Short Questions and Answers on The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is a 16th-century play written by William Shakespeare in which a merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. It is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599. Short Questions on The Merchant of Venice are asked in academic like CBSE, ICSE, UP Board and other State Boards as well as in graduation and post graduation. Here, we will learn 26 short questions and their answers on the Merchant of Venice.

Short Questions and Answers on The Merchant of Venice

Short Questions and Answers on The Merchant of Venice



1. How “The Merchant of Venice” is a romantic comedy?

The Merchant of Venice is a romantic comedy because it is rich in romantic elements like the events; lottery of casketsgreat and gripping trial sceneyoung maiden acts as a lawyer and becomes the savior of virtue in trouble, and lyrical poetic beauty in the last scene.

2. How “The Merchant of Venice” is a tragic comedy?

The Merchant of Venice is mingling of comic and tragic elements like happy ending for Antonio, Bassanio, Portia and Jessica but tragic end for the Shylock.

3. Who is the real merchant of Venice Antonio or Shylock?

The real merchant of the Venice is Antonio because in the opening scene of the play he is presented as rich merchant that his rich venturestossing on the oceans. He has worldwide trade but Shylock is only cruel money lender and usurer not a merchant.

4. What is the significance of the title The Merchant of Venice?

The title of the play The Merchant of Venice is significant because it represents the Antonio who is real merchant of Venice. He has pivotal role in the plot that the bond story, trail scene has direct relation and casket story is also indirectly related to Antonio.


5. What are the main and sub plots in the play?

In the play The Merchant of Venice the main plot is the bond story and other sub plots are the casket story, Lorenzo and Jessica episode and the story of ring.


6. Who is Portia in the drama The Merchant of Venice?

Portia a beautiful lady is the rich heiress of BelmontBassanio’s beloved and later they married. She is witty, humorous and modest character. She saves the life of Antonio from the knife of Shylock in trials. She disguised herself as a lawyer and defends Antonio.


7. What do you know about Shylock in The Merchant of Venice?

Shylock is rich Jew and money lender. He is the father of Jessica. He is hypocrite, cunning, blood-thirsty and vindictive. His passion for money and revenge are leading traits. He is criticized by Christian characters throughout the play.


8. What justification do Salerio and Solanio propose for Antonio’s sadness?

According to them, Antonio melancholic attitude suggests that his money is tied up in his ships, which are sailing on dangerous seas. Solanio predicts that he is in love.

 

9. What mocking suggestion does Gratiano present Antonio?

Gratiano tells Antonio don't be sad about worldly affairs.

 

10. Describe the character Shylock?

He was Jewish moneylender in Venice. He gives money to the people and demands great interest. He is cruel and greedy. He demands one pound flesh of Antonio if he is unable to pay back the dues. He is forced to convert into Christianity at the end of the play.

 

11. What are the views on so-called wise people according to Gratiano?

According to Gratiano, wise men are silent and stern. They're only considered wise because they don't say anything.

 

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12. What do you know about Bassanio?

He was the friend of Antonio who requested Antonio to borrow 3000 ducats so that he can make his appearance better and ask Portia to marry him. At start, he wanted to marry Portia for her money but eventually he loved her.

 

13.  What is Antonio actual Cause of Sadness?

In Act I, Scene 1, we are told that even Antonio doesn't know why he's feeling sad. Everyone assumes he's worried about the safety of his ships, but he claims the ships are not the reason for his depression.

 

14. What are the reasons for Portia sadness during selection?

She was sad because of her father casket game. She didn't want to choose her husband in this way. She wanted liberty in choosing her life partner. She was also tired of constant arrivals of suitors.

 

15. Who are tubal and Chus?

Tubal and Chus are Lorenzo's Jewish friends. and Tubal is one of Shylock's good friends and Chus is among his fellow Jews.

 

16. What is Gratiano's philosophy to overcome sadness?

Gratiano told Antonio that life has a short period so he should be happy and have some fun.

 

17. In the story Merchant of Venice, what was written in the letter that made Bassanio turn pale?

Salerio hands Bassanio a letter from Antonio. Bassanio turns pale at the news that Antonio has lost his fortune and his ships, and he asks Salerio if it is true that all of Antonio's ventures have failed.

 

18. Themes of the play 'Merchant of Venice'?

There are many themes in the play but love, hatred, mercy, and prejudice are the vital themes.

 

19. Illustrate the Caskets trial?

The Prince of Morocco comes and first chooses gold and gets a death skull. After that Prince of Aragon gets the picture of an idiot. When Bassanio comes, he chooses lead casket and wins her hand.

 

20. How does Shakespeare portray of Portia's generous nature?

Portia has a good idea of what she is going to do before the trial of Shylock. She gives Shylock the chance to concede his bond on Antonio before disaster befalls him. She offers Shylock compensation for a loan but Shylock refuses.

 

21. What does Salarino think Antonio's sadness is about?

Salarino thinks Antonio’s sadness is about “Worry over his ships”.

 

22. What does Solanio think Antonio's sadness is about?

Solanio thinks Antonio’s sadness is about Love.

 

23. How is Bassanio related to Antonio?

Bassanio is his cousin.

 

24. What does Antonio compare life on this earth to?

Antonio compares his life with “A staged play”.

 

25. Who is the lover of Jessica?

Lorenzo is her lover and she is the daughter of Shylock. She hates her father. She eloped with Lorenzo and married to him.

 

26. What do you know about Gratiano?

He loves Nerissa who is the maid of Portia. He goes to Belmont with Bassanio.


Blog By- Zuba'r Saifi

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