Act 2, Scenes 3 & 4. Merchant of Venice,

Merchant of Venice, Act II, Scene III




Extract I


Jessica:

I am sorry thou wilt leave my ………see me in talk with thee. 


1. Give reasons for Launcelot’s leaving Jessica’s house.

Launcelot left Jessica’s house since her father Shylock was a miserly Jew and is stay as his servant  has half-famished him. He felt that any further stay with him would make him like the Jew. Besides, Bassanio has accepted him in his service and Launcelot feels that Bassanio is a better master.


2.   Give the meaning of:

Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.

In the above lines, Jessica says that her house is hell because of her father’s avarice. Launcelot  with his jolly nature and with his antics and nonsensical capering  has relieved it of much boredom and dullness.


3.   How does Jessica show in words and action that she liked Launcelot’s presence in her house?

Jessica shows in words and actions that she liked Launcelot’s presence in the house. He calls him a merry devil and thanks him for reducing the boredom and dullness in her house. She offers him a ducat too.


4.    What errand does Jessica give to Launcelot? What precautions does she ask him to take while doing the errand?

Jessica gives to Launcelot the errand of delivering a letter to Lorenzo at supper in Bassanio’s house that night. She advises him to deliver the letter to Lorenzo secretly.


5. How does Jessica show herself as a scheming  but prudent young lady? In what way is her character different from that of Portia?

Jessica shows herself as a scheming lady when she plans to elope with a Christian boy, Lorenzo without the knowledge of her father.  She proves herself to be prudent when she instructs Launcelot to deliver her letter to Lorenzo at Bassanio’s party secretly. Her character is entirely different from that of Portia. While Portia obeys her deceased father’s will to marry the one who wins the lottery of caskets, Jessica betrays her father and religion to marry Lorenzo. 




Extract II


Launcelot:

But, adieu: these foolish…….become a Christian, and they loving wife!


1. How does Launcelot bid farewell to Jessica? In this context, what are your feelings for Launcelot, Jessica and Shylock?

Launcelot bids farewell to Jessica calling her ‘most beautiful pagan’ and later ‘most sweet Jew’. He says that tears prevent his tongue from uttering his feelings. We feel happy for Launcelot and Jessica. Launcelot is leaving his miserly master and is undertaking  Bassanio’s  service where he will be happier. Jessica too will soon escape from the ‘hell’ and marry Lorenzo. We feel sorry for Shylock as he still obstinate, miserly and with evil intentions. Further, he shall lose his daughter as well as money.


2.    Why does Jessica regret being the daughter of Shylock? What is the ‘heinous sin’ referred to in the extract? Is it really a sin? Give reasons to justify your answer.

Jessica regrets being the daughter of Shylock due to his behaviour, his being a bad father to her and for making her home ‘hell’. Jessica describes  her feeling  of being  ashamed for being  her father’s daughter as a heinous sin. It is not really a sin because even if she is Shylock’s daughter by birth, she does not actually detest her father but detests his miserliness and tyrannical nature.


3.    Give the meaning of :

But though I am a daughter to his blood,
I am not to his manners.

The above lines mean that although I am his daughter by birth, I don’t have his habits.


4.    Which promise has Lorenzo to keep? Describe the strife that Jessica is going to end.

Lorenzo has to keep the promise of eloping with Jessica that night. Jessica will end the struggle between her desire to marry Lorenzo and her duty to her father, Shylock.


5.    Explain Jessica’s relationship with her father which is shown in the scene.

Jessica is a lively young girl who rebels against the oppression of her father and the joylessness of her life at home.  She calls her home ‘hell’. She cannot get along with her father. She detests her father’s miserliness and tyrannical nature. She affirms that though she is Shylock’s daughter by birth, she does not share his disposition. Besides, she is influenced by the Venetians around her to form a different attitude to life than her father’s. she is ready to leave her father and elope with Lorenzo, a Christian.

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Merchant of Venice: Act II, Scene IV


Act II: Scene IV



Extract I


Lorenzo:

Nay, we will slink………we have two hours to furnish us.


1.    Why do Lorenzo and his friends plan to disguise themselves at dinners time? How well are they prepared for the disguise?

Lorenzo and his friends plan to disguise themselves at dinner time since they were organizing a masquerade for Bassanio’s dinner party. During Elizabethan times the masque was an amateur dramatic practice usually performed in private houses. The players wore masks and costumes and took part in a torch procession, playing musical instruments. They were not fully prepared for the disguise.


2.    Who is supposed to be the torch-bearer? What is the actual purpose of having a torch-bearer in the scene?

Jessica, disguised as a boy, is supposed to be the torch-bearer. The actual purpose of having a torch-bearer in the scene is to facilitate the elopement of Jessica with Lorenzo.


3.    Whose letter does Lancelot bring? Why is it an important confidential letter? How does Lorenzo guess whose letter it is?

Launcelot brings the letter of Jessica? It is an important confidential letter as it contained Jessica’s plan to elope with Lorenzo. On receiving the letter Lorenzo guesses whose letter it is after looking at the handwriting. He declares that the handwriting is familiar to him and the letter is written by a lovely, fair and beautiful hand.


4.    Who is giving the dinner party? Whom does Launcelot invite for dinner?

Bassanio is giving the dinner party. Launcelot invites Shylock for the dinner party.


5.    Describe briefly how the dinner party facilitates the elopement of Jessica with Lorenzo.

The dinner party facilitates the elopement of Jessica with Lorenzo. Jessica is free to leave her house as her father is away at Bassanio’s dinner party. Lorenzo and his friends organize a masquerade for Bassanio’s dinner party. Jessica joins them as a torch-bearer dressed as a boy and elopes with Lorenzo. 




 Extract II



Lorenzo:

I must needs tell thee all……..shall be my torch-bearer.


