The Merchant of Venice Act II Scene 8 Workbook Answers and Explanations

ACT II Scene 8

CONTEXT QUESTIONS

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Question 1.

(i) What is meant by 'a passion so confused, so strange, outrageous, and so variable'? Why was the Jew so excited?
Answer: In the above lines, Salanio says that he has not seen such an outburst of anger, so confused, so strange, excessive and frequently changing as is displayed by the Jew. Shylock discovers that his daughter has eloped after robbing him of his money and jewellery. This makes him excited and furious with grief and despair. He gives vent to it by an exhibition of passionate excitement and anger which is strange, excessive and frequently changing.
In simple words: The phrase describes Shylock's chaotic and intense emotional outburst after discovering Jessica has eloped with his money and jewels, leaving him furious and distraught.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on linking the emotional description directly to Shylock's specific cause for anger, which is the loss of both his daughter and his wealth.

(ii) Earlier, how did the Jew trouble the Duke? Where did the Duke go and what were his findings?
Answer: Earlier, Shylock roused the Duke with his complaints against Lorenzo and Jessica for robbing him and eloping. He made such a disturbance that the Duke was obliged to attend to his demands. He even accompanied the Duke to search for Lorenzo and Jessica on board Bassanio's ship. By the time they reached the place, the ship had already set sail. The Duke was told by someone that Lorenzo and Jessica had been seen sitting together in a gondola.
In simple words: Shylock troubled the Duke with furious complaints about Jessica and Lorenzo's elopement. The Duke accompanied him to search Bassanio's ship, but found it had already sailed. Later, it was reported Lorenzo and Jessica were seen in a gondola.

🎯 Exam Tip: This incident demonstrates Shylock's influence and the legal weight he carries, even as he is publicly shamed.

(iii) What did Shylock utter in his excitement? Besides money, what else did his daughter steal?
Answer: In his excitement, Shylock utters confused cries for his daughter, who had eloped with a Christian, taking with her, his ducats and jewellery. He wants justice from the law. Besides money, Jessica has taken away from Shylock some jewels, precious stones and diamonds.
In simple words: Shylock, in his frenzy, cried out about his eloping daughter and also the ducats, jewels, precious stones, and diamonds she stole, demanding justice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Shylock's cries reveal his priorities: he laments the loss of his money and jewels often more vehemently than the loss of his daughter, highlighting his avarice.

(iv) Give the meaning of:
(a) double ducats:
(b) a sealed bag:
Answer:
(a) double ducats: coins of double ducats.
(b) a sealed bag: a bag that is securely sealed to ensure the security of its contents.
In simple words: "(a) double ducats" refers to coins worth two ducats. "(b) a sealed bag" means a bag that is securely closed to keep its contents safe.

🎯 Exam Tip: Accurately defining currency and common objects helps in visualizing the scene and understanding its financial implications.

(v) Explain how Shylock's lamentations add to the humour in the play.
Answer: Shylocks' lamentations add to the humour in the play. He is depicted as a comic character in the scene. The manner in which he laments the loss of his daughter and his ducats amuses the audience; Shylock's repetition of 'O my daughter! O my Christian ducats!' indicate his greedy nature and shows that Jessica is another possession for him like the ducats. The manner in which all the boys of Venice follow him and repeat his words of lamentation in a tone of mockery and jeer at him further add to the humour in the scene.
In simple words: Shylock's exaggerated laments over both his daughter and his ducats, particularly his repeated phrase "O my daughter! O my Christian ducats!", create dark humor, especially as Venetian boys mock him, exposing his greed and making him a figure of ridicule.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze how Shylock's grief is portrayed as comedic, especially through his prioritization of money over his child and the public's reaction.

Question 2.

(i) What is meant by: 'Let good Antonio look he keep his day'? What could be the consequence if Antonio failed to 'keep his day'?
Answer: 'Let good Antonio keep his day' means let worthy Antonio make sure that he has the money to pay Shylock on the appointed day. If he fails to keep his day, Shylock would take his revenge on Antonio.
In simple words: "Let good Antonio look he keep his day" means Antonio must ensure he repays the loan on time. If he fails, Shylock intends to exact his revenge.

🎯 Exam Tip: This line foreshadows the impending conflict and underscores Shylock's unwavering intent for retribution.

(ii) What did Salarino hear from the Frenchman, the previous day? Why was the news quite startling?
Answer: In his conversation with a Frenchman, Salarino heard that a richly laden ship from Italy had been wrecked in the narrow channel which divides England and France. The news was startling because Salarino thought of Antonio's ship and wished that it might not be one of his ships.
In simple words: Salarino heard from a Frenchman that a valuable Italian ship had been wrecked. This news was startling because he immediately worried it might be one of Antonio's vessels.

🎯 Exam Tip: This news introduces a significant plot development, creating suspense and raising stakes for Antonio's financial situation.

(iii) After hearing the news from the Frenchman, what did Salarino wish?
Answer: Salarino wished that the wrecked ship might not be one of Antonio's ships.
In simple words: Salarino wished that the wrecked ship was not one of Antonio's.

🎯 Exam Tip: Salarino's immediate concern highlights the bond of friendship and the precariousness of Antonio's ventures.

(iv) What advice does Salanio give to Salarino regarding Antonio?
Answer: Salanio advises Salarino to tell Antonio what he has heard about a shipwreck. However, he advises him not to tell Antonio about the news immediately for it may make him sad.
In simple words: Salanio tells Salarino to inform Antonio about the shipwreck, but cautiously, so as not to cause him immediate distress.

🎯 Exam Tip: This advice shows the friends' concern for Antonio's emotional well-being amidst his financial troubles.

(v) Explain how the news given by the Frenchman creates suspense in the story. What would be Shylock's reaction after hearing the news?
Answer: The news given by the Frenchman creates a suspense in the story. The possibility of the wreckage of one of Antonio's ships casts a gloom since it may imply that Antonio would not be able to make payment of the loan on the day the bond is due. After hearing the news, Shylock is happy that he could take his revenge on Antonio. He calls him a bankrupt and insists on the execution of the bond.
In simple words: The news of the shipwreck creates suspense by suggesting Antonio might default on his bond, increasing the threat of Shylock's revenge. Shylock, upon hearing this, would be delighted, seeing it as an opportunity to ruin Antonio.

🎯 Exam Tip: Linking the news to both suspense for Antonio and grim satisfaction for Shylock demonstrates an understanding of the dramatic tension it generates.

(vi) What role do Salanio and Salarino play in this scene?
Answer: Salanio and Salarino provide the information about recent events. They report Shylock's fury and parody his behaviour. They are worried about Antonio and go quickly to look for him and cheer him up. They do not take part in the action of the play, but keep the action going when the chief characters are absent.
In simple words: Salanio and Salarino serve as narrators, informing the audience of key plot developments, Shylock's reactions, and the looming threats to Antonio, all while providing minor comedic relief and moving the story forward.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognizing the function of minor characters (chorus-like roles) is important for understanding how plot information is conveyed in the play.

Question 3.

(i) In what context has Antonio said the words given in quotation? Who quotes his words here?
Answer: Antonio has said these words at the time of bidding farewell to Bassanio, when the latter was about to embank on his journey to Belmont. Salarino quotes his words here.
In simple words: Antonio spoke these words to Bassanio as he departed for Belmont. Salarino is the one who quotes them in this scene.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the speaker and the context of dialogue is crucial for understanding character relationships and plot progression.