can you please tell me the answers of the lesson merchant of Venice act1 scene 2
Answers
i) Why does Portia say that she would “die as chaste as Diana”?
Answer: Diana, according to Roman mythology, is the Goddess of Chastity. Portia mentions her name saying that she will die a virgin like Diana if no suitor is able to fulfill the condition of her father’s will.
ii) Why is Portia unsettled by the attention of the wooers that have the intention of marrying her?
Answer: There have been many suitors who have tried to win Portia. However, many of them have tried not to choose any of the caskets as the hazards of failing were very high. Portia considers herself fortunate enough because none of the suitors lingers around her and also she doesn’t like any of them.
iii) What does Nerissa say to cheer her up? How does she prove to be a good companion?
Answer: Nerissa is a comforting ally of Portia. She knows that the casket test haunts Portia, for she fears that some non-deserving suitors might become lucky and win her. Nerissa says that she need not worry about nay of the suitors whom she doesn’t like, as many of them dare not take the test. Nerissa proves to be a good companion who tried to make Portia see the brighter side of things.
iv) Whom does Nerissa mention next that lifts Portia’s spirits up? Was he the right suitor for Portia?
Answer: As the scene is about to end, Nerissa mentions a man that came to Belmont when Portia’s father was alive. It was none other than Bassanio. She praises him and says that he was the only man Nerissa found deserving of her mistress. Portia mentions that she remembers him very well and thinking of him elates her spirits.
v) Explain the words, “If I live to be as old as Sibylla”.
Answer: Sibylla refers to Sibyl of Cume. According to Roman mythology, Sibyl was a prophet. Sibyl of Cume was granted by Apollo, a Roman God, as many years of life as there were sand grains in her hand. Portia also refers to her as a traditional old woman. Portia means to say that she would grow old as Sibylla and die a virgin but not marry a man who is not able to win her through the conditions laid by her father.