1.    What information has Jessica given to Lorenzo regarding her elopement?

Jessica informs Lorenzo about the arrangements she had made to elope with him. She will leave her father’s house with money and jewellery, disguised in the uniform of a page-boy.


2.    According to Lorenzo, how could the Jew go to heaven? How can you conclude that Lorenzo has a high opinion of Jessica?

According to Lorenzo, the Jew, Shylock could go to heaven only because of his sweet and gentle daughter. We can conclude that Lorenzo has a high opinion of Jessica since he feels that if at all Shylock ever goes to heaven it will be because of her. He prays that no misfortune ever comes to her except for being Shylock’s daughter.


3.    What does Lorenzo wish for Jessica? According to him, how could misfortune come to Jessica?

Lorenzo wishes that no misfortune ever happens to Jessica, for being the daughter of a non-believing Jew. She has no stain of sin in her unless her birth is regarded as a sin.


4.    Give an example of racial discrimination hinted at in the extract.

Reference to Shylock as a ‘faithless Jew’ is an example of racial discrimination hinted at in the extract. Christians believed that faithless Jews won’t go to heaven.


5.    Describe the atmosphere of activity and pre-occupation prevailing in this short scene.

An atmosphere of activity and pre-occupation prevails in this scene. Activities include preparations for the masquerade and Jessica’s elopement. Pre-occupation regarding the dinner party dominates the scene. Even Shylock is   invited for the party. Launcelot acts as a messenger in this scene. He delivers Jessica’s  letter to Lorenzo and Lorenzo’s reply to Jessica. He invites Shylock for Bassanio’s party on Bassanio’s behalf. 

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Act II Scene 2. Merchant of Venice.

 Merchant of Venice.  

Act II Scene 2.



Extract I

Launcelot:

Well, my conscience says, “ Launcelot, budge not……..is the devil himself. 

1. Who is Launcelot Gobbo? What inner struggle is going on in his conscience? What does his struggle show about the contemporary Christian practice?

     Launcelot Gobbo is Shylock’s servant. An inner struggle is going on in his mind between his conscience advising him to be a faithful servant and the devil tempting him to leave Shylock’s service and take up  service with Bassanio. Launcelot’s inner struggle shows the contemporary Christian practice of struggling with the temptation to yield to it or not.

2.  Why does Launcelot want to run away from the Jew? What does his conscience advise him to do?

    Launcelot want to run away from the Jew because his master, Shylock is the very devil in human form. According to Launcelot, Shylock is a miserly man under whose service he remains famished. Besides, he fears that he would become a Jew if he served Shylock any longer. Initially, his conscience tells him not to run away from Shylock’s household and to be careful. However, when the devil persuades him to flee, his conscience tells him that as he is the child of a good father or at least a good mother and so, he should stay where he is and not move.

3.    Launcelot’s speech provides some comic relief in the play? Why was such a relief need in the context of the play?

        In this scene Launcelot provides some comic relief in the play. In the context of the play such a relief was needed because the previous scene related to the bond story, depicted a serious mood where Antonio agrees to sign a treacherous bond that stipulates a pound his flesh in case he forfeits the agreement.

4.    Enumerate the reasons given by Launcelot’s conscience to stay on with the master.

        Launcelot’s conscience advises him not to run away as such an act of fleeing is a matter of contempt. It adds that he is the child of  a good father or at least a good mother and hence he should stay on with the master.

5.   Finally, whom does Launcelot obey-the devil or his conscience? How is the theme of racial discrimination brought out in Launcelot’s decision to run away?

       Finally, Launcelot obeys the devil. The theme of racial discrimination is brought out in Launcelot’s decision to run away because he runs away from hits master, Shylock, who was a Jew and takes up service with Bassanio, a Christian.

6.    How is the theme of conflict between the good and the evil shown in this scene?

 

      The theme of conflict between the good and the evil is shown in this scene. Launcelot’s conscience advises him to stay on with his master while the devil advises him to flee. He feels the devil’s advice as good  and that of the conscience as rigid. He follows the good advice of the devil.





Extract II

Launcelot:

O heavens, this is my true begotten father!.........turn of no hand but turn down indirectly to the Jew’s house.

 

1.    Where are Launcelot and old Gobbo? What is meant by ‘true-begotten father’? Why can’t old Gobbo recognize his son?

Launcelot and old Gobbo are in a street in Venice. ‘True begotten father’ means my father who begot me. Old Gobbo cannot recognize his son as he is more than half-blind.

2.     Why is old Gobbo looking for the way to Master Jew’s house? How does Launcelot confuse the old man while giving directions to him to reach the Jew’s house?

Old Gobbo is looking for the way to the Jew’s house to go there to find out if his son Launcelot , who was working as a servant in Shylock’s household is still there. Launcelot confuses Gobbo by giving him wrong directions to Shylock’s house.

3.    What was Gobbo’s reaction to the directions given to him by Launcelot?

Gobbo says that by the saints, it was a difficult direction to follow.

4.    What present has Gobbo brought to give to the Jew? What does Launcelot say to his father about it?

Gobo has brought a dish of cooked doves to give to the Jew. Launcelot tells his father to give Shylock a rope to hang himself with rather than any present because he has half-starved him.

5.    Launcelot plays a comic role in this scene. Give two examples of comedy provided by him.

When Gobbo asks Launcelot the way to Shylock’s house, the wrong directions which Launcelot gives him provide real comedy in the scene. The direcitions  are too confusing for Old Gobbo to follow. The second  example is Launcelot’s asking his father’s blessing. He kneels before his father. Being blind, his father touches Launcelot’s face and says that Launcelot has more hair on his face that Dobbin, his cart horse.





Extract III

Launcelot:

Ergo, master Launcelot…….a staff or a prop? Do you know me father?

