KNOWLEDGE: 1 point each [3pts]
7. Where did the story take place? Venice and Belmont
9. What other books has this author written? Romeo and Juliet, Mac Beth, Othello, Hamlet
10. What is the time period in which the book happens? Elizabethan era
COMPREHENSION: 2 points each [6pts]
11. What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved?
The problem was that Antonio, being the guarantor of his friend in a loan, Bassanio, was forced to cut off a pound of meat since he could not repay him within the three months limit. It was solved thanks to Portia’s quick-wittedness, by listing the law that no blood should be lost even in the case of an agreement, and thus, Shylock’s sinister plan failed.
16. List the five major events in the story in the correct order.
1.Shylock loaned three thousand ducats to Bassanio interest-free, on the condition that should the money not returned by three months time, he would claim a pound of flesh from Antonio.
2. Lorenzo and Jessica’s elope
3. Bassanio’s success in asking Portia’s hand in marriage
4. News of Antonio’s ships’ wreck became known
5. Bassanio and Portia rescuing Antonio during the trial
20. What did the title have to do with the book?
The title, merchant of venice, is referring to the merchant residing in Venice, Antonio. While he is the main character, he only appears in the first part of the book, and towards the end of the book, during the trial. This story is mainly about how he sacrificed himself and landed into trouble to enable his bosom friend’s quest for his love, but eventually saved by the same person who landed him in trouble.
21. Tell in your own words how the setting of the story made it more interesting.
APPLICATION: 3 points each [9 pts]
27. What lesson did you learn from the story?
I learnt that the kind will always be rewarded, which the evil will always be punished, just like Antonio and Shylock, the protagonists and antagonists of the story.
29. Write a letter to a friend recommending this book.
Dear Peter,
How are you doing? I recently came across an interesting book by the renowned playwriter, William Shakespeare, titled ‘ Merchant of Venice’. This story revolves around the hatred and rascism present among different religions during his period, and evidently still present in the modern age. At the same time, it comprises of elements of romance, like how a couple eloped as the girl’s father, being a Jew, does not allow her to marry a Christian, thus the elopement. Of course, there are many tear-jerking scenes where true feelings and bonds undergo the test for their durability. All in all, I feel that it would be a waste for anyone to give this book a miss. See you next time.
Regards,
Andy
30. Pretend you are one of the characters in the book. Write a diary about the happenings in your life for two consecutive days.
Tomorrow shall be the trial…. It is no doubt that my death is imminent. With the paper in Shylock’s hands, it would be impossible for him to relent and let me, his arch enemy off at this time. Though my imminent death, I still hope that before I die, I can at least see the face of my best friend, Bassanio one last time. Farewell my friend, as tomorrow shall be the day I leave you.
ANALYSIS: 4 points each [12pts]
37. Write a different ending to the book. Tell why you changed it.
In the end, Shylock was reduced to a normal plebeian who had nothing to his name after his properties were forfeited to the state. Shylock’s hate for the Christians deepened and attempted to take Antonio’s life. However, his devious plans were exploited when Lorenzo happened to overhear him at a dark alley where he resided. Thus, security was tightened and the police caught Shylock red-handed. He was sentenced to jail 10years but committed suicide. I dislike Shylock as he is very evil, coercing Antonio into signing the agreement of one pound of flesh should he not be able to pay within three months. Even when Bassanio wanted to pay him twice the amount he originally owed, he insisted on taking one pound from Antonio. Thus I want to punish him for all the evildoings he had done over the years.
39. Find one word that describes a character in your book very well. Give five reasons for your choice of words.
Loyal - Bassanio
1. Bassanio did not forget his friend’s help after he succeeded in getting Portia’s hand in marriage.
2. Rushed back immediately to see Antonio before his trial
3. Helped to think of possible solutions to Antonio’s trouble
4. Did not give up on his friend no matter how desperate the situation seemed
5. When he offered Balthazar ( Portia disguised as male) anything in return for saving his friend Antonio, she wanted his ring, but Bassanio refused as it was an item of faith between him and his wife, and he did not forget it.
40. In a good paragraph, state the main idea of the book.
Antonio, a merchant, appeared gloomy. He did not know the origin of it, but his worries were unfounded. Bassanio, his good friend, came along to borrow money from him in order to pursue his love. Antonio wanted to help his confidante, but did not have any money at the moment as his shipments would only be arriving two months later, thus he asked Bassanio to borrow money in his name, and he would return them as soon as his shipments arrive on land. Bassanio borrowed money from Shylock, a Jew trader, interest free, on the condition that should Antonio be unable to return within three months, he will cut off one pound of flesh from Antonio, his arch-enemy whom he resented for getting in his way of business. Bassanio took the money and continued his pursue for his love. Antonio, on the other hand, certain that his shipments would arrive before the three months limit, stay in Venice waiting for his friend’s return with his love. However, all of his cargoes ships were lost in unfortunate accidents in the sea, and he did not have money to repay Shylock.. Shylock was elated that he could get rid of the thorn in his flesh at last. Bassanio got news of Antonio’s situation, and rushed back to save his friend who landed in this plight as a result of him. Shylock, determined to take the life of Antonio, did not want to accept money as a form of repayment, even if it was ten times the original amount. Portia, Bassanio’s wife, managed to find loopholes in the agreement and saved Antonio.
