Act+One

=The Merchant of Venice=

Act One
Sara Van Lieu.

**Shylock: “How like a fawning publican he looks!** **I hate him for he is a Christian,** **But more for that in low simplicity.” (1,3, 38-40)**

Analyzation: Question: Why is he hating someone just because he is a Christian? Text to World: Many people hate others based on religion, color of skin or just simply how they look on the outside. Themes: Shylock tends to be someone who thinks very highly of himself. Vocabulary: publican:Roman tax gather. fawning: young deer in the first year.

**Antonio: “ Hie thee, gentle Jew-** **The Hebrew will turn Christian;he grows kind.” (1,3, 176-177)**

Analyzation: Summary: Antonio is saying Sherlock is kind because he is loaning money to Bassanio. Predication: Maybe this act of kindness will change the way Sherlock view people.

Act 1 Analysis Nikole Breau

**Shylock: (1.3.31-35)** **“Yes, to smell pork, to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into. I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following, but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.”**

Shylock’s tone seems almost sarcastic at the beginning of this excerpt. He’s sort of saying “Oh yeah, sure, I’ll eat something slaughtered with intentions of the devil”, but then goes on to say he’ll do anything but participate in non-Jewish customs with the two Christian men. I think Shylock seems like a ‘hardcore’ Jew, he follows the customs respectfully and thoroughly. He also seems interested in having a meeting with them, just not the way they want to. This reminds me of a vegetarian, because they also have things that they wont eat with other people. They aren’t mean about it, they simply just say they will do anything else.

**Shylock: (1.3.39)** **“I hate him for he is a Christian,”**

**Shylock: (1.3.48-49)** **“..Cursed be my tribe** **If I forgive him!”**

Shylock clearly doesn’t like Bassanio or Antonio for being Christian, and they don’t like him for being Jewish. I think that when the two men are talking, they have a fake friendship going on. Because Bassanio and Antonio want money from Shylock, they’re pretending to be friendly with him. And because Shylock wants to sort of find peace between the Christians and the Jews and get on their good side, he’s being friendly to them. Shylock goes to the side and says how much he hates Christians, but then proceeds to make the deal with them anyway. This reminds me of friendships in High School. Everyone pretends to be friends to get what they want, but really they talk behind each others’ back. It’s called being two-faced.

ACT 1 SCENE 1 analysis

Kelsey W.

**Bassanio:**

**"In Belmont is a lady richly left;**

**And she is fair and, fairer than that word,**

**Of wondrous virtues. Sometimes form her eyes**

**I did receive fair speechless messages.**

**Her name is Portia, noter undervalued**

**To Cato's daughter, Brutus' Portia." (1, 1, 161-166)**

In these six lines of act one scene one, Bassanio is describing to Antonia the girl that he wants to be with. Her name is Portia. Marrying Portia is a way to basically pay off obligations of his. To do this, he wants to borrow money from Antonia to act like a rich and responsible nobleman. In order to marry Portia, a man has to open the right box saying that they can marry her.

**Antonio:**

**"Go presently inquire, and so will I,**

**Where money is, and I no question make**

**To have it of my trust or for my sake." (1,1, 183-185)**

Antonio is basically agreeing that he will lend some money to Bassanio to impress Portia. Antonio is putting his trust in Bassanio to pay him back. However, I'm predicting that Bassanio is going to be unable to return the money as he promised. Bassanio needs to borrow the money because he is currently in debt as it is.

Grace H.
 * ACT 1 SCENE 2**


 * Portia: “Oh, me, the word “choose”! I may neither**
 * choose who I would nor refuse who I dislike; so is the**
 * will of al living daughter curbed by the will of a dead**
 * father. Is it not hard, Nerissa, that I cannot choose one**
 * nor refuse none?” (Act 1 Scene 2 Line 22-26)**

In this quote, Portia is complaining to her lady-in-waiting, Nerissa, that she can neither choose who should would like to marry, nor refuse who she would not like to marry because of her father’s will. Portia is feeling sorry for herself because of her loss of free will.