 

1.    Why does Launcelot use high-sounding words in his conversation with Gobbo? What does Shakespeare want to convey to the audience in this context about the habit  of some people in his time?

Launcelot uses high-sounding words in his conversation with Gobbo to impress him that he possesses classical learning and is a gentleman. Shakespeare wants to convey to the audience that habit of some vain people of his time who pretended to be what were not.

2.    Why does Launcelot call old Gobbo ‘father’ in the first line of the extract? Give the meaning  of :

According to Fates and Destinies, and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and such branches of learning,

Launcelot calls Old Gobbo ‘father’ in the first line of the extract as he plans to reveal his identity gradually to him. In the given lines Launcelot tells Gobbo that according to his Fate or Destiny or the Three Sisters of the ancient  Greeks and such other branches of learning the young man is dead.

3.    How does Gobbo react to the news of the apparent loss of his son?

Old Gobbo is stunned on hearing that his son is dead. He states that his son was his only support in his old age.

4.    How does Launcelot show dramatically that he is Gobbo’s son? Why does the former refer to his mother’s name in the context?

When Gobbo asks Launcelot to tell him whether his son is really dead or not, Launcelot dramatically confess that he is Gobbo’s son. But Gobbo does not believe him. Then Launcelot mentions the name of his mother, Margery, as a proof to show that he is really Gobbo’s son.

5.    How does Gobbo show by words and actions that he is fond of his son?

Gobbo is fond of his son. When Launcelot tells him that his son is dead, Gobbo is shocked to hear it and laments that his son was his only support in his old age. Further Gobbo does not believe Launcelot’s confession till he mentions the name of his mother. When Launcelot tells him that he is his son, Gobbo, being blind, feels Launcelot’s face to ascertain that he is actually his son.

6.    Give any two humorous situations from this scene.

One humorous situation is when Launcelot give Gobbo directions to go to Shylock’s house.  The directions are so confusing that Gobbodoes not follow it. Another humorous situation is the scene of Launcelot asking  his father’s blessing. He kneels in front of his father. His father feels his beard and says that Launcelot has more hair on his face than their cart-horse has on his tail.





Extract IV

Gobbo: 

Lord, how art thou changed!...........for I am a Jew, if I serve the Jew any longer.

1.    What has just happened that makes Gobbo say that Launcelot has changed? What present did Gobbo bring? To whom does he want to give it?

When Gobbo remarked that Launcelot has more hair on his face than Dobbin, their shaft-horse has on his tail, Launcelot responded that Dobbin’s tail is growing less because when he last saw him, he had more hair on his tail than he had on his face. At this Gobbo remarked tha Launcelot has changed. Gobbo has brought a dish of cooked doves to be given to Shylock.

2.    Give the meaning of:

a)    My master’s a very Jew: My master is a typical Jew, i.e., he is miserly man.

b)    Give him a halter: give him a rope to hang himself with.

3.    How can we conclude from the extract that Launcelot has been suffering in the Jew’s service?

In the extract Launcelot tells his father that under Shylock’s service he has grown so thin for want of proper food that his ribs and bones are standing our prominently and can be counted with the finger. This shows that Launcelot has been suffering in the Jew’s service.

4.    What do you find strange in the expression: You may tell every finger I have with my ribs?

Launcelot means to say that anyone can count all his ribs by feeling  them with a finger. But Launcelot  reverses the order, thus achieving a comic effect.

5.    What special privilege would Launcelot have if he serves Bassanio? What would happen  if Launcelot were to serve the Jew ‘any longer’?

If Launcelot serves Bassanio, he will have the privilege of having new uniforms. According to Launcelot if he works any longer for the Jew, he may become a Jew himself. He means that it is impossible for him to remain in Shylock’s service any further.

6.    What kind of attitude against the Jews is shown in this scene?

The miserly nature of the Jews is shown in this scene. Launcelot says that his is half famished under Shylock’s service and adds that he has grown so thin for want of food that his bones and ribs are standing our prominently and can be counted with a finger.





Extract V

Launcelot:

Father, in. ……………….I’ll take my leave of the Jew in the twinkling of an eye.

1.    How has Launcelot shown that he could speak for himself to be employed by Bassanio?

When old Gobbo delays in asking Bassanio to accept his son, Launcelot in his service, Launcelot cuts him short and tells Bassanio that he wants to server him.

2.    What impact is the palm-reading by Launcelot likely to make on the audience?

The palm-reading by Launcelot provides the audience a comic relief and foretells the good fortune that may happen in the life of Launcelot.

3.    What does Launcelot predict about his wives and his escape from dangers to his life?

After reading his palm, Launcelot foretells that he will have a long life. he will marry a large number of wives(eleven widows and nine maids in all). He will escape thrice from drowning  and will have a hair-breadth escape once from falling our from a feather bed.

4.    What instructions did Bassanio give to the Gobbos and to his servants after employing Launcelot?

After employing Launcelot, Bassanio tells the Gobbos to go to Shylock and bid him farewell and then reach his house. He tells his servants to get a uniform for Launcelot with more  decorations or ornamental stripes than those of his other servants.

5.    Before this extract Launcelot referred to a proverb which is applicable both to Shylock and to Bassanio. What was the proverb and how is it applicable to both of them?

The old proverb that Launcelot mentions is : ‘The grace of God is wealth enough.’ He says that this proverb is equally applicable to Shylock and Bassanio. Bassanio is a good man and has the grace of God. Shylock does not have grace of God. But he has ‘wealth enough.’





Extract VI

Bassanio:

Why, then you must . I be misconstrued in the place I go to and lose my hopes.

 

1.    Give thecontext  in which Bassanio speaks these words.

Bassanio speaks these words to Gratiano when the latter makes a request to him to permit  to accompany him on his trip to Belmont.

