The Merchant of Venice FINAL

People think we're in this world to live up to people's expectations and we all think each person has a specific label or status individually. Appearance takes a big part in defining a person's personality and worth. However, we should learn to trust not too much on appearances because what lies behind an appearance is usually another appearance. Like Bassanio, a kinsman and a dear friend to Antonio (the merchant of Venice) who wishes to to change into a different status or appearance to impress a wealthy lady from Belmont (named Portia. This play, also consists of a game of choosing caskets that contains an item that is opposite from the appearance and worth of each casket, and the winner would get to marry the wealthy lady, Portia. It also includes other characters that have different appearances, statuses and personalities that are all greatly looked upon and judged upon their status and the way the look. In the play, The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare portrays that the appearance of something doesn't declare the value of it, and that physical appearance can often direct a person's life.

Appearance is always something to be judged and assumed by other people. That's why people often make an appearance that's desired of themselves. "Oh, Antonio - I feel convinced I'd be successful if only I had the money to make myself a rival!" (1.1.173-176) Bassanion would only be convinced that he would have a chance with Portia if he shows that he has a "wealthy" status. Someone trying to constantly prove their worth to someone, already guarantees that they have forgotten their own value. One shouldn't go out and look a successful personality and duplicate it. "Consider beauty. You'll see it's often purchased by the ounce." (3.2.88-89) Just like how people have an abnormal amount of plastic surgery or unwillingly attempting to be with people of different status. People try to enhance their appearances to simply impress others and sometimes the change bought for an appearance could either be something drastic or barely changed. Society is already used to the fact that people are always trying to appear better than their actual appearance, which is why there are options like cosmetics to bring satisfaction to the way a person looks. But it all comes to matter if they're trying to be something other than themselves. A person shouldn't even think of changing who they are to seem like something they're not. To reach certain standards a majority of people have shows how much one's self-esteem doesn't satisfy themselves. Changing an image of a person is often a misleading situation and is something that would eventually be revealed later.


However, misleading appearances could often lead to another and unexpectedly guide them to a path they probably would never have gone to if they never changed they way they were. "Appearances can be deceptive. The world is always taken in by ornament. In law, there is no plea, however tainted or corrupt, whose evil cannot be concealed behind a saintly voice." (3.2.75-76) The world is always convinced through appearance, but no matter how much a person is changed, their actual behavior and the way they truly are could never be completely hidden. To be themselves in a world that is constantly trying to make them something else is the greatest accomplishment. But, Bassanio didn't let the noise of others' opinions drown out his inner voice that he wanted to win over Portia and he had the courage to follow his own heart and intuition. "Therefore, gaudy gold, food for Midas, I want none of you. Nor of you, silver, the stuff of common currency. But you, worthless lead, which threatens rather than promises, your plain speaking appeals more eloquence than your rivals."(3.2.101-106) The casket game consisted of one who picked the gold casket and one who chose the silver casket, both explaining what why they thought those caskets were worthy and higher in power. In the lines 101-106 however, it shows that Bassanio chose the casket the would least likely be expected to be chosen. He even mentioned the casket as "worthless" lead and he shows that he clearly didn't choose the casket by the view, but he took a fair chance and choose quite true. This also goes with the stereotype that good and not so good looking people often have contrasting personalities.

One doesn't have to live their life and look the way other people expect them to. As for people absorbed in society, following trends and certain looks are often the choice people go towards. People end up wearing the same things, having the same style, and it all has to do with the way people view each other. When you judge others, you don't define them; you define the type of person that you are, depending on wether you thought of a person as something negative or good. When we often look at a person and from looking at their appearance, anyone could make an automatic assumption of what kind of person they are. But, the thing is, people say to know the story behind them first, but it is kind of difficult when it comes to first impressions, and it does take time before someone could actually tell their background. However, no one should judge someone based on looks nor believe that they should change themselves to live up to certain standards. To sum it all up, the play, The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare, teaches a valuable lesson when it comes to forming opinions or conclusions about a person through appearances and to "choose not by the view, take a fair chance, and to choose quite true" (3.2.131-132)

The Merchant of Venice Essay

People think we're in this world to live up to people's expectations and we all think each person has a specific label or status individually. Appearance takes a big part in defining a person's personality and worth. However, we should learn to trust not too much on appearances because what lies behind an appearance is usually another appearance. In the play, The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare portrays that the appearance of something doesn't declare the value of it, and that physical appearance can often direct a person's life. Like Bassanio, a kinsman and a dear friend to Antonio who wishes to to change into a different status or appearance to impress a wealthy lady from Belmont. This play, also consists of choosing caskets that contains an item that is opposite from the appearance and worth of each casket, and also includes other characters that have different appearances, statuses and personalities.