 * Portia: “If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good**
 * heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be**
 * glad of his approach. If he have the condition of a saint**
 * and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should**
 * shrive me than wive me.” (Act 1 Scene 2 Line 125-129)**

In this quote, Portia is telling her lady-in-waiting, Nerissa, that she would gladly welcome the fifth man with a good heart if she could just be able to get rid of the four others while doing so. Portia goes on to say that if this man would be sweet and heavenly with the looks of the devil, that she would rather have him confess to her then marry her.


 * Scene 3 analysis**
 * Rylee L.**


 * Shylock: "If you repay me not on such a day,**
 * In such a place, such sum or sums as are**
 * Expressed in the condition, let the forget**
 * Be nominated for an equal pound**
 * Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken**
 * In what part of your body pleaseth me. (1, 3, 145-150)**

Basically, Shylock is explaining that if Bassanio and Antonio are willing to borrow money from him then there will be conditions. Shylock understands that they do not believe in the idea of interest so he comes up with his own unique way to make sure he gets his end of the deal back. If this money is not paid back, he will cut off a pound of flesh. Shylock hopes that this will establish some sort of respect between Jews and Christians. He wants them to understand that even though they think he is "beneath" him, he still has then power to hurt them if they don't respect his conditions.


 * Shylock: ".. Still have I borne it with a patient shrug,**
 * For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe.**
 * You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,**
 * And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,**
 * And all for use of that which is mine own.**
 * Well then, it now appears you need my help. (1, 3, 107-112)**

In these lines you can clearly tell that Jews are not treated fairly here in Venice. Shylock has reported of being spit on and called dog by these men and he is sick of it. What I don't understand is how these Christians think they are any better than Shylock and the rest of the Jews? Does this really make them Christian for having so much hatred for someone and not compassion? Shylock obviously see's a great opportunity when they finally need HIS help.

1.2 Scene analysis Sawyer Smith

Nerissa Portia In this passage Nerissa mentions that the Neapolitan prince was one of the suitors of Portia. Portia describes the prince as a colt which means that he is a foolish young man, but that his is also obsessed with horses. His main focus in life is his horse, and making sure he can care for him, himself. Nerissa doesn’t seem very interested in the Neapolitan prince or any other of her suitors at all. This might be due to the fact that Nerissa is so high and mighty that she may see these men as being at a lower level. Or it could be that Nerissa is reluctant to find a husband and marry. (Sawyer S.)
 * First, there is the Neapolitan prince.**
 * Ay, that's a colt indeed, for he doth nothing but**
 * talk of his horse, and he makes it a great appropriation**
 * to his own good parts that he can shoe him him-**
 * self. I am much afeard my lady his mother played false**
 * with a smith. (1.2, 39-43)**

Portia
 * If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good**
 * heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be**
 * glad of his approach. If he have the condition of a saint**
 * and the complexion of the devil, I had rather he should**
 * shrive me than wive me. (1.2, 125-129)**

In this passage Portia expresses her weariness of having these suitors come to try to claim her hand in marriage. Most of these men don’t seem to fit the mold which Portia wants her man to fit. Portia sends them on there way with a clear conscience. She wishes to find her man so she won’t have to keep searching for him. Portia hopes for the perfect man for her to walk through the door and take her hand. (Sawyer S.)

Act 1 Scene 2 Isiah Brown


 * PORTIA:**
 * “Ay, that’s a colt indeed, for he doth nothing but talk of his horse, and he makes it a great appropriation to his own good parts that he can shoe him himself. I am much afeard my lady his mother played false with a smith.” (1,2,39-43)**

In these lines, Portia is saying that the Neapolitan prince thinks that he is “all that”. All he talks about it his amazing horse that he has, and all the great things that he has done. It’s kind of like a modern day snob, that has a great car, and he has done so many great things. That is not what Portia wants. She does not want some braggy person.


 * PORTIA**
 * “If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be glad of his approach. If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather have him shrive me than wive me.” (1,2,125-129)**

In these lines, Portia is saying that if he impresses to the skill of what the other four displeased her, then she would be happy with him. If he looked like a good man, but inside he was totally different, she would rather have him pardon her for being wooed than having him marry her.

