This essay focuses on Merchant of Venice. Write a 2- 3 page essay that analyzes 1 scene in The Merchant of Venice.  You may choose any scene from the play.  Refer to the questions posted about Drama,.

Merchant of Venice

Write a 2- 3 page essay that analyzes 1 scene in The Merchant of Venice.  You may choose any scene from the play.  Refer to the questions posted about Drama, and then answer the following questions:

What is the question or character’s decision that is examined in the scene?  For example: when Portia is watching one of her suitors choose a chest to be able marry her, what does this demonstrate about the power women have it this play?

What does it demonstrate about the power of money?

What does it demonstrate about Portia’s character, and her decision to disguise herself as a man to defend Antonio?

Another example: when Shylock is asked to show mercy to Antonio during the courtroom scene, why does he decide against it?

What is his reasoning to do this?

What does this scene show about the character of the citizens of Venice?

How does Shylock react to being stripped of his money and his religion?

What does this say about the character of Shylock?

You can choose whichever scene you would like to analyze, or you may use one of the above examples.    Do not summarize the plot of the play.

You are answering HOW Shakespeare showed what is important to the characters, and HOW the scene affects the play.

Use at least 3 quotes from the scene and show how those quotes prove your thesis. When quoting from the play, cite the Act, Scene and line:  for example, Act V, scene ii, line 33 is listed as: Vii33.