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Quiz about Do You  Know The Merchant of Venice Story
Quiz about Do You  Know The Merchant of Venice Story

Do You Know "The Merchant of Venice" Story? Quiz


Test your knowledge with these questions which are all about the action and the characters in "The Merchant of Venice".

A multiple-choice quiz by Philian. Estimated time: 7 mins.
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Author
Philian
Time
7 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
128,694
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
25
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
14 / 25
Plays
2325
Awards
Top 35% Quiz
Last 3 plays: Guest 92 (12/25), Guest 81 (16/25), Guest 49 (19/25).
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Question 1 of 25
1. Which two men are trying to find out the reason for Antonio's sadness in the first scene of the play? Hint


Question 2 of 25
2. Which "part" in the world does Gratiano say he wants to play? Hint


Question 3 of 25
3. Which childhood activity does Bassanio talk about when justifying how he wants to spend more money in pursuit of Portia's wealth? Hint


Question 4 of 25
4. To what does Bassanio compare the Golden Fleece found by Jason? Hint


Question 5 of 25
5. Which of the following is not mentioned amongst the list of suitors who have considered and then rejected trying the choice of the caskets to win Portia in marriage? Hint


Question 6 of 25
6. Why won't Shylock accept Bassanio's invitation to dine with him? Hint


Question 7 of 25
7. Complete Antonio's saying : "A goodly ... rotten at the heart". Hint


Question 8 of 25
8. Which of Portia's suitors asks not to be disliked for his colouring? Hint


Question 9 of 25
9. Old Gobbo has come with a present for Shylock. To whom does Lancelot ask him to give it ? Hint


Question 10 of 25
10. Which person does Lorenzo use to carry a message to Jessica? Hint


Question 11 of 25
11. What does Shylock dream of that makes him suspicious of going out to dinner ? Hint


Question 12 of 25
12. Where exactly is the scroll that Morocco finds when he opens the casket? Hint


Question 13 of 25
13. Which inscription convinces Arragon that he should choose the silver casket? Hint


Question 14 of 25
14. What does Shylock say he will use Antonio's flesh for when he is talking to Solanio and Salerio? Hint


Question 15 of 25
15. Where did Shylock get the ring that his daughter exchanged for a monkey? Hint


Question 16 of 25
16. What does Bassanio find in the leaden casket that tells him he has been successful in the lottery for Portia? Hint


Question 17 of 25
17. Complete the following said by Antonio to Salerio: "The Duke cannot ... " Hint


Question 18 of 25
18. Where does Portia pretend she is going to stay when in reality she and Nerissa are going to Venice? Hint


Question 19 of 25
19. What is the name of the lawyer that the Duke of Venice has sent for to help him consider the case? Hint


Question 20 of 25
20. What name from the Bible does Shylock use about the disguised Portia when he thinks she is advising judgement in his favour? Hint


Question 21 of 25
21. Both Shylock and Gratiano use the same expression about having someone "on the hip" in this play. From which sport did Shakespeare borrow the term? Hint


Question 22 of 25
22. Identify one of the pair of famous lovers that Lorenzo and Jessica talk about whilst waiting in the garden. Hint


Question 23 of 25
23. By what does Gratiano swear by in order to convince Nerissa that he gave his ring to a lawyer's clerk rather than to a woman? Hint


Question 24 of 25
24. What does Gratiano fear he has become when he listens to Nerissa's story? Hint


Question 25 of 25
25. To whom does Portia say, "You shall not know by what strange accident I chanced on this letter" ? Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Mar 18 2024 : Guest 92: 12/25
Mar 13 2024 : Guest 81: 16/25
Feb 21 2024 : Guest 49: 19/25
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Score Distribution

quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Which two men are trying to find out the reason for Antonio's sadness in the first scene of the play?

Answer: Solanio and Salerio

Solanio and Salerio (some editions "Salanio" and "Salerino") are quite often used by Shakespeare to comment on the events of the play and to inform the audience what is going on.
2. Which "part" in the world does Gratiano say he wants to play?

Answer: the fool

Gratiano offers this idea as a contrast to Antonio's declaration that he is suited to play a sad part in the world. Very early on we are give an indication of Gratiano's outward-going and light-hearted character. It is interesting that Bassanio has such contrasting friends.
3. Which childhood activity does Bassanio talk about when justifying how he wants to spend more money in pursuit of Portia's wealth?

Answer: Shooting one arrow after another and following the second more carefully.

Bassanio does not really have to explain to Antonio for his friend will do all he can for him anyway.
4. To what does Bassanio compare the Golden Fleece found by Jason?

Answer: Portia's hair

Bassanio clearly indicates that there is a lot to admire about Portia as well as her wealth. He compares her also to the Portia who was the wife of Brutus, probably referring to her loyalty, courage and high moral character.
5. Which of the following is not mentioned amongst the list of suitors who have considered and then rejected trying the choice of the caskets to win Portia in marriage?

Answer: an Irishman who is devoted to his horses

In fact it is the Neapolitan Prince who is devoted to his horses. Also on the list are a German who is always drunk and a Frenchman who is fond of boasting. Though Shakespeare makes Portia mock the Englishman's lack of languages and his odd clothes, we note that "he is a proper man's picture."
6. Why won't Shylock accept Bassanio's invitation to dine with him?

Answer: He suspects he might be given pork which is against his religion

Shylock is a very cautious man who seems to trust nobody. He also believes strongly in his Jewish faith and tries to uphold its principles and practices at all times.
7. Complete Antonio's saying : "A goodly ... rotten at the heart".

