The Merchant of Venice Act III Scene 3 Workbook Answers and Explanations

Act III Scene 3

Context Questions

Question 1. (i) What does Shylock ask the jailer to do? Give two reasons from the extract to justify why Shylock was against Antonio.
Answer: Shylock asks the jailer to guard Antonio closely and see that he does not escape. He tells him not to plead with him to show mercy to Antonio. The extract shows that Shylock was against Antonio. He insists on having the bond saying that he has taken an oath to exact the full penalty of the bond. Besides, he says that since Antonio called him a 'dog'. Antonio should beware of his teeth, as they can bite.
In simple words: Shylock orders the jailer to tightly guard Antonio and refuse any mercy. He is against Antonio because he swore an oath to fulfill the bond's penalty and because Antonio had called him a "dog."

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify Shylock's explicit instructions to the jailer. His reasons for animosity – the sworn oath and Antonio's past insults – clearly define his vengeful motives.

Question 1. (ii) Give the meaning of:
(a) lent out money gratis: lending money without interest.
(b) beware my fangs: beware of my teeth. That is beware of my revenge.
In simple words: "Lent out money gratis" means lending money without charging any interest. "Beware my fangs" is a warning to be wary of Shylock's cruel revenge, like a biting animal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Accurately translate and explain the context of these phrases. "Gratis" highlights Antonio's business practice that angered Shylock, and "fangs" vividly portrays Shylock's predatory intent for revenge.

Question 1. (iii) What does Shylock say after this extract, blaming the jailer for bringing Antonio out of prison?
Answer: After this extract, Shylock angrily tells the jailer that he is surprised at his being so foolish as to yield to Antonio's request and to bring him out in the open. He censures the jailer for bringing him out.
In simple words: Shylock angrily chastises the jailer for foolishly bringing Antonio out of prison, surprised that he yielded to Antonio's request.

🎯 Exam Tip: This reveals Shylock's obsessive control and suspicion. His anger at the jailer underscores his determination to prevent any leniency towards Antonio.

Question 1. (iv) How does this short scene show the determination of Shylock to extract the penalty as stipulated in the bond?
Answer: This short scene shows the determination of Shylock to extract the penalty as stipulated in the bond. His passion for revenge is revealed in this scene, when he savagely cries to the jailer to guard Antonio closely and see that he does not escape. He refers to the bond five times in the scene and refuses to listen to Antonio's pleas. His determination is sealed by his statement that he has sworn an oath that he will have his bond.
In simple words: This scene demonstrates Shylock's absolute determination by his savage orders to the jailer, repeated references to the bond, and refusal of Antonio's pleas, all fueled by his sworn oath for revenge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on Shylock's repeated demands and his unyielding stance. His refusal to hear pleas and his reference to an oath reinforce his unwavering intent to extract the bond's full penalty.

Question 1. (v) Describe briefly how this scene prepares the audience for the climax of the Trial scene.
Answer: This scene is important because it brings the action near to the Trial Scene. It adds suspense to the bond story as it shows that it is impossible for Antonio to escape Shylock's revenge. This scene fills the interval before the Trial scene and allows time for Bassanio's journey from Belmont to Venice.
In simple words: This scene builds suspense for the Trial scene by showing Antonio's inescapable predicament and Shylock's relentless pursuit of revenge, while also allowing time for Bassanio to return.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain how the scene functions as a bridge, heightening tension (Antonio's fate) and facilitating plot elements (Bassanio's journey) that lead directly to the climax.

Question 2. (i) What has enraged Antonio to speak in this manner? According to Antonio, why does Shylock seek his life?
Answer: When Antonio's continuous pleas to Shylock to listen to him fail and he insists on having his bond, Antonio get enraged. He says that Shylock wants to take away his life because he has frequently helped Shylock's debtors out of his clutches when they approached him for help. This has made Shylock to hate him.
In simple words: Antonio is enraged because Shylock refuses his pleas for mercy, insisting on the bond. Antonio believes Shylock wants his life because he often helped Shylock's debtors escape his grasp.

🎯 Exam Tip: Antonio's rage stems from Shylock's inflexibility. His explanation highlights the historical conflict between them, providing a clear reason for Shylock's deep-seated hatred.

Question 2. (ii) What does Salarino say about the Duke?
Answer: Salarino says that he is sure that the Duke will never permit the penalty of the bond to hold good in law.
In simple words: Salarino believes the Duke will not allow the bond's cruel penalty to be legally enforced.

🎯 Exam Tip: Salarino's statement reflects the common expectation of justice and mercy, setting up the dramatic tension when the Duke initially appears powerless to intervene.

Question 2. (iii) Who are the strangers referred to in the extract? What commodity do they have in Venice?
Answer: Strangers referred to in the extract are the traders and businessmen from other countries doing business in Venice. Here, specific reference is to Shylock, a Jew, a foreigner. They do trade and business in Venice.
In simple words: "Strangers" refers to foreign traders and businessmen in Venice, particularly Shylock, who conducts trade there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify "strangers" as foreign merchants. This highlights Venice's dependence on international trade and the need to uphold laws for all, including foreigners, to maintain commercial integrity.

Question 2. (iv) Can the Duke deny the course of law to the strangers? Why?
Answer: The Duke cannot deny the course of law to the strangers. Firstly, the rights and privileges of trade that foreigners have in Venice cannot be denied. If denied they will expose the justice system of the state to reproach. Secondly, prosperity of Venice depends on its trade with foreign nations. If injustice is done to Shylock, other foreigners will raise alarm and objections. They will loose confidence in the justice system and it will affect the trade in the city.
In simple words: The Duke cannot deny foreigners legal rights because it would discredit Venice's justice system and harm its vital international trade by eroding confidence among foreign merchants.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the two main reasons: maintaining the reputation of Venetian justice and protecting its economic prosperity tied to foreign trade. This is a critical legal and political point in the play.

Question 2. (v) What final wish does Antonio express before he would die? What does it reveal about his character?
Answer: Antonio's final wish is to see Bassanio before he dies. This shows his great love and affection for Bassanio. Antonio resigns himself to his fate but takes comfort in the thought that he is going to die for the sake of his friend.
In simple words: Antonio's last wish is to see Bassanio, revealing his deep love and affection. He accepts his fate, finding solace in dying for his friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: Antonio's final wish underscores his self-sacrificing nature and profound loyalty to Bassanio, portraying him as a tragic, noble figure.