Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Duke: You hear the learn’d Bellario, what he
writes: And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
Portia: I did, my lord.
Duke: You are welcome: take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court?
(i) Where is this scene set?
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A court (of justice)/ in Venice
Why was Portia there?
To assist at Antonio’s trial/ to save Antonio from Shylock/ from the bond he had signed with Shylock/ to act as a lawyer/ to help her husband save Antonio. (Any three)
(ii) What reason had Bellario given for his absence?
He was very sick/ ill
Whom had he sent in his stead?
Balthazar / a young doctor of Rome/ Portia in disguise
(iii) Bellario’s letter stated that he had taken some measures to prepare the ‘young and learned doctor’ to deal with the case. What were they?
- explained the details of the ‘controversy’ between Antonio and Shylock
- they had studied many law books together
- Bellario had given Balthazar his opinion/ advice
(iv) What was the ‘difference’ between Shylock the Jew and Antonio the merchant that the Duke was unable to resolve?
- Antonio had borrowed three thousand ducats from Shylock for a period of three months.
- Antonio’s ships had been lost at sea – he was bankrupt and unable to repay the debt.
- Shylock was adamant in demanding his pound of flesh – refusing all offers of money.
(v) How does Portia succeed in saving Antonio?
Portia grants Shylock his bond but says:
- that not one drop of Antonio’s blood must be shed – if it were then all his land and goods would be confiscated by the laws of Venice
- Shylock had to cut out exactly one pound of flesh – if he cut even the smallest bit in excess of a pound Shylock would be put to death.
What does this reveal of her character?
Personal Response: Any plausible answer such as – Portia proves that she is clever/ quick- witted etc.