please answer these questions fast..
"her name is Portia, nothing under valued to cato's daughter and Brutus' Portia
nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth
for the four winds blow in from every coast renowned suitors;
and her sunny locks hang on her temples like a golden fleece
I. To whom is Bassanio speaking? Where are they? What is their relationship?
ii. Who is being discribed? Who are Brutus and Cato? Point out the figures of speech in the extract.
iii. Explain: "for the four winds_____________suitors"
iv. Explain the refrence to 'Cholcos' and the 'golden Fleece'
v. Bassanio asks for a favor from his friend. What is the favor? Does his friend grant it?
Answers
Answer:
I. Bassnio is in love with Portia. Bassanio is the speaker of these words. He speaks these words to Antonio in Act I Scene I of the play.
II. Cato and Brutus are no one in the Merchant of Venice. They are parts of the story of Julius Caesar. However, they are referred to in the Merchant of Venice by Bassanio, when he was describing Portia. Cato was the father of Portia, and Portia was the wife of Brutus.
III. For the four winds blow in every coast renowned suitors.
IV. The fleece is a symbol of authority and kingship. It figures in the tale of the hero Jason and his crew of Argonauts, who set out on a quest for the fleece by order of King Pelias, in order to place Jason rightfully on the throne of Iolcus in Thessaly. Through the help of Medea, they acquire the Golden Fleece. The revenue of the Chola Kingdom came from taxes on land and produce of the land and tax on trade. Part of the revenue was kept for the king and the rest was used for public works. Concept: The Cholas - Political History and Administration.
V. So, he asks him to borrow from anyone in Venice in his name and go and see Portia. Bassanio has to do little to persuade his friend for money. Another proof of Antonio and Bassanio's deep friendship comes in scene 3 of Act 1 when the two are before Shylock to ask him for a loan.