William Shakespeare
and
The Merchant of Venice

How does the genre of the play impact our understanding of it?

What is the implication of Morocco's "Mislike me not for my complexion" (2.1.1)?

Explain Lancelot's first line (2.2.1-24).

What is Lancelot's point in confusing his father so (2.2.27-92)?

How significant is it for the play as a whole?

Considering the romantic comedy of the play, what do you think of Jessica and Lancelot's meeting (2.3)?

How does it parallel with the main love story of Portia and Bassanio?

Why must Lancelot be an intermediary between Lorenzo and Jessica?

What is the significance of 2.5?

What does Jessica mean that she has lost a father (2.5.55)?

Why must Jessica dress up as a man in 2.6?

Why the conflation of courtship and the caskets in 2.7 and later scenes?

Do you agree with Morocco's reasoning for choosing the gold casket (2.7.13-60)?

How must we understand Portia's line "Let all of his complexion choose me so" (2.7.79)?

Explain Solanio's lines 2.8.20-22 in the context of Salarino's 2.8.23-24.