in the belmont is a lady richly left and she is fair and farier then the word.
(a) who lives in Belmont? How has bassanio got interested in her?
(b) what tells you that portia is a center of atteraction for many young people?
(c) How does Bassanio describe portia?
(d) Who is Jason? What is the golden fleece?
(e) Compare the character of the two friends Antonio and Bassanio?
Answers
Answer:
BASSANIO
In Belmont is a lady richly left,
And she is fair and—fairer than that word—
165Of wondrous virtues. Sometimes from her eyes
I did receive fair speechless messages.
Her name is Portia, nothing undervalued
To Cato’s daughter, Brutus' Portia.
Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth,
170For the four winds blow in from every coast
Renownèd suitors, and her sunny locks
Hang on her temples like a golden fleece,
Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchos' strand,
And many Jasons come in quest of her.
175O my Antonio, had I but the means
To hold a rival place with one of them,
I have a mind presages me such thrift
That I should questionless be fortunate!
BASSANIO
There’s a girl in Belmont who’s inherited a huge amount of money, and she’s beautiful and—even better—she’s a good person. I think she likes me. Sometimes the expression on her face tells me she likes me. Her name is Portia. She’s as rich as that famous Roman heroine Portia, the daughter of Cato and wife of Brutus. Her wealth is world-famous. Famous and important men have come in from all over the world to try to marry her. The hair that hangs down on her forehead is like gold, calling every adventurer to Belmont like a gold rush. Antonio, if I only had enough money to hold my own against those suitors, I know I could win her!
ANTONIO
Thou know’st that all my fortunes are at sea.
180Neither have I money nor commodity
To raise a present sum. Therefore go forth,
Try what my credit can in Venice do—
That shall be racked even to the uttermost
To furnish thee to Belmont, to fair Portia.
185Go presently inquire, and so will I,
Where money is, and I no question make
To have it of my trust or for my sake.
Explanation: