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A Christmas Carol
The Book Thief
The Crucible
The Tempest
To Kill a Mockingbird
Shakespeare
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No Fear Shakespeare Translations
Shakespeare Study Guides
Shakespeare Life & Times
Glossary of Shakespeare Terms
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No Fear Literature Translations
Literature Study Guides
Glossary of Literary Terms
How to Write Literary Analysis
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The Merchant of Venice
William Shakespeare
Study Guide
No Fear
Translation
Infographic
Study Guide
No Fear
Translation
Infographic
Summary
Summary & Analysis
Act I, scenes i–ii
Act I, scene iii
Act II, scenes i–iv
Act II, scenes v–ix
Act III, scenes i–ii
Act III, scenes iii–v
Act IV, scene i, lines 1–163
Act IV, scene i, lines 164–396
Act IV, scene i, lines 397–453; scene ii
Act V, scene i
Full Book
Full Book Summary
Full Book Analysis
Key Facts
Characters
Character List
Shylock
Portia
Antonio
Jessica
Bassanio
Literary Devices
Themes
Motifs
Symbols
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Genre
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Questions & Answers
Why does Antonio agree to Shylock’s terms for the loan?
Why does Shylock demand Antonio’s flesh instead of money?
Who does Bassanio give Portia’s ring to?
How does Bassanio win the right to marry Portia?
Why can’t Antonio pay back his loan?
Quotes
Important Quotes Explained
By Theme
Friendship
Wealth
Prejudice
Revenge
Love
By Section
Act I, scenes i-ii
Act I, scene iii
Act II, scenes i-iv
Act II, scenes v-ix
Act III, scenes i-ii
Act III, scenes iii-v
Act IV, scene i
Act V, scene i
By Character
Portia
Shylock
Antonio
Bassanio
Jessica
Quick Quizzes
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Full Book Quiz
Act 1, scenes i-ii
Act 1, scene iii
Act 2, scenes i-iv
Act 2, scenes v-ix
Act 3, scenes i-ii
Act 3, scenes iii-v
Act 4, scene i, lines 1-163
Act 4, scene i, lines 164-396
Act 4, scene i, lines 397-453; scene ii
Act 5, scene i
More
Context
Plot Overview
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs & Symbols
Essays
Historical Context Essay
Literary Context Essay
Central Idea Essay
Mini Essays
A+ Student Essay
Suggested Essay Topics
What Does the Ending Mean?
Further Study
Suggestions for Further Reading
Related Links
Movie Adaptations
William Shakespeare and The Merchant of Venice Background
Quick Quizzes
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
Quick Quizzes
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
1
of 5
How do most critics describe Shylock?
A bloodthirsty bogeyman
A clownish Jewish stereotype
A tragic figure
There is no consensus
2
of 5
What sort of character is Portia?
Quick-witted and beautiful
A free spirit
A rule-follower
All of the above
3
of 5
Who does the play's title refer to?
Shylock
Bassanio
Portia
Antonio
4
of 5
What might be the cause of Antonio's persistent and worsening melancholy?
Unrequited love for Portia
Hatred of Shylock
Unrequited love for Bassanio
His bad business decisions
5
of 5
What is one of Antonio's key characteristics, other than melancholy?
Antisemitism
Lack of business acumen
Foolishness in love
A comic temperament
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