The Merchant of Venice (Edexcel GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions

In this extract, Shylock refuses to show mercy to Antonio because it is “not in the bond”.

Explain the importance of mercy elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how mercy is presented

• the effects mercy has within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

[20 marks]

Read the following extract from Act 1, Scene 1 of The Merchant of Venice and then answer the question that follows.

In this extract, Gratiano attempts to cheer up Antonio and give him advice.

GRATIANO

You look not well, Signior Antonio.

You have too much respect upon the world:

They lose it that do buy it with much care.

Believe me, you are marvellously changed.

ANTONIO

I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano –

A stage where every man must play a part,

And mine a sad one.

GRATIANO

Let me play the fool!

With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come,

And let my liver rather heat with wine

Than my heart cool with mortifying groans,

Why should a man whose blood is warm within

Sit like his grandsire, cut in alabaster?

Sleep when he wakes? – And creep into the jaundice

By being peevish? I tell thee what, Antonio –

I love thee, and ’tis my love that speaks –

There are a sort of men whose visages

Do cream and mantle like a standing pond,

And do a wilful stillness entertain,

With purpose to be dressed in an opinion

Of wisdom, gravity, profound conceit –

As who should say, ‘I am Sir Oracle,

And when I ope my lips, let no dog bark!’

O my Antonio, I do know of these

That therefore only are reputed wise

For saying nothing – when I am very sure,

If they should speak, would almost damn those ears

Which, hearing them, would call their brothers fools.

I’ll tell thee more of this another time –

But fish not with this melancholy bait

For this fool gudgeon, this opinion.

Come, good Lorenzo. – Fare ye well a while.

I’ll end my exhortation after dinner.

Explore how Shakespeare presents Gratiano in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

[20 marks]

In this extract, Gratiano demonstrates his loyalty to Antonio by offering to help him.

Explain the importance of loyalty elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how loyalty is presented

• the effects loyalty has within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

[20 marks]

Read the following extract from Act 2, Scene 6 of The Merchant of Venice and then answer the question that follows.

In this extract, Jessica is talking to Lorenzo from a window at Shylock’s home.

JESSICA

Who are you? Tell me, for more certainty –

Albeit I’ll swear that I do know your tongue.

LORENZO

Lorenzo, and thy love.

JESSICA

Lorenzo, certain, and my love indeed –

For who love I so much? And now who knows

But you Lorenzo whether I am yours?

LORENZO

Heaven and thy thoughts are witness that thou art.

JESSICA

Here – catch this casket [throwing down a small box] – it is worth the pains.

I am glad ’tis night – you do not look on me –

For I am much ashamed of my exchange.

But love is blind, and lovers cannot see

The pretty follies that themselves commit;

For if they could, Cupid himself would blush

To see me thus transformèd to a boy.

LORENZO

Descend, for you must be my torch-bearer.

JESSICA

What, must I hold a candle to my shames?

They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light.

Why – ’tis an office of discovery, love,

And I should be obscured.

LORENZO

So are you, sweet,

Even in the lovely garnish of a boy.

But come at once –

For the close night doth play the runaway,

And we are stayed for at Bassanio’s feast.

JESSICA

I will make fast the doors, and gild myself

With some more ducats, and be with you straight.

[Exit above]

GRATIANO

Now, by my hood, a gentle and no Jew!

LORENZO

Beshrew me but I love her heartily.

For she is wise, if I can judge of her,

And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true –

And true she is, as she hath proved herself.

And therefore like herself, wise, fair, and true,

Shall she be placèd in my constant soul.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Jessica and Lorenzo in this extract.

Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

[20 marks]

In this extract, Jessica faces the challenge of running away with Lorenzo.

Explain the importance of challenges elsewhere in the play.

In your answer, you must consider:

• how challenges are presented

• the reasons for these challenges within the play.

You must refer to the context of the play in your answer.

[20 marks]