Available Answers

1. 1.

   'The quality of mercy is not strain'd.
   It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
   Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:'

   1. Who speaks these words?
   2. Who does the speaker address in the given lines?
   3. What has mercy been compared with? Explain.
   4. What does 'it' stand for? How is it 'twice blest'?
2. 2.

   'Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
   Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
   But just a pound of flesh. If thou takest more
   Or less than a just pound, be it but so much
   As makes it light or heavy in the substance
   Or the division of the twentieth part
   Of one poor scruple-nay, if the scale do turn
   But in the estimation of a hair,
   Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.'

   1. Who speaks these words?
   2. To whom are the words spoken?
   3. Under what conditions would the person be sentenced to death?
   4. What is the other punishment that will be imposed on that person?
3. 3.

   Portia says that 'mercy is above this sceptered away'. What does she mean by this statement?

4. 4.

   What reason does Shylock give for his wanting a pound of Antonio's flesh?

5. 5.

   Why does Antonio advise his friends to give up attempting to dissuade Shylock?

6. 6.

   Why does Portia, disguised as the lawyer, initially conclude that Shylock's bond must be adhered to?