English Literature
The Merchant of Venice.
Act 1, Scene 2
Q1: Why was Portia so exhausted?
Answer: Portia was exhausted because she was bound by her deceased father's will, which dictated that
she must marry whichever man correctly chose one of three caskets (gold, silver, or lead). She could
neither choose a husband she liked nor refuse a suitor she disliked if he won. This left her feeling
trapped and weary.
Q2: Why does Portia say the lines in 1.2.12–17, 20–25?
Answer: Portia speaks these words to express her deep frustration and helplessness despite her
intelligence and wealth. She remarks that it would be easy to teach twenty people what to do, but she
would be unable to follow her own teachings. She notes that her wisdom cannot help her choose a
husband, as she can neither pick the man she wants nor reject one she dislikes due to her father's will.
Q3: What does Nerissa think about Portia's father and his will?
Answer: Nerissa believes Portia's father was a virtuous, holy man who acted on good inspiration. She
feels the lottery of the caskets was designed so that only the man who truly loves Portia will choose
correctly.
Q4: Describe the suitors that Nerissa listed and what Portia says about them. Was Portia included in this
game?
Answer: Nerissa listed five suitors, and Portia described each of them as follows:
Neapolitan Prince: He does nothing but talk about his horse.
County Palatine: He does nothing but frown and hears jokes without smiling. Portia feels he is unsuitable
for her.
Monsieur Le Bon (French Lord): He lacks a distinct personality and constantly mimics others. Portia
considers him worse than both the Neapolitan prince and the County Palatine.
Falconbridge (Young Baron of England): Portia cannot understand him, nor can he understand her, as he
speaks neither Italian, Latin, nor French, and Portia does not speak English.
Young German (Duke of Saxony's Nephew): He behaves terribly—he is unpleasant in the morning when
sober and even worse in the afternoon when drunk.
Note on alcohol trick: Portia placed a glass of Rhenish wine on the wrong casket so he would choose it,
ensuring she would not have to marry a drunkard.
Outcome: The suitors left without choosing because they were afraid that if they picked the wrong
casket, they would be forbidden from ever marrying anyone for the rest of their lives.
The Merchant of Venice.
Act 1, Scene 2
Q1: Why was Portia so exhausted?
Answer: Portia was exhausted because she was bound by her deceased father's will, which dictated that
she must marry whichever man correctly chose one of three caskets (gold, silver, or lead). She could
neither choose a husband she liked nor refuse a suitor she disliked if he won. This left her feeling
trapped and weary.
Q2: Why does Portia say the lines in 1.2.12–17, 20–25?
Answer: Portia speaks these words to express her deep frustration and helplessness despite her
intelligence and wealth. She remarks that it would be easy to teach twenty people what to do, but she
would be unable to follow her own teachings. She notes that her wisdom cannot help her choose a
husband, as she can neither pick the man she wants nor reject one she dislikes due to her father's will.
Q3: What does Nerissa think about Portia's father and his will?
Answer: Nerissa believes Portia's father was a virtuous, holy man who acted on good inspiration. She
feels the lottery of the caskets was designed so that only the man who truly loves Portia will choose
correctly.
Q4: Describe the suitors that Nerissa listed and what Portia says about them. Was Portia included in this
game?
Answer: Nerissa listed five suitors, and Portia described each of them as follows:
Neapolitan Prince: He does nothing but talk about his horse.
County Palatine: He does nothing but frown and hears jokes without smiling. Portia feels he is unsuitable
for her.
Monsieur Le Bon (French Lord): He lacks a distinct personality and constantly mimics others. Portia
considers him worse than both the Neapolitan prince and the County Palatine.
Falconbridge (Young Baron of England): Portia cannot understand him, nor can he understand her, as he
speaks neither Italian, Latin, nor French, and Portia does not speak English.
Young German (Duke of Saxony's Nephew): He behaves terribly—he is unpleasant in the morning when
sober and even worse in the afternoon when drunk.
Note on alcohol trick: Portia placed a glass of Rhenish wine on the wrong casket so he would choose it,
ensuring she would not have to marry a drunkard.
Outcome: The suitors left without choosing because they were afraid that if they picked the wrong
casket, they would be forbidden from ever marrying anyone for the rest of their lives.
