based on law and contract. In contrast, Portia argues that mercy is a higher virtue than justice, describing it as "twice blest" because it benefits both the giver and the receiver. She suggests that mercy cannot be forced, and it should be shown willingly.

Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, faces intense prejudice from the Christian characters, especially Antonio, who insults and mistreats him. The Christians view Shylock as an outsider and villain, and his desire for revenge on Antonio is, in part, fuelled by the discrimination he faces. The play highlights both the anti-Semitic attitudes of the time and the destructive consequences of prejudice.

Bassanio needs money to court Portia, who is wealthy and the prize of a contest involving the three caskets. Bassanio is a young Venetian nobleman who is not financially stable, so he seeks Antonio’s help to borrow money from Shylock.

Shylock’s condition for lending Antonio the money is that, if Antonio fails to repay the loan by the agreed date, Shylock will be entitled to a pound of Antonio's flesh as collateral.

Antonio is happy to assist Bassanio, despite having no money of his own at the moment. He agrees to borrow the money from Shylock on Bassanio’s behalf, showing his deep friendship and loyalty to him.

Gratiano is Bassanio’s friend and companion. He provides comic relief with his lively and often talkative personality. Gratiano also marries Nerissa, Portia’s lady-in-waiting, and plays a part in the courtroom scene, where he gives a speech on mercy.

Shylock loses his case in court, and he is forced to convert to Christianity and give up his wealth. His daughter, Jessica, has already run away with Lorenzo, and Shylock’s fortune is confiscated. This harsh punishment reflects the play’s complex attitudes towards justice, mercy, and revenge.