01. Merchant of Venice - Introduction

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Merchant of Venice

By William Shakespeare

Content of this lesson

• William Shakspeare 
• The title
• The characters
• Summary of the play
• Reading  

What do you know about
William Shakespeare

In conclusion

Shakespeare is one of the greats. 

In his sonnets, plays and other works he deals with major topics such as love, death, mercy, revenge, money, suffering etc.

Title: Merchant of Venice

Merchant = ..

Venice = ..

Characters

Antonio

• Christian Merchant
• Friends with Bassiano & Gratiano

Also see page x

Characters

Bassiano

• Christian
• In debt
• Wants to marry Portia

Also see page x

Characters

Gratiano

• Christian
• Married to Nerissa (who is Portia's servant)

Also see page x

Characters

Shylock

• Jewish
• Money-lender
• From Venice, Italy
• Daughter named Jessica
• Friend named Tubal (Jewish)

Also see page x

Characters

Jessica

• Daughter of Shylock 
• Jewish
• Runs off with Lorenzo (who is Christian)

Also see page x

Let's watch a summary

This 6-minute summary gives you the most important details of the Merchant of Venice, which can be very helpful while you are reading. 

Summary

Write in your notebook:

Act 1: Leave some room to take notes, do the same for Act 2 - 5.

Write down important names and key words. This will help you during the reading of the book. 

01:15

Which two pre-existing discontents are there?

01:33

Why does Antonio want to help Bassanio and why can't he?

02:08

Why does it complicate things that Antonio goes to Shylock to help Bassanio?

02:48

What is 'flesh'?
(Sounds like an easy question, I know.. But tell me....)

03:39

How is Shylock isolated?

04:43

What is the 'major reversal of fortune' in act 3? Which pound of flesh does Shylock ask?

05:12

How does Portia try and help Antonio in Act 4?

If time permits: Let's read together