2.    Give the meaning of:

To allay with some cold drops of modesty

Thys skipping spirit,

To tone down your lively spirits by exercising  a little moderation.

3.     Briefly summarise the advice given by Bassanio to Gratiano in the extract.

Bassanio tells Gratiano that he is uncontrollable, blunt and rough. These faults of his are acceptable to Bassanio and his friends as qualities of his nature. But his wild behaviour may be misunderstood at Belmont. Hence, Bassanio advices him to control his wild behaviour and tone down his lively spirit by exercising moderation.

4.    Why does Bassanio ask Gratiano to behave properly in Belmont?

Bassanio asks Gratiano to behave properly in Belmont because he fears that for people who don’t know Gratiano, his behaviour will appear as faulty. His wild behaviour will be misunderstood at Belmont and Bassanio may lose all chances of marrying Portia.

5.    What assurance does Gratiano give to Bassanio about the latter’s advice?

Gratiano promises to behave in a proper manner. He says that he will converse gravely  and will seldom use an oath. He will carry prayer books in his pockets and look most sedate. During the grace before meals, he will veil his eyes with his hat and solemnly say ‘Amen’. He will do everything  that politeness demands and follow all the customs of good manners, as though he trying to  please his grandmother by showing a quiet and serious behaviour.

6.    What exception to Gratiano’s behaviour is accepted for the particular night? Why?

             Bassanio tells Gratiano that his rude behaviour will be tolerated for the night because of the party. This is because Bassanio wants that night to be one of fun            and mirth. He will be sorry to see Gratiano in a sad mood. Bassanio would prefer to   see him in his wildest spirits .



End of Act II, Scene II................

A Face in the Dark

 

Notes of A Face in the Dark


Extract - 1.

From before Kipling’s time, the school had been run……..the school for several years.

1.    Who was Mr Oliver? What was his usual leisure activity?

Mr Oliver was an Anglo-Indian teacher, who was teaching in a school, located three miles away from Shimla. He would usually walk down to the Shimla Bazar and would return after dark by taking a shortcut through the pine forest.

2.    What was called ‘Eton of the East’? Why?

The all-boys school in Shimla, in which Mr Oliver was a teacher has been called ‘Eaton of the East.’

Eton college is one of the most reputable  and expensive English boarding school for boys in Eton, Berkshire, near Windsor(UK). Mr Olvier’s school was called ‘Eton of the East’ because the school had been run on English public school lines and the boys, were mostly from wealthy Indian families.

3.    What kind of weather was there on the night when Oliver was returning to his school? How does it add to the setting of the story?

According to the spirit of the story, the author has created an eerie atmosphere in the story. It was night time and a strong wind was blowing, the pine trees were making mysterious sounds, indicating that something evil was likely to happen. The batteries of Oliver’s torch were running down, creating an atmosphere of fear and suspense.

4.    What did Oliver encounter while coming back to school one night? What did he do after that?

While walking back to school one night, he encountered a boy sitting alone on a rock whose head was hung down and whose face was held in his own hands.

After seeing the boy, Oliver stopped near the boy and asked him what he was doing there and why he was crying.




Extract - 2.

“What are you doing out here……felt distinctly uneasy.

1.    Where did Mr Oliver find the boy? What did he notice about the boy?

Walking through the pine forest to return to school, Oliver found the boy sitting on a rock.

He noticed that the boy was crying with his head hung down and his face held in his hands.

2.    Why do you think the boy was called a miscreant? In what condition   was he found by Oliver?

A miscreant is a person who has done some mischief. Boys were  not supposed to be out after dark. Thus the boy sitting alone on the rock in the night forced the author to call him a miscreant.

3.    How did Mr Oliver express his concern for the boy? How did the boy react to it?

Mr Oliver asked him what he was doing there and why he was crying. The boy did not respond and continued to sob. Oliver again enquired what was troubling him and asked him to look up.

4.    How can you explain the boy’s ‘strange, soundless weeping’?

The boy’s strange , boundless weeping that Oliver heard could be explained on the basis  that Oliver was lonely man caught in psychological fears who was imagining frightening and scary things. Thus all Oliver encountered was ‘soundless weeping’ and ‘faceless’ faces.

5.    What strange revelation took place when the boy finally looked up at Oliver?

When the boy finally looked up at Oliver, it was  revealed that the boy had no face. It was without eyes, ears, nose or mouth. It was just a round  head with  a school cap on it.



Extract - 3.

The torch fell from his trembling hand……Why are you running?

1.    Whose ‘trembling hand’ is referred to in the above extract? Why was trembling?

Oliver’s ‘trembling hand’ is referred to here.  It was trembling, as Oliver was horrified to see that the boy’s  face was  featureless, without eyes, ears, nose or mouth.

2.    Explain the sentence:

“ He returned and scrambled down the path, running blindly through the trees.”

The ‘faceless’ boy terrified Oliver so much so that he immediately turned and in panic  ran blindly through the forest  to call for help.

3.    What did Oliver answer the watchman’s questions in the extract above?

Oliver told the watchman that he had  encountered  something  horrible  that night-a  ‘faceless’ boy weeping in the forest.

4.    The story ends with a thrilling  climax. Do you agree? Why?

Oliver ran away from the faceless boy and called for help. He saw a lantern swinging in the middle of the path. What followed  next was a thrilling  climax as Oliver while running  stumbled up to a watchman only to find  that he too was faceless, with no features or even eyebrows. The climax is reached when the wind blew out the lamp, leaving the readers to imagine what might have happened to Oliver.

