ANTONIO:
But lend it rather to thine enemy
Who, if he breaks ,thou mayest with better face
Exact the penalty
SHYLOCK:
Why, look, you, how you storm!
I would be friends with you and have your love.
Forget the shames that you have stained me with,
Supply your present wants, take no do it
Of usance for my moneys,and you will not hear me
This is kind I offer
a.Explain the context. What has Shylock said to
Antonio?
b.What is Antonio's response? How does Shylock
handle the situation?
c.Why does Antonio agree to sign the bond ? What
does it tell you about the friendship of two friends?
Answers
Answer:
ANTONIO
I am as like to call thee so again,
To spet on thee again, to spurn thee too.
130If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not
As to thy friends, for when did friendship take
A breed for barren metal of his friend?
But lend it rather to thine enemy,
Who, if he break, thou mayst with better face
135Exact the penalty.
ANTONIO
I’ll probably call you those names again and spit on you, and reject you again too. If you’re going to lend us this money, don’t lend it to us as if we were your friends. When did friends charge interest? Instead, lend it to me as your enemy. If your enemy goes bankrupt, it’s easier for you to take your penalty from him.
SHYLOCK
Why, look you how you storm!
I would be friends with you and have your love,
Forget the shames that you have stained me with,
Supply your present wants and take no doit
Of usance for my moneys—and you’ll not hear me!
140This is kind I offer.
SHYLOCK
Look at you getting all riled up! I want to be friends with you, and forget all the times you’ve embarrassed and humiliated me. I want to give you what you need, and not charge a penny of interest—but you won’t listen to me! I’m making a kind offer—zero percent financing.
BASSANIO
This were kindness.
BASSANIO
That really would be kind.
SHYLOCK
This kindness will I show.
Go with me to a notary, seal me there
Your single bond, and—in a merry sport—
If you repay me not on such a day,
145In 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, to be cut off and taken
In what part of your body pleaseth me.
Answer:
above........ answer