First Impressions

Act One, Scene One:

1. Antonio is depressed without knowing why. What two possible reasons do his friends suggest?
2. Do you think Gratiano’s contributions help Antonio’s mood?
3. What are your first impressions of Bassanio?
4. Is he in love?
5. Why does he need to borrow money again now

1. That he is in love and that he is worried about his ships because all his money is on them.
2. No, it made it worse. He put Antonio down and made fun of him.
3. He is not the brightest as he manged to spend all of his money partying, but he seems to be a good guy. 
4. He is thinks he's in love with Portia who is beautiful, rich and kind.
5. He need the money so that he can travel and win Partia's heart.

Act One, Scene One:

1. How do Portia’s first words compare with Antonio’s?
2. What is the reason for her mood?
3. Do you think Nerissa is a help to her?
4. Sum up, in a word or a short phrase, Portia’s attitude to her suitors so far

1. They are both feeling miserable, thought Portia knows why she is so but Antonio does not.
2. She is going to have to marry some dude but she can't chose who due to her father's will.
3. Yes, she tried cheering Portia up and at the end she was successful by mentioning Bassanio.
4. Absolutely desusted about them all but Bassanio.

Act One, Scene Three:

1. Shylock is a moneylender. Does he seem eager to do business with Bassanio? How do you know?
2. Which does Shylock think is safe, his business or Antonio’s? Why?
3. Why doesn’t Shylock want to dine with Bassanio and Antonio?
4. What strict principal of his is Antonio breaking to help Bassanio?
5. Shylock tells a bible story to prove that the taking of profit is blessed, as long as thieving is not involved. Does he convince Antonio? Give evidence.
6. Shylock accuses Antonio of a whole catalogue of nastiness. How does Antonio answer the charges?
7. How does Bassanio react to the proposed bond?

1. Yes, he is eager, he says he will take the bond.
2. Because the sea is unpredictable and dangerous so he could loss everything at any time, but Shylock gets his money though interest which is more secure.
3. Because they may serve pork and as a Jew he believes that god put the devil into pigs, but since the others are Christians they do eat pigs.
4. The principal of taking money and giving back interest.
5. He does not, Antonio says to Shylock that 'This was a venture sir, that Jacob served for, a thing not in his power to bring to pass' or that is in gods doing not Jacobs. 
6. Antonio admits it and even says that he will do it again.
7. He doesn't want Antonio to take the bond and risk his for him.

Character Map 

Definitions

Venture: something new and risky. 

Vessel: ship or big boat.

Signior:

Mortifying: embarrass or shame someone.

Profound: Intense, deep understanding of something. 

Exhortation: Make someone do something.

Virtuous: Doing and thinking what is morally right.

Squandered: