Question

Play: Merchant of Venice
Question1: Read the extract and answer the questions as follow:
Bassanio: Let me choose;
For, as I am, I live upon the rack.
Portia: Upon the rack, Bassanio! Then confess
What reason there is mingled with your love?
1) What does 'upon the rack' mean? Why is Bassanio feeling so?
2) Explain what Portia says in the extract.
3) How is the treatment of Bassanio different from the other two suitors?
4) Why are the times 'naughty' for Portia?
5) What does Portia order when Bassanio makes his choice? Does it help him?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Yes

Explanation:

Portia shows she is more fond of Bassanio than the other two suitors when she advises him to wait a day or two before making his choice of the three caskets. She says this because she wants him to choose the right one and become her spouse.