Merchant of Venice Glossary and Character Sketch

GlossaryThe Merchant of Venice Act I, Scene II 1. By my trotha mild oath ilk Upon my word 2. aught whateverthing 3. surfeitoverindulge 4. superfluityexcess 5. Hareto run fast 6. overname themsay their names over 7. colta young, or new person 8. Deaths-headskull 9. a-capringdancing 10. pennywortha sm on the whole amount 11. doubleta close-fitting outer garment, with or without sleeves and sometimes having a bypass skirt, worn by men in the Renaissance an undergarment, quilted and reinforced with mail, worn beneath arm. 12. ound hosevery full short breeches which alter in length from the upper thigh to just above the knee, giving a rounded look to the hips and showing off the leg. 13. suretya person who assumes legal responsibility for the fulfillment of anothers debt or obligation and himself becomes liable if the other defaults. 14. vileyhighly offensive, unpleasant, disgusting 15. Sibyllathe Sybil of Cumae, to whom Apollo granted as many years of life as there are grains in a h andful of sand 16. Dianagoddess of chastity Character ReportNerissa What does your character want in this scene?Nerissa wants to know whether Portia has feelings for any of her suitors and whether she will consider disobeying her begetters will. What is your characters motivation for doing what he or she does? She is Portias waiting-gentlewoman and friend, who is concerned about Portias future. Also, she shows some acuity for Bassanio to arrive with her future husband, Gratiano. What obstacles stand in his or her way? Portias independence and defiance of her sires will that causes Portia to show distaste toward each(prenominal) her suitors. What happens when your character confronts these obstacles?Nerissa finds that the heiress might be interested in Bassanio. Are there any distinctive elements in your characters way of language? (Is his of her language elaborate, plain, musical, or what? ) She is inquisitive and curious. What is your character thought process during the scen e? (How does he or she react to the other characters and events? ) She in inquiring about Portias suitors. She mustiness be interested in their futures. Character ReportPortia What does your character want in this scene? Portia wishes to choose the fate of her marriage instead of following her fathers will.She also seems to express interest in Bassanio when he is mentioned. What is your characters motivation for doing what he or she does? She is an orphan that has no say in who she marries so Portia motivation to protest is her want of freedom. Even after her fathers death, she is still under his control. What obstacles stand in his or her way? Her fathers will and the test of the caskets deciding her husband. What happens when your character confronts these obstacles? Nothing really, as she just points out all the flaws of the suitors she meets.Are there any distinctive elements in your characters way of speaking? (Is his of her language elaborate, plain, musical, or what? ) So fa r she has only spoken in complaints and a bit condenscendingly. What is your character thinking during the scene? (How does he or she react to the other characters and events? ) She is most likely thinking of loopholes to get out of her fathers demands. She is probably also thinking about Bassanio and when he will come court her. Company ReportQueen Murphys Two 1. What happens in your scene? Outline the basal events. . Portia complains about how she cannot choose a husband because of her deceased fathers will. Explains the caskets and the requirements for Portias hand in marriage. b. Nerissa names the different suitors of Portia and Portia points out all their flaws. c. Nerissa tells Portia that all the suitors were leaving and Nerissa mentions Bassanio. Portia is interested. d. A serving man appears stating that the Prince of Morocco is arriving soon. Portia doesnt really care too much. 2. What do you think are the key purposes of your scene? a.To introduce Portia and Nerissa as key characters and explaining their personalities. b. To explain the idea of the caskets (gold, silver, and lead) and the parameters behind Portias engagement. c. To foreshadow the relationship that will happen between Bassanio and Portia later on. 3. What are your reactions to this scene? That Portia seems to be stuck in a situation that shes very stubborn about. To go against her fathers will, she is headstrong and picky in choosing her husband. I feel like back up Portia to go for her need to be independent.