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Search all of SparkNotes
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Suggestions
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A Christmas Carol
King Lear
Much Ado About Nothing
Romeo and Juliet
The Catcher in the Rye
No Fear Shakespeare
Literature
Other Subjects
Teacher
Blog
Help
The Merchant of Venice
William Shakespeare
Study Guide
NO FEAR
Translation
Infographic
Study Guide
NO FEAR
Translation
Infographic
Summary
Plot Overview
Key Questions and Answers
What Does the Ending Mean?
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
Characters
Character List
Shylock
Portia
Antonio
Jessica
Bassanio
Main Ideas
Themes
Plot Analysis
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Motifs
Symbols
Genre
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Key Facts
Is Shylock a Villain?
Quotes
Important Quotes Explained
Quotes By Theme
Friendship
Wealth
Prejudice
Revenge
Love
Quotes 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
Quotes By Character
Portia
Shylock
Antonio
Bassanio
Jessica
Further Study
Context
Anti-Semitism in Renaissance England
Shakespeare’s Sources for Merchant of Venice
Movie Adaptations
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
Context
Plot Overview
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs & Symbols
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
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Companion Texts
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Suggested Essay Topics
Sample A+ Essay
How to Cite This SparkNote
Teacher's Handbook
Further Study
Act 1, scenes i-ii Quiz
Further Study
Act 1, scenes i-ii Quiz
1
of 5
What source or sources do Salarino and Solanio suggest are the cause of Antonio's sadness?
His antisemitism and cruelty
His wisdom
Commercial concerns and love
Worries about reputation
2
of 5
What aspect of Gratiano does Bassanio joke about after Gratiano has left?
His small stature
His empty speech
His social status
His physical appearance
3
of 5
At Belmont, what reason does Portia give Nerissa for being weary of the world?
Her inheritance is gone
Her father has died
Can't choose her husband
Has to get married
4
of 5
According to Portia, what is a character fault of the English suitor who came to guess the correct casket?
Poor language skills
Drunkenness
An obsession with horses
Overly serious
5
of 5
What did each of Portia's suitors do before leaving?
Opened the caskets
Had dinner with Portia
Refused to choose caskets
Chose the wrong casket
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Themes, Motifs & Symbols Quick Quiz
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Act 1, scene iii Quick Quiz
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