5.    Comment on the appropriateness of the title.

The title A Face in the Dark is suitable as it describes a strange experience of Mr Oliver, the protagonist of the story. Oliver, on his way back at night, meets a boy in an isolated place sitting on a rock. A close look at the boy horrifies him as he has no face-no eyes, ears, nose or mouth. As he runs horrified by the strange experience, he meets the watchman who is also without a face. Thus, the boy and the watchman, who appeared to be having a face in the dark, did not have a face when seen in light. 

Hearts and Hands

 

Hearts and Hands

Extract I

As they passed down the aisle of the coach…….owner was accustomed to speak and be heard.


1.    Which coach is referred to in the extract? How can you conclude that the coach was crowded?

The coach of the eastbound train, B & M Express. The only vacant seat left was a ‘reversed one facing the attractive young woman.’ This tells us that the coach was crowded.

2.    Name the young woman in the coach. What is said about her just before the extract?

Miss Fairchild. She is described as an elegantly dressed, pretty young woman who had all the luxuries and who loved travelling.

3.    Which linked couple is referred to in the extract above? In what way were they linked?

The linked couple were Mr Easton and the marshal because they were handcuffed together.

4.    Describe the reaction of the young woman on seeing  the two men.

At first, she saw them indifferently with a ‘distant, swift disinterest.’ As soon as she recognized Mr Easton, she smiled at them and started conversing.

5.    What was the relationship between Mr Easton and the young woman?

They were old acquaintances. 

Extract II


“It’s Miss Fairchild,” he said, with a smile……glances from his keen, shrewd eyes.


1.    Who said, “It’s Miss Fairchild”? Which hand of his was engaged? How?

 Mr Easton. His right hand was engaged as it was handcuffed to the left hand of the marshal.

2.    Why did the young lady’s look changed to bewildered horror? What changes were seen in her due to the horror?

As soon as the lady saw Mr Easton being handcuffed, her look changed to bewildered horror. She was no longer glad; ‘the glow faded from her cheeks’ and ‘her lips parted in a vague, relaxing distress.’

3.    What did the glum-faced man say about the marshal? As per the context here where was the glum-faced man being taken? Why?

The glum-faced man spoke as if Mr Easton was the marshal. The glum-faced man was a convict being taken to Leavenworth prison for counterfeiting.

4.    With reference to question 3 above explain what happened in reality. In  reality, the glum-faced man was the marshal who was taking the convict Mr Easton to the prison. The marshal, to save Mr Easton from embarrassment in front of Miss Fairchild, presented himself as the convict.

5.    Explain the significance of ‘hands’ in the story.

The story begins with two people, Mr Easton and the glum-faced man hand-cuffed together. It is the handcuffing that lends to the ‘Hands’ part of the title. In fact, it is the hands which are significant for revealing the true identities  of the two men. Miss Fairchild was misled by the unnamed man about the identity of Mr Easton as he wanted to save Mr Easton from an embarrassing situation by revealing that he was a convict and was being taken by him to the prison. It was an astute passenger in the coach, who discovered that  a marshal would not handcuff his own right hand with that of a convict, as was the case with Mr Easton and the marshal. 

Extract III


“Oh!” said the girl, with a deep breath and returning colour….quite as high a position as that of ambassador, but…..

1.    Why did Miss Fairchild call Easton, a marshal? What was he in reality? She called Easton, a marshal because she was told so by the real marshal. Moreover, her own fantasies did not allow her to suspect the real marshal’s revelation about Mr Easton.

Easton, in reality, was a convict being taken to a prison on charges of counterfeiting.

2.    Explain why Easton was going to Leavenworth.

He was going to be imprisoned at Leavenworth prison for counterfeiting.

3.    Give the meaning of :

A)Money has a way of taking wings unto itself:

Money has the ability to make one feel respected and dignified. Money can make one fly and soar high.

b)To keep step with our crowd:  

To compete with the crowd or to feel one with the high class society in Washington.


4.  What did Easton say he was doing in the past?

Easton said he was making money but he needed more in order to fit in high society so he took up the position of a marshal in the west.

4.    What did Fairchild say about Easton’s life in Washington? Why was she not likely to see Easton in Washington soon?

She was not likely to see Easton in Washington soon, because he was to be confined in Leavenworth prison. Miss Fairchild, assumed that he would be extremely busy in his new job as the marshal.




Extract IV


The girl’s eyes, fascinated, went back……my butterfly days are over.

1.    Why were the girl’s eyes fascinated? Who were handcuffed? Why?

The girl's eyes were fascinated with the handcuffs. Easton was handcuffed to the marshal, because he was being taken to the Leavenworth prison for counterfeiting.

2.    Why did the glum-faced man say, “ Mr Easton knows his business’?

Miss Fairchild was glaring at the handcuffs. The glum-faced man asked her not to worry as it was Mr Easton’s business as a marshal to handcuff the convict to keep from getting away.

3.    What kind of relationship existed between Mr Easton and Miss Fairchild?

The word ‘Hearts’ in the title is indicative as relationship something more than friendship between Miss Fairchild and Mr Easton. When she saw Mr Easton, there appeared a lovely smile on her face and her cheeks turned pink. She even told him that she loved the West, suggesting that she would settle down with him in the West.

4.    Why won’t Easton be in Washington in the near future? What is meant by ‘my butterfly days are over’?

Mr Easton would be imprisoned in Leavenworth prison on the charges of counterfeiting. “ My butterfly days are over’ signifies that Easton’s good  and adventurous days of making money by deceiving people are over. |




Extract V


The two men sidled down the aisle……..a prisoner to his right hand?


1.    What did the glum-faced man do to cut short the conversation between Easton and Miss Fairchild? What could be the reason for his action?

 What The glum-faced man interrupted the conversation between Easton and Miss Fairchild and requested Easton that he should be taken to the smoker room.

To prevent Mr Easton from revealing that he is a convict the glum-faced fellow did so.

