The Merchant of Venice
Act one, Scene one:
- Antonio is depressed without knowing why. What two possible reasons do his friends suggest? He acknowledge in these opening lines that he does not know the reason for his sadness and mentions that he much to learn to establish exactly what causes it. This depresses feeling make him feel tired and he admits to salarino and salanio that it seems have become tiresome for them as well.
- Do you think Gratiano's contribution help Antonio's mood? Antonio expresses sadness. He does not know “What stuff 'tis made of, whereof it is born.” His friends entertain and talk with him, wondering if his “mind is tossing on the ocean” with his goods. One even says that Antonio is in love.
- What are your first impressions of Bassanio? one of the most obvious things we learn about Bassanio is that he is irresponsible with money and/or he is an incompetent businessman.
- Is he in love? I do not believe that he is truly in love with Portia. I believe that Bassanio is in love with the idea of having Portia as his wife. She is definitely the kind of woman that men desire. She is both attractive and wealthy.
- Why does he need to borrow money again now? he will need money to outfit ships, buy various gifts that will impress Portia, and compete with the other suitors.
Act one, Scene two:
- How do portia's first words compare with Antonio's? Antonio is a wealthy, well known merchant in Venice.Portia of a young Venetian soldier who had visited Belmont in her fathers time. Portia immediately remembers that this is Bassanio and tries to play down her interest in him.
- What is the reason for her mood? she proves to be a very melancholy individual, despite her vast riches and elite status as an heiress of Belmont.
- Do you think Nerissa is a help to her? Nerissa seems to be Portia's confidante as well as her servant. So she can help
- Sum up, in a word or a short phrase, Portia's attitude to her suitors so far.Portia, who turns out to be more than a spoiled little rich girl. Portia complains to her woman-in-waiting. Portia retorts that it's easier to give advice than take it. Then she clues us in about why she's so bummed out.
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