Question 3.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Duke
You hear the learn d Bellario, what he writes
And here, I take it, is the doctor come
(Enter Portia, dressed like a Doctor of Laws)
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
Portia
I did my lord
Duke:
You are welcome take your place
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
Where is this scene set? Why was Portia there?
131
(in)
What reason had Bellario given for his absence? Whom had he sent in his
stead?
Bellario's letter stated that he had taken some measures to prepare the young
and learned doctor' to deal with the case. What were they?
(iv)
What was the difference between Shylock the Jew and Antonio the merchant
[3]
that the Duke was unable to resolve?
(v)
How does Portia succeed in saving Antonio?
What does this reveal of her character?
Answers
Answer 1 This scene was set in a Venice a Court of Justice . portia was there as a lawyer to defend and rescue Antonio
Answer 2 Bellario stated in his letter to the Duke that he could not present at the court due to his illness . He sent a learned a doctor of law , in his Stead
Answer 3 Bellario later stated that he had throughly discuss the case with the learnt doctor of laws Balthazar who was fully acquainted with case in questions Balthazar was a young man with mature judgement and rich experience to handle the case
Answer 4 The difference that is dispute between shylock the jew and Antonio that the Duke was unable to resolve was the clouse in the bond according to which shylock could have his pound of flesh from Antonio heart if the latter failed to fulfill the terms of the bond
Answer:
The answers of the provided questions are as below:
Explanation:
(i) This scene takes place in a court of law. Portia, posing as Balthazar, a knowledgeable doctor of laws, was present to represent Antonio and defend him against the expiration of the bond he had made with Shylock.
(ii) Bellario explained in his letter to the Duke that he was ill and unable to attend the court. He sent a doctor of law, Balthazar, in his stead. He had faith that Balthazar would successfully defend himself in such a pivotal dispute between Antonio and Shylock.
(iii) According to Bellario's letter, he had a lengthy conversation about the matter with the knowledgeable doctor of laws, Balthazar, who was well-versed in the situation. Balthazar was a young guy with the wisdom and depth of experience needed to handle the situation.
(iv) The section in the bond that stated Shylock might take his pound of flesh from Antonio's heart if the latter failed to uphold the bond's requirements was the "difference," or conflict, between Shylock the Jew and Antonio that the Duke was unable to resolve.
(v) By reading the bond according to the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law, as Shylock himself claimed, Portia was able to save Antonio. She informed Shylock that he could not shed even a single drop of blood while taking the pound of flesh because of the link. By taking down Shylock with his own weapon, she was able to free Antonio from Shylock's grasp. Antonio was really saved by Portia's clever legal interpretation.
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