Answer: apple

Just as Shylock does not trust him so Antonio does not trust Shylock. This comparison is a warning to Bassanio. Ironically Antonio is the one who places his trust in Shylock's bond and Bassanio is the one that becomes reluctant when he hears about the pound of flesh.
8. Which of Portia's suitors asks not to be disliked for his colouring?

Answer: The Prince of Morocco

It is difficult to evaluate Portia's exact reaction to Morocco other than to be sure that she is glad he has not been successful. She says that he looks as fair as any of her other suitors. However, we remember she has not liked any of her other official suitors.
9. Old Gobbo has come with a present for Shylock. To whom does Lancelot ask him to give it ?

Answer: Bassanio

Lancelot wants his father to win favour for him with Bassanio. He now wants to be Bassanio's servant. We learn that Bassanio is indeed using the ducats to set himself and his retainers up in splendid clothing before they go to Belmont.
10. Which person does Lorenzo use to carry a message to Jessica?

Answer: Lancelot Gobbo

This is the beginning of the elopement. Lancelot is the one that is trusted with the message and he does deliver it safely. He may play the fool in some matters but he is wise enough to keep on the right side of Bassanio and his friends.
11. What does Shylock dream of that makes him suspicious of going out to dinner ?

Answer: money-bags

It was believed to be the sign of a miser to dream of money-bags. Of course on this occasion Shylock is right to be suspicious. What happens whilst he is at the Masque will concern his personal wealth as well as his daughter.
12. Where exactly is the scroll that Morocco finds when he opens the casket?

Answer: in the eye-socket of a skull

Morocco at least accepts his fate and departs quickly. He has been deceived by outside appearances. "All that glisters is not gold."
13. Which inscription convinces Arragon that he should choose the silver casket?

Answer: Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.

Arragon decides that he will assume that he deserves Portia. He rejects gold because he does not want to be ranked with "many men". We are not surprised that he fails. Does Shakespeare play with the idea of his "arrogance"?
14. What does Shylock say he will use Antonio's flesh for when he is talking to Solanio and Salerio?

Answer: to use as bait for fish

The extent of Shylock's hatred is shown by the way the idea of money is less important to him than the idea of revenge on Antonio. He can't think of a cold, logical reason why he should want Antonio's flesh.
15. Where did Shylock get the ring that his daughter exchanged for a monkey?

Answer: from Leah his wife who is now dead

Shylock's fellow Jew, Tubal, seems to alternate giving him good news and bad news. No sooner has Shylock learned that Antonio is deeper in trouble, than Tubal tells him of some new extravagance involving Jessica and the stolen money and jewels.
16. What does Bassanio find in the leaden casket that tells him he has been successful in the lottery for Portia?

Answer: Portia's portrait and a scroll

Bassanio's affection for Portia comes through in his description of Portia's portrait. He wonders how the artist could manage to continue after painting one of Portia's eyes - surely the one beautiful eye would have the power to steal both those of the artist.
17. Complete the following said by Antonio to Salerio: "The Duke cannot ... "

Answer: deny the course of law

No matter how much the Duke of Venice may want to resist Shylock's claim for a pound of Antonio's flesh he cannot afford to interfere with the law. Venice is a trading nation and everything depends upon merchants keeping to the letter of their contracts.
18. Where does Portia pretend she is going to stay when in reality she and Nerissa are going to Venice?

Answer: a nearby monastery

Lorenzo is the one that she tries to convince. Later a variation on this story will be used for both Bassanio and Gratiano.
19. What is the name of the lawyer that the Duke of Venice has sent for to help him consider the case?

Answer: Bellario

Balthasar is the name that Portia adopts when she appears in court. The Duke behaves like a judge and yet he needs the advice of lawyers in order to settle a case.
20. What name from the Bible does Shylock use about the disguised Portia when he thinks she is advising judgement in his favour?

Answer: Daniel

For Shylock Portia is a "Daniel come to judgement". However, when he hears the full explanation that she gives it is Gratiano who picks up the same name and uses the word "Daniel" to torture Shylock.
21. Both Shylock and Gratiano use the same expression about having someone "on the hip" in this play. From which sport did Shakespeare borrow the term?

Answer: wrestling

It means to have someone at a disadvantage for the hip is a pivot that you can use to create a fall in a wrestling match.
22. Identify one of the pair of famous lovers that Lorenzo and Jessica talk about whilst waiting in the garden.

Answer: Troilus and Cressida

The other pairs of lovers suggested in the same speech are Pyramus and Thisbe, Dido and Aeneas, Jason and Medea. The romantic scene serves the other very practical purpose of allowing the audience time to imagine the journey of the principal characters back from Venice to Belmont.
23. By what does Gratiano swear by in order to convince Nerissa that he gave his ring to a lawyer's clerk rather than to a woman?

Answer: by the moon

Without knowing it, of course, he did give his ring to a woman (Nerissa in disguise). Bassanio is about to get into the same sort of trouble with Portia.
24. What does Gratiano fear he has become when he listens to Nerissa's story?

Answer: a cuckold

A cuckold is a man whose wife has betrayed him with another man. It is probably Gratiano's use of this rather coarse word in polite company that makes Portia bring an end to the squabble by telling the truth.
25. To whom does Portia say, "You shall not know by what strange accident I chanced on this letter" ?

Answer: Antonio

Perhaps the least successful part of Shakespeare's ending is this sudden miraculous arrival of three of his ships and then the equally unexplained route by which Portia got a letter about it.
Source: Author Philian

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor MotherGoose before going online.
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