Overview

Most people have a good side and a bad side, and in The Merchant of Venice, Portia and Shylock show both sides of their nature. Understanding this duality will help students realize that literature reflects real life and will better engage with the text. Students will use this worksheet to explore their initial impressions of these two characters and trace examples of their duality as the play unfolds. Pass out this worksheet before students read the play. Review what duality means. You may wish to take a poll by hand after students complete the worksheet to learn their final impressions of each character.

Downloads