Fri. Dec. 2, 2016: Merchant of Venice Act One Reading

Today, you were instructed to keep a glossary (stapled loose-leaf paper that you can keep in the pages of the play), a writing implement and the play The Merchant of Venice, at every reading class.
I then assigned reading roles.
We then began reading the play. We completed reading all of Act 1, scene 1 (ends at the bottom of page 17).  If you were not here, you need to answer the following questions to assure that you are understanding of what has happened so far. These are to be submitted on the day you return to school.

Study Questions -- Act 1

Answer each question thoroughly and fully. Write down the act, scene, and line references to note where you have found the textual evidence of your answers. 

1.      What are Antonio’s friends concerns about Antonio?

2.      Why do they think Antonio is acting the way he is?

3.      What dangers is Antonio possibly facing (be detailed)?

4.    What does Bassanio want from Antonio? Why?

  

5.      What does Antonio tell Bassanio in response to his request? How will Antonio help     Bassanio?

6.      In what way does Antonio’s comment at Act 1, Scene 1, lines 43-44 (page 11) seem to contradict his comments at Act 1, Scene 1, line 77-79 (page 17)? How might you account for this apparent contradiction?