Question

SECTIUN-A (Drama)
The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare
je 1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Launcelot:
· Adieu! tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful pagan, most sweet Jew! if a
Christian do not play the knave and get thee, I ain much deceived; but adieu!
these foolish drops do something drown my manly spirit: Adieu!
Jessica:
Farewell, good Launcelot.
Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
To be ashamed to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood,
I am not to his manners. O Lorenzo,
If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife,
Become a Christian and thy loving wife.
i. What was the occasion for the dialogue quoted above?
ii. Who is the beautiful pagan' mentioned in the first sentences of the first speech of
the dialogue?
(3)
iii. Explain the meaning of the phase "if a Christian do not play to know and get thee, I
(3)
am much deceived".
What inference can you draw from the above dialogue about the speakers.
V. What light does the above dialogue throw on the character of Jessica?

Answer 1

Answer:

i. jessica and lorenzo elopement

ii. Jessica

iii. not sure

iv. kind , generous etc not like her father shylock