Act 1 Scene 3 Seth T


 * Shylock:**
 * "You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,**
 * And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,**
 * And all for use of that which is mine own.**
 * Well then it now appears you need my help.**
 * Go to then. You come to me and you say,**
 * 'Shylock, we would have moneys' - you say so," (1.3, 109-114)**

Shylock is asking Antonio why should he lend him money when Antonio and his friends treats him so badly, and he points out that Antonio is at his mercy for money.


 * Antonio:**
 * "Why, fear not, man I will not forfeit it.**
 * Within these two months - that's a month before**
 * This bond expires - I do expect return**
 * Of thrice three time the value of the bond." (1.3, 155-158)**

Antonio tells Bassanio not to worry about the deal he made with Shylock because he expects three times that amount of the deal within 2 months, and they made a deal to pay it off in three months.

The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 1 Analysis Brooke H


 * Antonio:**
 * "In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.**
 * It wearies me, you say it wearies you…"**
 * (1, 1, 1-2)**

These lines of Antonio show that Antonio isn't quite sure why he is sad. He tells Salario and Solanio about how he is very sad but can't seem to figure out why I wonder why Antonio is sad? And why he doesn't know what is making him seem so sad.


 * Antonio:**
 * "Thou know'st that all my fortunes are at sea;**
 * Neither have I money nor commodity**
 * To raise a present sum. Therefore go forth.**
 * Try what my credit can in Venice do;**
 * That shall be racked even to the uttermost**
 * To furnish thee to Belmont, to fair Portia.**
 * Go presently inquire, and so will I,**
 * Where money is, and I no question make**
 * To have it of my trust or for my sake.**
 * (1, 1, 177-185)**

These lines spoken by Antonio are important because they are about how Antonio has no money to purchase Portia. He needs to borrow money from somebody, in which he says that you can trust him with the money. Antonio says that he has no money or items to give as a sum.

The opening of Act 1, Scene 1 starts off with a quite depressing mood from Antonio. It looks as though he is merely throwing a pity party for himself, as no reason for his sadness could be drawn out of his from the entire scene. In the end, his friends had to settle the reason to ‘because he wasn’t happy’.


 * Antonio:**
 * In sooth, I know not why I am so sad. (1.1.1)**
 * Salerio:**
 * But tell not me. I know Antonio**
 * Is sad to think upon his merchandise. (1.1.39-40)**
 * Antonio:**
 * Believe me, no. I thank my fortune for it,**
 * My ventures are not in one bottom trusted,**
 * Nor to one place; nor is my whole estate**
 * Upon the fortune of this present year.**
 * Therefore my merchandise makes me not sad. (1.1.41-5)**
 * Solanio:**
 * Why then, you are in love. (1.1.46)**
 * Antonio:**
 * Fie, fie! (1.1.46)**
 * Solanio:**
 * Not in love neither? Then let us say you are sad**
 * Because you are not merry; and ‘twere as easy**
 * For you to laugh and leap, and say you are merry**
 * Because you are not sad... (1.1.47-50)**

This is a text-to-world connection, as everyone can feel down at times, even today. Eventually it can be reasoned that there is simply no reason to feel sad, just like how Salerio and Solanio did with Antonio. -Patrick L

Act 1: Scene 1
 * Bassanio:**
 * Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing, more than any man in all Venice. His reasons are as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff; you shall seek all day ere you find them, and when you have them they are not worth the search. (1.1.114-18)**

Question: Here Gratiano speaks his mind with a judgmental look at Gratiano, (as I suppose he deserves), but I do wonder, what does Bassanio think of the rest of Antonio’s acquaintances? -Patrick L

Act One Scene Three

Shylock -
 * “How like a fawning publican he looks!**
 * I hate him for he is Christian...”** 1.3 (lines 38 + 39)

connection; text to world: It seems to me that the discrimination of people based on religion will never end. Its been going on since the Bible times and is still going on today. There are many examples of the destruction such actions can create for example the Holocaust. People need to learn that a person is a person even if they don’t have the same religious views as you do. -Krystal B.

