Certainly!

Below is the complete organized document with **Essay Questions and Answers**
first, followed by **Commentary Questions and Answers**, all written in simplified language
suitable for Year 9 students. Important themes and character points are **underlined** for
emphasis.

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# The Merchant of Venice: Revision Quiz with Model Answers

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## Essay Questions & Model Answers

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### 1. Discuss the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio. How does their friendship
influence the events in Act One?

**Answer:**

**Introduction:**
Antonio and Bassanio are very good friends. Antonio feels sad at the start, and this might be
connected to how much he cares about Bassanio. Their friendship is strong and important for
the story.

**Body:**
Antonio is ready to risk his life by agreeing to Shylock’s dangerous deal so Bassanio can borrow
money to try to marry Portia. This shows Antonio’s **loyalty** and **kindness**. Bassanio trusts
Antonio and depends on him, which shows the theme of **true friendship**. Their friendship
causes the main problem in the play.

**Consequences:**
Because of their friendship, Antonio faces a big danger with Shylock’s bond. This shows how
friendship can lead to big risks and helps us understand the themes of **trust** and **sacrifice**
in the play.

---

### 2. Explain the significance of Shylock’s bond (the pound of flesh). What does it reveal about
his character and the themes of the play?

**Answer:**
**Introduction:**
Shylock’s demand for a pound of Antonio’s flesh is very serious and important. It creates tension
and shows the conflict between Shylock and Antonio.

**Body:**
The bond shows Shylock’s **anger** and wish to get back at Antonio because Antonio has
treated him badly for being Jewish. The harsh bond shows the theme of **justice versus
mercy**, because Shylock wants the law to be followed without kindness. It also shows the
theme of **prejudice**, since Shylock’s actions come from being treated unfairly.

**Consequences:**
This bond causes the main conflict in the play and makes us think about **revenge, mercy, and
fairness**. It is a key part of the story’s drama.

---

### 3. Analyze Portia’s situation regarding her father’s will and the casket test. How does this
shape her character and the plot?

**Answer:**

**Introduction:**
Portia must follow her father’s will, which says her suitors have to pick the right casket to marry
her. This rule controls her future.

**Body:**
This rule limits Portia’s freedom, showing the theme of **control and rules**. But Portia is clever
and patient, showing she can handle the situation well. The casket test also shows the theme of
**appearance versus reality**, because the suitors must look beyond the outside to find what is
truly valuable.

**Consequences:**
Portia’s situation makes the story more interesting by creating a challenge for her suitors,
especially Bassanio. It also helps show themes of **love, choice, and fate**.

---

### 4. How does Shakespeare use the characters of Jessica and Lorenzo to explore themes of
family and loyalty in Act Two?

**Answer:**

**Introduction:**
Jessica and Lorenzo’s story shows a different side of the play, focusing on family and loyalty.
**Body:**
Jessica runs away from her father Shylock and steals his money to be with Lorenzo. This shows
a conflict between **family loyalty** and following her own heart. Jessica also changes her
religion, showing problems with **identity** and **belonging**. Lorenzo’s love for Jessica
crosses social and religious lines, showing **love can break barriers**.

**Consequences:**
Their story adds to the theme of **loyalty and betrayal** and makes the family relationships in
the play more complicated. Jessica’s actions also affect how Shylock feels later.

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### 5. Compare and contrast the suitors, the Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon.
What do their choices in the casket test tell us about them?

**Answer:**

**Introduction:**
The Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon both try to win Portia by choosing a casket,
and their choices tell us about their personalities.

**Body:**
The Prince of Morocco picks the gold casket because he likes wealth, showing he is **proud**
and cares about looks. The Prince of Arragon picks the silver casket because he thinks he
deserves what many men want, showing he is **arrogant**. Both fail because they judge by
outside appearances, not what really matters.

**Consequences:**
Their failures show the theme of **appearance versus reality** and teach us that true value is
inside, not outside. This sets up Bassanio’s later success because he understands this better.

---

### 6. Compare and contrast the characters of Portia and Jessica in Acts One and Two.
Consider their relationships with their fathers, their attitudes toward love and marriage, and how
they challenge or follow the rules.

**Answer:**

**Introduction:**
Portia and Jessica are both daughters who have to deal with their fathers’ control, but they act
very differently.
**Body:**
Portia follows her father’s will and accepts the casket test, showing she is **obedient** and
patient. Jessica runs away from her father and steals his money, showing she is **rebellious**
and wants freedom. Portia is careful about love and marriage, while Jessica follows her feelings.
Both challenge what is expected of them in different ways.

**Consequences:**
Their different choices show the themes of **obedience versus rebellion**, **love**, and
**identity**. Their actions affect their futures and help us understand women’s roles in the play.

---

### 7. Explore the theme of prejudice as it appears in Acts One and Two of The Merchant of
Venice. How do characters show or face prejudice, and how does it affect their actions and
relationships?

**Answer:**

**Introduction:**
Prejudice is an important theme in the first two acts. It affects how characters treat each other.

**Body:**
Shylock is treated badly because he is Jewish, which makes him angry and want revenge.
Jessica feels rejected because of her religion and tries to escape by running away and marrying
Lorenzo. The Christian characters look down on Shylock, which causes problems. This shows
how **prejudice** can cause pain and conflict.

