The Merchant of Venice

Explore how Shakespeare presents Gratiano in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, Gratiano demonstrates his loyalty to Antonio by offering to help him.

Explain the importance of loyalty elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how loyalty is presented

• the effects loyalty has within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Jessica and Lorenzo in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, Jessica faces the challenge of running away with Lorenzo.

Explain the importance of challenges elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how challenges are presented

• the reasons for these challenges within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of Shylock in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, Shylock explains how he is prepared to be friends with Antonio.

Explain the importance of friendship elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• where friendship is shown

• the effect of friendship within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of Portia in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, Portia demonstrates her trust in Lorenzo by asking him to look after her home.

Explain the importance of trust elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how trust is presented

• the effects trust has within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of Lancelot in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, Lancelot could appear to be prejudiced against Shylock.

Explain the importance of prejudice elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how prejudice is presented

• the effects prejudice has within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of the Duke in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, the Duke describes the suffering that Shylock intends to inflict on Antonio.

Explain the importance of suffering elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• which characters suffer

• how suffering is shown within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of Bassanio in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, the correct choice of casket has the power to change Bassanio’s life.

Explain the importance of power elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how power is presented

• the effect of power within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Nerissa and Gratiano in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, Gratiano has been deceived by Nerissa and Portia.

Explain the importance of deception elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• why deception is important

• the effects deception has within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

Explore how Shakespeare presents Shylock’s feelings in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract, Shylock chooses to dine with Antonio and Bassanio.

Explain the importance of making choices elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how choices are shown

• the effect choices have within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.