Act One Scene Three Shylock -
 * “The thoughts of others! Pray you, tell me this:**
 * If he should break his day, what should I gain**
 * By the exaction of the forfeiture?**
 * A pound of man’s flesh taken from a man**
 * Is not so estimable, profitable neither,**
 * As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I say To buy his favor I extend this friendship.**
 * If he will take it, so; if not, adieu.**
 * And for my love, I pray you, wrong me not.”** 1.3 (lines 159-169)

comments: I find this to be such a strange request. Who asks someone for a pound of their flesh if they do not pay back money borrow. It seems to me that Shylock is a rather cruel man and a little disturbing. He will gain nothing from this, he even admits it. But I am curious about where in the world he would get such an idea as that. -Krystal B.


 * (Nerissa) “True, madam. He, of all the men that ever my foolish eyes looked upon was the best deserving a fair lady.” (Act 1,scene 1,line 115)**

Summary- In the section 1.2 Portia Is a very respected and rich lady and was talking to her friend Nerissa about how she had no say in to whom she would marry to and the person that she would wed would be the the person who picked the right chest out of three different ones. One was filled with lead, one with silver and one with gold. Throughout this scene Portia and Nerissa talk about the past suitors and which one she would want. Then at the end at the scene Bassanio was mentioned and how he could be a possible suitor.

Prediction- I predict that Bassanio will fall in love with Nerissa and then as time goes on she will find out that he borrowed the money to look all cool and stuff and then get mad at him for pretending to be someone he’s not. -Jesse H

Antonio:
 * Brittany Lapointe**
 * “In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.**
 * It wearies me, you say it wearies you;**
 * but how I caught it, found it, or came by it”** (1-3)

Vocabulary: In sooth: Truly. This is the opening lines of 1.1. These lines introduce the story in a sad or depressed tone. Antonio hasn’t yet figured out why he is so sad. I predict that by the end of act 1 we will understand, and Antonio will understand why he is sad.

Solanio:
 * “Not in love neither? Then let us say you are sad**
 * because you are not merry; and ‘twere as easy**
 * for you to laugh and leap, and say you are merry**
 * because you are not sad. Now, by two-headed**
 * Janus”** (48-50)

Vocabulary: Two headed janus: a roman god of all beginnings, represented by a figure with two faces. Text to world: Everyone is gonna be sad or be in a bad mood at some point in their life. Solanio is basically saying well then your just in a bad mood, and thats why you’re sad. He explains that he should just laugh and dance around because its easier than saying you’re sad.

Salena B.


 * Shylock:**
 * “How like a fawning publican he looks!**
 * I hate him for he is Christian,**
 * But more for that in low simplicity**
 * He lends out money gratis and brings down**
 * The rate of usance here with us in Venice...” (I.3. 38-42)**

Shylock isn’t very accepting about other religions outside his own, and dislikes that Antonio always lends money and bring the rate down in Venice.


 * Antonio:**
 * “If thou wilt lend this money, lent it not**
 * As to thy friends, for when did friendship take**
 * A breed for barren metal of his friend?**
 * But lend it rather to thine enemy...” (1.3. 130-133)**

Antonio is basically taking the approach that if you don’t consider us friends and won’t lend friends the money, then will you lend it to an enemy? Lending money to an enemy may be more profitable, perhaps.

**Brittnie Chandler**

 * Antonio**
 * I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano;**
 * A stage, where every man must play a part,**
 * And mine a sad one.**
 * (1,1,77-78)**

Summary: This quote basically means, that in the world every person has to play a part, but for Antonio, his part is a sad one.

Text to Self: In a way, I can relate this text to myself, because, in a certain way, I can see this as my life, not much good comes out of it, and it is sad. I lost my father and my home, but those are just two things, there are many others.


 * Antonio**
 * "In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.**
 * It wearies me, you say it wearies you…"**
 * (1, 1, 1-2)**

Summary: This basically says, that Antonio is sad, but he is not sure why that is, and it makes not only him, but ‘you’ worry.

Question: How come he doesn’t know why it is that he is sad?

Act 1

Jesse H.


 * Antonio-**
 * “Why, fear not, man, I will not forfeit it.**
 * Within these two months-That’s a month before**
 * This bond expires-I do expect return**
 * Of thrice three times the value of this bond.**

Antonio here is telling Bassanio not to worry about the forfeiture because in two months he should have more than enough to pay the bond back.