The Merchant Of Venice Act -2, Scene - 1 workbook answers

 Extract 1

 1.Where does this scene take place? Who are present in the scene? What explanation does Morocco give for his dark complexion?

Ans:This scenario takes place in Portia's Belmont home in a room.The Prince of Morocco and his entourage, as well as Portia, Nerissa, and their entourage, are in attendance.Morocco claims that he developed his dark colour as a result of the harsh sun.He grew raised in a country where the sun is quite near to the earth.

2. What qualities does a creature born in north have? Why?

Ans:Fair-skinned people are born in the north.This is due to the fact that the sun's rays are so weak in the north that they are unable to melt ice, snow, or icicles.

3. Who is Phoebus and what is meant by Phoebus’ fire? What test does the speaker  propose, to prove ‘whose blood is reddest’?

Ans:In Greek mythology, one of the names of the Sun God, Appollo, is Phoebus.The sun's beams are represented by Phoebus' fire.Morocco suggests that he be paired with any fair-skinned male from the country's north.They should open their veins and check who has the redder blood.Red blood was once thought to be a symbol of bravery.

4. What effect does the physical appearance of Morocco have on the brave men and the prettiest women of his country?

Ans:The courageous men were terrified by Morocco's physical look, but the most beautiful ladies appreciated and cherished it.

5. On what condition is the speaker  prepared to change his dark complexion?

Ans:To gain Portia's favour, the speaker is willing to modify his dark complexion.

6. What idea do you get about the character of the Prince of Morocco from the extract?

Ans:The prince of Morocco is described as a fighter and a confident guy in the excerpt.
He is proud of his dark skin and has a huge, intimidating physical look.He is an egoist who believes he is superior to others.He brags about his crimson blood and the respect and affection he receives from the nobility and the most beautiful maidens in his nation.


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Extract 2

1. What is the lottery of Portia’s destiny?  How does it prevent her from the right of voluntary choosing?

Ans:The lottery created according to Portia's deceased father's will is known as the Lottery of Portia's Destiny.
According to the lottery, each suitor must pick one of the three gold, silver, or lead caskets carrying Portia's image from among the three.
Portia's hand will be won by the suitor who selects the proper coffin.The lottery of caskets designed by her father, thus prevents Portia from exercising her freedom of choice. The suitor, who will  make the right choice will win her as wife.

2. Give the meaning of:

But if my father had not scanted me,
And hedged me by his wit, to yield myself
His wife who wins me by that means I told you,

Ans:These lines mean: “If my father's wisdom hadn't confined and restricted me, and I hadn't been forced to accept as a spouse the man who would succeed in gaining me through the ways I've described.”

3. How prudent was Portia’s father to have arranged her marriage through a lottery? Give a reason  for your answer.

Ans:Portia's father made the wise decision to arrange her marriage through a lottery.
We witness how, in the end, her father's wisdom triumphs and she is gained as a wife by Bassanio, whom she adores.

4. Give the brief character sketch of the Prince of Morocco in this scene.

Ans:The Prince of Morocco is a fighter and a confident guy, according to the excerpt.
He is proud of his dark skin and has a huge, intimidating physical look.
He is an egoist who believes he is superior to others.
He brags about his crimson blood and the respect and affection he receives from lords and the most beautiful maidens in his nation.  He admits that the lottery of the caskets has no consideration for heroism and can be won by anyone, even an undeserving  candidate. He harps  on the idea of chance-choice, lottery, destiny, choosing, fortune and hazards.

5. Do you agree with Portia’s statement that the Prince of Morocco stands as fair a chance as the other suitors? Give a reason to justify your opinion.

Because she holds her past suitors in contempt in Act I, Scene 2, Portia does not actually imply that Morocco had a decent chance of capturing her heart.
Morocco has the same effect on her since he is arrogant.
Portia speaks to him with impeccable respect and tact, as though she held him in great regard. 

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Extract 3

1. What is meant by a ‘scimitar’? What conquests did Morocco make by using his scimitar?

Ans:The term ‘scimitar' refers to a sword.
Morocco had murdered the Emperor of Persia and a Persian Prince with his sword, twice defeating Sultan Solyman of Turkey.

2. State two of the brave deeds Morocco is prepared to carry out in order to win Portia?

Ans:The brave deeds Morocco is prepared to perform in order to win Portia are:

a)To take on the world's bravest fighter.
b)Take the sucking babies away from the mother bear and risk her fury.

3. Who are Hercules and Lichas? What could happen if they were to play a game of dice? In what way is this example applicable to Morocco?

Ans:Hercules was known in Greek mythology for his manliness, strength, and feats.
His servant was Lichas.Legend has it that Hercules and Lichas were once playing a dice game.
Lichas, by accident, threw the winning throw.
Morocco may use this example since his celebrity, riches, and achievements will not help him get Portia.He is forced to take his chance against any inferior rival.

4. Why is the fortune said to be blind? What does Morocco fear since the blind fortune is leading him to choose the casket?

Ans:Usually, the goddess of fortune is shown blindfolded.Fortune is considered to be blind because of the unpredictability with which she bestows favours on humans.
He is afraid that, because he is led by blind fortune to the appropriate casket, the conclusion would be determined only by chance, as in a game of dice.

5. What final instruction does Portia give to Morocco before he is led to  make the choice?

Ans:Portia advises Morocco that he must take a chance before he is forced to make a decision.
He must either drop the topic and not attempt it, or swear in the Chapel before making his decision that if he makes the incorrect choice, he would never speak to another lady about marriage again.

6. Why does Portia ask Morocco to go to the temple before he makes the choice of the casket?

Ans:Before he makes the choice of the casket, Portia asks Morocco to go to the temple to swear on oath that if he makes the wrong choice, he will never again speak to any lady on the subject of marriage. 

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