Merchant of Venice. - Repositories

SCENE 1.] NOTES 129
L 185. of my trust. On my credit. What is the difference
between this and for my sake ?
11. 1-67. What, in brief, are all the possible causes that have
been suggested for Antonio's sadness ? Does Gratiano succeed
any better than the others in cheering Antonio ? Is Gratiano
sincere in all he says? With what feelings do Gratiano and
Antonio part ?
11. 1-110. Is Antonio telling the truth in L, i., 1, or does he
not wish to tell the cause of his sadness ? How does Salarino
succeed in his attempts to cheer Antonio ? With what feelmgs
do they part ? How does Antonio prove himself a gentleman ?
One of the foregoing speakers is a good artist in language ; using
his own words as much as possible, give some of the pictures
that he draws, and tell what words were especially well chosen
by him. What is Antonio's reputation as a merchant ?
11. 1-185. Why does Bassanio not question Antonio as to the
cause of his sadness ? Is Bassanio in love with Portia ? Has he
seen her ? What can you tell of the personal appearance of
Portia ? What does Bassanio consider essential in a beautiful
woman besides beauty of face ? What is the cause of Antonio's
sadness? natural disposition? disappointed love? presentiment
? loneliness ? selfishness ? Name in this scene the five
single words or very short phrases which you consider express
the most, and express it with great beauty or great exactness.
Two subjects, the cause of Antonio's gloom, and the reason
why Bassanio wished to win Portia, it will be well to keep in
mind for long themes at the end of the play.