2.    What reason did the glum-faced man give for his going for a smoke?

The glum-faced man said he was in need of a drink and a smoke. He asked Mr Easton to accompany him to the smoker car as he was ‘half dead for a pipe.’

3.    Which hand of an officer is handcuffed to the hand of the convict? Why is this information necessary to end the story?

Generally, an officer’s left hand is handcuffed to the right hand of the convict.

The information is necessary to end the story as it reveals that in reality Mr Easton was the convict, and the glum-faced man was the marshal.

4.    Do you like the way the story ends? Give reason to justify your opinion.

Yes, the story ends with a surprise. Give your own answer.

5.    What role do the ‘hearts’ and ‘hands’ play in the plot of the story?

For ‘hands’ refer extract II, question 5


It is the ‘hearts’ part of the title that explains the theme. It is because of having a compassionate heart that the marshal told a lie to Miss Fairchild. He did this to save Mr Easton from the humiliation of being identified as a convict in front of an old friend. He told Miss Fairchild that Mr Easton was the marshal and he was the convict, who was being taken to the prison by Mr Easton. The glum-faced man had golden heart. The effect of the lie was immediate in the response of Miss Fairchild. She showed relief that Mr Easton was not convicted. She was shocked and horrified before the marshal told the lie to her. 

Act II, Scene I, Merchant of Venice.

Merchant of Venice.  

Act II, Scene I,



Extract I

1. Where does this scene take place? Who are present in the scene? What explanation does Morocco give for his dark complexion?

Ans-   This scene takes place in a room in Portia’s house at Belmont. People present are: Prince of Morocco and his attendants, Portia, Nerissa and her attendants. Morocco says that he got his dark colour because of the fierce sun. He was born and brought up in a country where the sun is very close to the earth.

2. What qualities does a creature born in north have? Why?

Ans-   People born in  north are fair-skinned. This is because the sun’s rays are so faint in the north that they are hardly able to melt the frost, snow and icicles.

3. Who is Phoebus and what is meant by Phoebus’ fire? What test does the speaker  propose, to prove ‘whose blood is reddest’?

Ans-   Phoebus in Greek mythology is one of the names of the Sun God, Appollo. Phoebus’ fire means the rays of the sun. Morocco proposes that he should be matched with any fair-skinned man born in the north. They should open their veins to see whose blood is redder. Red blood was considered to be sign of courage.

4.What effect does the physical appearance of Morocco have on the brave men and the prettiest women of his country?

Ans-  Morocco’s physical appearance frightened the brave men whereas the prettiest women admired and loved it.

5.On what condition is the speaker  prepared to change his dark complexion?

Ans-   The speaker is prepared to change his dark complexion only to win over Portia’s favour.

6.What idea do you get about the character of the Prince of Morocco from the extract?

Ans-   From the extract we know that the prince of Morocco is a warrior and self-assured man. He has a large imposing physical appearance and is proud of his dark complexion. He is an egoist who thinks that he is better than other people. He boasts of his red blood and the admiration and affection he enjoys in his land from the nobles and the best maidens.




Extract II


1. What is the lottery of Portia’s destiny?  How does it prevent her from the right of voluntary choosing?

Ans-   Lottery of Portia’s destiny refers to the lottery devised according to her deceased father’s will. According to the lottery, each suitor has to choose from amongst the three caskets of gold, silver and lead the one containing Portia’s portrait. The suitor who will choose the correct casket will win Portia’s hand in marriage. The lottery of caskets designed by her father, thus prevents Portia from exercising her freedom of choice. The suitor, who will  make the right choice will win her as wife.

2. Give the meaning of:
But if my father had not scanted me,
And hedged me by his wit, to yield myself
His wife who wins me by that means I told you,

Ans-   These lines mean: “ If I had not  been limited and restricted by my father’s wisdom and obliged to accept for a husband the one who will succeed in winning me by the means I have told you.”

3. How prudent was Portia’s father to have arranged her marriage through a lottery? Give a reason  for your answer.

Ans-   Portia’s father was prudent to have arranged for her marriage through a lottery. We see that  at the end the wisdom of her father prevails and she is won as wife by Bassanio whom she loves and admires.

4. Give the brief character sketch of the Prince of Morocco in this scene.

Ans-   Form the extract we know that the Prince of Morocco is a warrior and self-assured man. He has a large imposing physical appearance and is proud of his dark complexion. He is an egoist who thinks that he is better than other people. He boasts of his red blood and the admiration and affection he enjoys in his land from the nobles and the best of maidens. He admits that the lottery of the caskets has no consideration for heroism and can be won by anyone, even an undeserving  candidate. He harps  on the idea of chance-choice, lottery, destiny, choosing, fortune and hazards.

5. Do you agree with Portia’s statement that the Prince of Morocco stands as fair a chance as the other suitors? Give a reason to justify your opinion.

Ans-   Portia does not really mean that Morocco had a good chance of winning her love, because in Act I, Scene 2 she holds her former suitors in contempt. She thinks the same of Morocco because he is boastful. Portia treats him with perfect courtesy and tact and speaks as if she holds him in high esteem.




Extract III

1. What is meant by a ‘scimitar’? What conquests did Morocco make by using his scimitar?

Ans-   ‘Scimitar’ means sword. By using his sword, Morocco had slain the Emperor of Persia and a Persian Prince, who had defeated Sultan Solyman of Turkey thrice.

2. State two of the brave deeds Morocco is prepared to carry out in order to win Portia.

Ans-   The brave deeds Morocco is prepared to perform in order to win Portia are:
a)      To challenge the most brave warrior on earth
b)      Snatch away the young sucking cubs from the mother bear and dare her wrath

3. Who are Hercules and Lichas? What could happen if they were to play a game of dice? In what way is this example applicable to Morocco?

Ans-   In Greek Mythology, Hercules was renowned  for his manliness, strength and exploits. Lichas was his servant. According to the legend, once Hercules and Lichas were playing a game of dice. By chance, the winning throw came from Lichas. This example is applicable to Morocco since his fame, wealth and achievements are of no help to him to win Portia. He is forced to take his chance against any inferior rival.

4. Why is the fortune said to be blind? What does Morocco fear since the blind fortune is leading him to choose the casket?

Ans-   The goddess fortune is usually represented blindfolded. Fortune is said to be blind due to the unaccountable variations in her dispensation of favours to mankind. He fears that as the blind fortune is leading him to choose the right casket, the outcome depends only on chance as in a game of dice.

5. What final instruction does Portia give to Morocco before he is led to  make the choice?

Ans-   Before he is led to make the choice, Portia tells Morocco that he must take a chance. He must either leave the matter altogether and not make the attempt or swear in the Chapel before choosing, that if he makes the wrong choice, he will never again speak to any lady on the subject of marriage.

6. Why does Portia ask Morocco to go to the temple before he makes the choice of the casket?

Ans-   Before he makes the choice of the casket, Portia asks Morocco to go to the temple to swear on oath that if he makes the wrong choice, he will never again speak to any lady on the subject of marriage.

End of Act II, Scene I................

Merchant of Venice ACT 1 Scene 3

Merchant of Venice ACT 1 Scene 3


Extract 1

Bassanio: 

For the which, as I told you…………………
Bassanio:
Have you heard any imputation to the contrary?

1. Give the conditions to which Antonio is bound. How wise was Antonio to bind himself to such conditions?

Antonio is bound to a bond according to which if he fails to repay the amount in due time, Shylock will be entitled to take an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body that he may wish. It was very unwise of Antonio to misjudge Shylock’s intentions and sign such a fatal bond.


2.  Give the meaning of:

May you stead me? Will you pleasure me?

Can you help me and will you do me this favour?

 
3.   Shylock says that Antonio is a good man. What does Shylock mean with the connotation ‘good’?

When Shylock says the above words, he means that Antonio is a reliable man, whose surety is sufficient to give a loan. 


4.   Enumerate the possible threats to Antonio’s business ventures as stated by Shylock, after the above extract.

Shylock enumerates the possible dangers to Antonio’s merchandise-ships being only planks of wood are apt to be broken; the mariners being merely human beings, are liable to be drowned; there are pirates on the waters; and there are all the dangers of the ocean from the gales, tempests and dangerous rocks. 

 
5.  How can it be proved that Antonio is a prudent businessman but he is overconfident?

Antonio can considered as a prudent businessman as his wealth is distributed over the whole world. one of Antonio’s ship is on its journey to Tripolis, another is bound for the Indies, a third is voyaging to Mexico, fourth to England and others to various other distant places. He is so overconfident of his riches that he agrees to an unreasonable and dangerous bond. 

Extract II

Shylock:
How like a fawining publican……….most do congregate

1.     What is meant by ‘a fawning publican’? Give three reasons why Shylock hates Antonio.

Publicans were tax collectors for the Romans and were generally oppressive. They were hated by the Jews because they were the agents of Rome, who collected taxes also from the Jews. Publican is a natural term of contempt and loathing in the mouth of a Jew. Shylock hats Antonio because he is a Christian, lends money without interest and hurls abuses on him. 

 
2.     Give the meaning of the following:

a)     Low simplicity: Childish foolishness

b)    Gratis: Free of interest

c)     Rate of usance: rate of interest


3.     Write the meaning of the following in your own words:

I can catch him once upon the hip,

I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him

The above words mean that if Shylock could get hold of Antonio at a disadvantage or in a weak spot, he will satisfy fully the long-standing hatred he has against him. 


4.     What old grudge does Shylock have against Antonio?

Shylock had a long-standing grudge against Antonio because Antonio was a Christian and looked upon the holy Jewish race with contempt. He used to lend money without interest. He even spat on Shylock, kicked him and called a ‘cut-throat dog.’


5.     What does the ‘sacred nation’ refer to? What insults has Antonio heaped upon Shylock? 

‘The Sacred Nation’ is a reference to the holy Jewish race. Antonio insults Shylock for his business deals and for earning profit by lending money on interest. 


6.     How does Shylock plan to get the money immediately? What light does this extract throw on Shylock’s character?

Shylock plans to get money immediately from a wealthy fellow-Jew, Tubal. It shows that Shylock wants to execute the bond as soon as possible and use the chance to take his revenge on Antonio.

Extract  III

Shylock:
When Jacob grazed……….
Shylock:
Should fall as Jacob’s hire.

1. What topic is referred to in the extract? Who were Jacob and Abhraham?

The topic referred to in the extract is lending money for interest. Jacob was the second son of Issac who became the third successor to Abraham. Abraham was the founder of the Hebrew nation and Jacob’s grandfather.


2. Give the story of Jacob who got his share as his payment from Laban.

Laban was Jacob’s uncle. Jacob and Laban entered into an agreement that Jacob would receive as his wages the lambs which were born with spots or stripes. During the breeding season, Jacob arranged the wooden rods in such a way that the shadows of the rods should fall on the sheep. Consequently, most of the lambs were born spotted or stripped, and thus, they became Jacob’s property.


3. What is the difference between taking interest and receiving payment for one’s labour?. 

Taking interest means to charge specific amounts on the money given as loan for a specified period. Receiving payment for one’s labour means to take remuneration for one’s service rendered. This is legitimate while taking interest is not in order. 