**Consequences:**
Prejudice causes many problems in the story and makes the characters’ relationships difficult. It
also makes us think about **justice, mercy, and kindness**.

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## Commentary Questions & Model Answers

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1. The line “Forsooth, I know not why I am so sad” is spoken by Antonio in the very first scene of
the play. He tells his friends that he feels sad but cannot explain why. This makes his friends
worried and sets a serious and thoughtful mood for the whole play. It also shows the theme of
friendship because his friends care about him, and it introduces the idea that sometimes people
do not understand their own feelings.
2. The 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”
is said by Shylock in Act 1, Scene 3, when he makes a loan deal with Antonio. Shylock agrees
to lend money but demands that if Antonio cannot repay on time, Shylock can take a pound of
his flesh. This creates the main problem in the play and puts Antonio’s life in danger. It shows
important themes like justice versus mercy because the deal is harsh and unforgiving, prejudice
because Shylock’s anger comes from being treated badly for being Jewish, and revenge since
Shylock wants to punish Antonio.

3. When Portia says, “So is the will of a living daughter / Curbed by the will of a dead father,”
she is talking to her maid in Act 1, Scene 2. Portia feels trapped because her father’s will
controls who she can marry, even though he is dead. This makes her frustrated and worried
about her future. It shows the theme of control and obedience since Portia must follow her
father’s rules, and it also reflects how women had little power over their own lives. The situation
introduces the idea of fate and choice because Portia’s future depends on a test set by her
father.

4. Lancelot Gobbo is a servant who appears in Act Two. He works for Shylock but wants to
leave and serve Bassanio instead. Lancelot is funny and makes jokes, which adds humor to the
play and balances the serious parts. His choice to change masters shows that people want to
make their own decisions and improve their lives. This part of the play brings out themes of
comedy and relief, loyalty and freedom, and also hints at social class differences between
servants and masters.

5. The casket test is explained by Portia and others in Belmont. Portia’s father made a rule that
any man who wants to marry her must choose the right casket-gold, silver, or lead. This test
decides who will marry Portia. Some suitors fail because they choose based on wealth or
appearance, not true value. The test shows the theme of appearance versus reality, teaching
that what looks valuable on the outside may not be the best choice. It also highlights themes of
love and choice, showing that true love needs understanding and wisdom, and fate, because
Portia’s future depends on the choices others make.

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If you want, I can prepare this as a printable PDF or Word document for easy use!

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Certainly! Here are **20 more vocabulary questions** following the same format and using the
same vocabulary words with new sentences:
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24. The new community center offers many ________ such as a library, sports halls, and
meeting rooms.
a. facilities
b. entertainments
c. residences

25. The ________ of the city welcomed the tourists warmly during the festival.
a. residents
b. residence
c. residence

26. The company’s success is due to its ability to ________ quickly to changes in the market.
a. tolerate
b. immigrate
c. adapt

27. The school organized a ________ to celebrate students’ talents in music and dance.
a. pageant
b. stunt
c. recipe

28. The actor performed a dangerous ________ during the car chase scene.
a. stunt
b. ingredient
c. recipe

29. It’s important to be ________ when working with people from different cultures.
a. tolerant
b. immature
c. spontaneous

30. The ________ of the new park will begin next month after all the plans are approved.
a. proceed
b. proceeds
c. maturity

31. The magician’s ________ amazed everyone, especially the disappearing act.
a. entertainment
b. ingredient
c. maturity

32. After the accident, the driver was asked to turn ________ to the police station.
 a. in
b. down
c. up

33. I had to turn ________ the job offer because it was too far from home.
a. down
b. over
c. on

34. The missing wallet finally turned ________ at the lost and found office.
a. up
b. in
c. off

35. Everything turned ________ well during the school play, and the audience loved it.
a. out
b. on
c. over

36. The teacher asked the students to go ________ their essays carefully before submitting
them.
a. through
b. off
c. on

37. The fire alarm went ________ during the safety drill last week.
a. off
b. on
c. through

38. The manager decided to turn ________ the project to a new team for fresh ideas.
a. over
b. in
c. up

39. The recipe calls for several fresh ________ like tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
a. ingredients
b. entertainments
c. facilities

40. The city offers many ________ for visitors, including museums, theaters, and parks.
a. entertainments
b. residences
c. competitors
41. The two teams will ________ next week in the championship final.
a. compete
b. immigrate
c. tolerate

42. The ________ of the event will be donated to charity.

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If you want, I can combine all 40 questions into one complete worksheet for you!

Sources

Certainly! Here are the **answer keys** for all 40 vocabulary questions:

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## Vocabulary Practice – Answer Key

1. b
2. a
3. b
4. c
5. a
6. a
7. a
8. a
9. b
10. a
11. a
12. a
13. a
14. b
15. c
16. a
17. b
18. c
19. d
20. c
21. d
22. c
23. b
24. a
25. a
26. c
27. a
28. a
29. a
30. a
31. a
32. a
33. a
34. a
35. a
36. a
37. a
38. a
39. a
40. a
41. a
42. a

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If you want, I can format this answer key together with the worksheet for a complete printable
package!

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