Question

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. If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. 1. Who is the speaker of the above words and to whom are these addressed to?(3) 2. What is the context in which these words are spoken and what is the idea expressed in it?(3) 3. Explain the meaning of the phrase ‘a fawning publican ‘. (3) 4. What light does the above passage throw on the character of Shylock?(3) 5. What information do you gather about Antonio from the above given lines?(4)

Answer 1

The above words are spoken by Shylock. These words are not spoken to anyone in the play and is a soliloquy. Shylock talks these words to himself referring to Antonio.