2. Shylock
[Aside] How like a fawning publican he looks
I hate him for he is a Christian
But more for that in low simplicity
He lends out money gratis and brings down
The rate of usance here with us in Venice.
a. Why does Shylock hate Antonio?
b. How does Shylock plan to arrange the money? Does Antonio accept the
proposal?
c. What proposal is made by Shylock later? What makes Antonio accept it?
d. What alarms Bassanio? What do we understand about Antonio's nature
when we see him accepting Shylock's proposal?
Answers
Answer:
a] Shylock hates Antonio for various reasons . He hates him because he is a Jew and Antonio is a christian, He hates him because he does not give intrest in lending money but because Shylock does Antonio mocks him in his money lending buisness.
b] Shylock plans to arrage his money by asking his friend Tubal (who is another merchant). Anotonio accepts the proposal.
c] Shylock's proposal was that if Antonio is not able to return the money before 3 months,Shylock shall take a pound of flesh from Antonio's body and he shall choose the part of the body.Antonio accepts his bond because he has hope that his ships will return to the shore a month before the day.
d] Bassanio is alarmed by Antonio accepting the bond. He gets worried that his friend is risking his life for him. This shows that Antonio would do just about anything for his friends. For him, friendship is very important in life. Also, Antonio trusts Bassanio