The Merchant Of Venice Act -2, Scene - 3 workbook answers
Extract I
Jessica
I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so:
Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
But fare thee well; there is a ducat for thee.
And, Launcelot, soon at supper shalt thou see
And, Launcelot, soon at supper shalt thou see
Lorenzo, who is thy new master’s guest:
Give him this letter; do it secretly;
and so farewell; I would not have my father
and so farewell; I would not have my father
See me in talk with thee.
1. Give reasons for Launcelot’s leaving Jessica’s house?
Ans:Launcelot left Jessica's house because her father Shylock was a miserly Jew, and he is staying because his servant is half-famished. He was afraid that staying with him any longer might turn him become a Jew. Furthermore, Bassanio has welcomed him into his service, and Launcelot considers Bassanio to be a superior master.
2. Give the meaning of:
Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness.
Ans: In the above lines, Jessica claims that her house is hell because of her father's greed. Launcelot has relieved it of much boredom and dullness with his cheery disposition, pranks, and senseless capering.
3. How does Jessica show in words and action that she liked Launcelot’s presence in her house?
Ans:Jessica expresses her appreciation for Launcelot's presence in the house through words and acts. He refers to him as a joyful devil and expresses gratitude for relieving the boredom and monotony in her home. She also offers him a ducat.4.What errand does Jessica give to Launcelot? What precautions does she ask him to take while doing the errand?
Ans: Jessica assigns Launcelot the task of delivering a letter to Lorenzo at Bassanio's residence for supper that night. She suggests that he deliver the letter to Lorenzo in a covert manner.5. How does Jessica show herself as a scheming but prudent young lady? In what way is her character different from that of Portia?
Ans: Jessica demonstrates her cunning when she plans to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian guy, without her father's knowledge. She demonstrates her wisdom by instructing Launcelot to deliver her letter to Lorenzo in secret at Bassanio's celebration. Her personality is quite different from Portia's. While Portia honours her late father's will by marrying the winner of the casket lottery, Jessica violates her father and faith by marrying Lorenzo.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extract II
Launcelot
But adieu, these foolish drops do something drown my
Jessica
Farewell, good Lancelot. [Exit Launcelot
But adieu, these foolish drops do something drown my
manly spirit; adieu.
Jessica
Farewell, good Lancelot. [Exit Launcelot
Alack, what heinous sin is it in me
To be ashamed to be my father’s child!
To be ashamed to be my father’s child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood,
I am not to his manners. O Lorenzo,
If thou keep promise,
If thou keep promise,
I shall end this strife,
Become a Christian, and thy loving wife!1. How does Launcelot bid farewell to Jessica? In this context, what are your feelings for Launcelot, Jessica and Shylock?
Ans: Launcelot bids Jessica farewell, describing her as the "most lovely pagan" and subsequently the "most sweet Jew." Tears, he claims, prohibit him from expressing his emotions. Launcelot and Jessica have our best wishes. Launcelot is departing from his miserly employer and joining the service of Bassanio, where he will be happier.2.Why does Jessica regret being the daughter of Shylock? What is the ‘heinous sin’ referred to in the extract? Is it really a sin? Give reasons to justify your answer.
Ans: Jessica hates being Shylock's daughter because of his behaviour, the fact that he was a horrible father to her, and the fact that he made her house 'hell.' Jessica considers being ashamed of being her father's daughter to be a dreadful sin. Even though she is Shylock's daughter by birth, she does not genuinely despise her father; rather, she despises his miserliness and despotic temperament.3. Give the meaning of :
But though I am a daughter to his blood,I am not to his manners
Ans: The above lines mean that although I am his daughter by birth, I don’t have his habits.
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