4. What role did Jacob’s wise mother play to make him the third possessor?

Esau and Jacob were Issac’s sons. Issac wanted to bless his elder son Esau but would do so after he brought him some savoury meant. Jacob’s mother Rebecca overheard this conversation. She wanted to get this blessing for Jacob. She told Jacob to fetch two goats to make a savoury dish. Rebecca then asked Jacob to go to his blind father with the savoury meat. In this way, Jacob, through the crafty assistance of his mother, got the blessing of his father.   


5.How does Antonio interpret Jacob’s success after this extract?

After this extract, Antonio tells Shylock that it was purely a matter of chance in Jacob’s case. He had no control over it himself, but providence guided and governed the event. It was not a matter in the hands of men, like the taking of interest. 

Extract IV

Antonio: 
 Well, Shylock, shall we be beholding to you?
….for all use of that which is mine own.

1.     What is meant by ‘shall we be beholding to you’? What is Rialto?

‘Shall we be beholding to you’-this statement was made by Antonio and he wants to say to Shylock, “Are you going to lend us money?”

Rialto was the Venetian Stock Exchange where the merchants met for the transaction of business.

 
2.     Give some examples to show that Shylock was ill-treated by Antonio. How did Shylock react to Antonio’s insults?

Shylock speaks of his ill-treatment at the hands of Antonio. He says that Antonio had spat upon    his Jewish robe in contempt and called him an unbeliever and a cur. He had also spat upon his beard. On another day, he had pushed him aside with his foot as if he were a stray dog being kicked out of his house. Shylock reacted to Antonio’s insults patiently.

 

3.     Why did Shylock bear Antonio’s insults patiently?

Shylock bore Antonio’s insults patiently since, as a shrewd Jew, he was waiting for an opportune time to take revenge on Antonio. Earlier, in the scene Shylock admits that patience is the badge of his race.

 

4.     Give the causes, financial and racial, for Shylock’s hatred for Antonio.

Financially Antonio is a threat to Shylock’s money lending business because he lends money without charging interest and thus brings down the rate of interest charged by money lenders. Besides, he hates Antonio since he is a Christian, who despises the Jewish race.

 

5.     What is the need for Antonio to borrow money from his enemy?

Antonio needs to borrow money from his enemy Shylock to give it to Bassanio, his friend so that he can go to Belmont  to woo the rich lady Portia. 

 

6.     Which trait of Shylock’s character emerges in this scene?

In this scene, Shylock is presented as shrewd, cunning and crafty. However, the most evident trait of his character is that of revenge- to take revenge on Antonio for all the insults heaped on him by Antonio. He is eager to execute the bond-document for this purpose.

Extract V

Shylock: 
Why, look you, how you scorn!
…..kind I offer.

1.     What were the ‘shames’ which stained Shylock?

Shylock is referring to the insults hurled on him by Antonio such as speaking abusively of him and his money-lending, spitting on him, kicking him, calling him a dog and ridiculing the Jews.

 

2.     What is meant by ‘the present wants’? On what terms is the speaker willing to supply the wants?

‘The present wants’ refer to the immediate need of Antonio-three thousand ducats to provide for Bassanio’s trip to Belmont to woo Portia. The speaker is ready to supply the wants provided Antonio signs a bond, according to which if Antonio is unable to pay him the money on the specified date, the penalty to be paid will be an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body.

 

3.     How does Antonio storm Shylock? Why was Shylock willing to lend money without interest? 

Antonio storms Shylock by saying that in future too he is likely to abuse and disgrace him and that he should lend the money as to an enemy rather than a friend. He challenges him exact the penalty if he fails to repay on time. Shylock is willing to lend the money without interest because he wants to trap Antonio in a fatal bond and take his revenge.

 

4.     What did the speaker propose to do immediately after this?

Immediately after this, the speaker proposes to Antonio to accompany him to a lawyer and execute a bond with his signature wherein the forfeit to be paid will be an exact pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body.

 

5.     What is meant by Shylock when he says: “This is kind I offer’?

‘This is kind I offer you’ means this is the kindness that I offer you. This refers to his lending of money without charging any interest on it. 

 

6.     Who is the third person, present at the scene? Why is he reluctant to agree to Shylock’s terms?

The third person present at the scene is Bassanio. He is reluctant to agree to Shylock’s terms because he did not trust the kind words uttered by Shylock. He tells Antonio that he will not  have him make such an agreement on his account. He would rather remain as poor as he is now and do without his wants supplied at such a price. 

 

Extract VI

Shylock;
Go with me to a notary…….pleaseth me.

1.     Who is a notary? Whom does Shylock want to take to the notary? Why?

A notary is a lawyer who has the authority to execute official and legal dealings and agrrements.  Shylock want to take Antonio to the notary to sign the bond document which stipulates that the forfeit to be paid will be a pound of flesh from any part of Antonio’s body.

 

2.      Give the meaning of:

a)     Single bond: agreement in which Antonio will be the only signatory

b)    Merry sport: for a pleasant joke.

3.     What does Bassanio say to prevent Antonio from signing the bond?

Bassanio tells Antonio that he will not have him make such an agreement on his account. He adds that he would rather remain as poor as he is now and do without his wants supplied at such a price.

 

4.     Why is Antonio confident that there is no danger in signing the bond? What aspect of Antonio’s character is shown in this incident?

Antonio is confident that there is no danger in signing the bond because he is confident that one month before the date of payment, his ships  will have brought nine times the amount they are borrowing and they will not have to pay the penalty. This incident shows Antonio’s overconfidence and generosity towards Bassnio.

 

5.     Why does Shylock insist on a pound of Antonio’s flesh in the bond? Which aspect of his character is shown in his absurd demand?

Shylock insists on a pound of Antonio’s flesh to take revenge on him and to put him completely at his mercy. Shylock’s hatred for Antonio and Christians is shown in his absurd demand. Taking advantage of the situation, he wants to take revenge on Antonio and all Christians, who persecuted him and his race.