SYNTHESIS: 5 points each [15pts]
43. What part would you change in the story, and why?
I would change the ending of the story, as I feel that Shylock deserved to be punished severely for the evil he has committed, and not being let off the hook so easily.
50. Pretend you are a librarian recommending this book to someone. Write a paragraph telling what you would say.
This book is very interesting and is made from a very famous play by Shakespeare. You will regret giving it a miss. With an interesting background a unique theme of religious prejudice and a tinge of romance mixed in it, it is certainly a masterpiece.
55. The climax of any book or story is the exciting or interesting part. Tell what you think is the climax of the book and why.
The climax of this book is the trial as it was a crucial part of the book which determined the fate of Antonio and his arch enemy, Shylock, while his friend Bassanio came to his rescue.
EVALUATION: 6 points each [18 pts]
59. If you could only save one character from the book in the event of a disaster, which one would it be and why?
I would save Antonio as he is a selfless person, always putting other people before him. Despite knowing the dangers his friend, Bassannio might land him in, he still went ahead and acted as his guarantor, all just to let his friend embark on his pursuit of love. Even though his kindness was his weakness in the play, us readers are made to sympathise with his plight because of this character of his.
60. Is the title a good one or a poor one and why?
The title is a good one as it gives the readers a feeling of suspense of what makes this merchant in Venice so unique, and what will eventually land this person into deep trouble, as he is neither in love, nor in debts, and rather well-off.
61. Did you like the way the story ended? Why or why not?
I do not like the way the story ended as Shylock got off the hook almost totally unscathed, which I had been expecting him to be severely punished, which was anti-climax for me. However, it was good that all three pairs of lovers have gotten together at last, while Antonio was rescued.
Task 4 :Activity 1
1. What are your views on the treatment of women’s rights in Saudi?
I feel that the government is taking the matter against women too far, by banning women in the country from driving just because of religious views, disregarding the human rights. Restricting women’s ability to vote and requiring permission from parents and husbands are already bad enough, and now the government has done nothing but stir up the feelings of the women by placing the ban on them for driving. This is a nothing but the work of male chauvinism which exists in the government of Saudi Arabia, and their desire to have control over the women’s actions and behavior. This is the only country which has taken the matter thus far, placing bans of women driving. I hope that this would not serve as a form of encouragement or influence other countries to follow in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia.
2. Do you think the use of social media has been an advantage or disadvantage to the women in Saudi? Explain your answer.
I think that the social media serves as a double-edged sword to the women in Saudi. While the primary purpose is to raise awareness of this absurd rule in Saudi across the rest of the world and to garner support from fellow country mates who feel the same about this law, it might serve as a deterrent for the government to retract the law that was passed down. The government would choose to take actions against people who stir up others’ feelings to go against them so as to serve as a warning, and also warn that the same fate lies ahead for those who choose to go against the government.
3. There is a very fine line between religion and laws that govern a nation. How do you think the women’s right’s problem in Saudi can be handled with sensitivity to both religious beliefs and legal rights?
I believe that a medium can be reached to achieve a balance between these two sensitive prospects that make up the major role in a country’s rules and laws. As Saudi has always been male-biased with its laws, I feel that Saudi can adapt what most countries are currently practising, by making democracy the basis for its laws, but at the same time, always keep in mind what clashes it might have with religious views.
4. Reflect on the rights of women around the world. Compare the plight of women from another country and reflect on how their plights differ/are similar to the women in Saudi.
Activity 2
1. Do some research and identify some of the solutions to the problems of global warming.
After some research and looking through the various methods suggested by people, I feel that the most important aspect of putting a stop to global warming is awareness and individual effort. This is the most important because if everyone does his/her part in saving the Earth, the effect is multiplied six billion times. This would play a vital role in slowing down global warming. It is because of the individual effort put in that people choose to buy ‘greener’ cars, electrical appliances, and also choose a greener alternative when given the choice. When people become conscious of global warming and takes actions to slow it down, it is the best solution to global warming. Money is not the solution to everything and anything. Spending billions of money on building a sun shield is not really effective, and this amount of money can be put into better use by donating it to the needy.
2. How do you think Singaporeans can play an active role in saving the planet?
I think that we should plant more trees and exercise more recycling, and inculcate this into a daily aspect of our lives. Trees help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the air, whereas recycling can help to reduce the number of trees to be cut down, and the plastic, which is not bio-degradable, should also be recycled as much as possible, as the only way to get rid of them is by burning, and this produces carbon dioxide. Individual effort also comes in place by selecting greener alternatives when buying electronic appliances.
3. What are some solutions that HCI can adopt to engage the students in the world’s effort to protect our planet?
The school can start campaigns like ‘recycling week’ whereby students bring old newspapers from house to the school to recycle, or post posters all around the school to promote 'green-ess' amongst the students.
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