Appearance is always something to be judged and assumed by other people. That's why people often make an appearance that's desired of themselves. "Oh, Antonio - I feel convinced I'd be successful if only I had the money to make myself a rival!" (1.1.173-176) In this line, Bassanio is saying that he will only be convinced that he would have a chance with Portia if he shows that he has a "wealthy" status. Someone trying to constantly prove their worth to someone, already guarantees that they have forgotten their own value. One shouldn't go out and look a successful personality and duplicate it. "Consider beauty. You'll see it's often purchased by the ounce." (3.2.88-89) Just like how people have an abnormal amount of plastic surgery or unwillingly attempting to be with people of different status. A person shouldn't even think of changing who they are to seem like something they're not. To reach certain standards a majority of people have shows how much one's self-esteem doesn't satisfy themselves. Changing an image of a person is often a misleading situation and is something that would eventually be revealed later.


However, misleading appearances could often lead to another and unexpectedly guide them to a path they probably would never have gone to if they never changed they way they were. "Appearances can be deceptive. The world is always taken in by ornament. In law, there is no plea, however tainted or corrupt, whose evil cannot be concealed behind a saintly voice." (3.2.75-76) This line said by Bassanio is saying, that the world is always convinced through appearance, but no matter how much a person is changed, their actual behavior and the way they truly are could never be completely hidden. To be themselves in a world that is constantly trying to make them something else is the greatest accomplishment. But, Bassanio didn't let the noise of others' opinions drown out his inner voice that he wanted to win over Portia and he had the courage to follow his own heart and intuition. "Therefore, gaudy gold, food for Midas, I want none of you. Nor of you, silver, the stuff of common currency. But you, worthless lead, which threatens rather than promises, your plain speaking appeals more eloquence than your rivals."(3.2.101-106) The casket game consisted of one who picked the gold casket and one who chose the silver casket, both explaining what why they thought those caskets were worthy and higher in power. In the lines 101-106 however, it shows that Bassanio chose the casket the would least likely be expected to be chosen. He even mentioned the casket as "worthless" lead and he shows that he clearly didn't choose the casket by the view, but he took a fair chance and choose quite true. This also goes with the stereotype that good and not so good looking people often have contrasting personalities.

One doesn't have to live their life and look the way other people expect them to. As for people absorbed in society, following trends and certain looks are often the choice people go towards. People end up wearing the same things, having the same style, and it all has to do with the way people view each other. When you judge others, you don't define them; you define the type of person that you are, depending on wether you thought of a person as something negative or good. When we often look at a person and from looking at their appearance, anyone could make an automatic assumption of what kind of person they are. But, the thing is, people say to know the story behind them first, but it is kind of difficult when it comes to first impressions, and it does take time before someone could actually tell their background. However, no one should judge someone based on looks nor believe that they should change themselves to live up to certain standards. To sum it all up, the play, The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare, teaches a valuable lesson when it comes to forming opinions or conclusions about a person through appearances and to "choose not by the view, take a fair chance, and to choose quite true" (3.2.131-132)

Act 1 Scene 3

1. Revisiting the Portia situation, why is the choosing of a man suitable for her out of her hands.
Her father wants her to marry a wealthy man because he wants the best for her and that marrying a rich man will make her wealthy and rich as well.

2. Who is Shylock? What is his importance in the story thus far?
Shylock is a Jew and he's considering on lending Antonio money for Bassanio.

3. What is the agreement Shylock and Antonio come to terms with?
If Shylock doesn't get a pound of Antonio's flesh, then Shylock has to pay Antonio within a month.

4. Would you trust Antonio? Why or why not.
No, it's not exactly sure that his merchandise actually reaches to people because all of his merchandise are on ships.

Reflection Question: Many times people say friends don't make good business partners, or you should never live with your best friends. Why do you think this is so? Is it smart that Antonio and Shylock are doing business together?
Friends are actually good business partners because there's a higher chance of consideration towards one another and that it's more comfortable than with others or unfamiliar people. Antonio and Shylock doing business together could be quite difficult because of their differences like race and religion.

Merchant of Venice Act 1

1. What is the setting of the story? What are the people like, the culture, etc.
16th century Venice, Italy. People are mostly business men and very concerned for each other and close friends.

2. We meet Antonio in the first scene, who exactly is he and what is his worries that he faces early on?
He is a wealthy merchant in Venice and he's not exactly sure what he's worried about, and his friends take on guesses of what he may be worried about like maybe he's worried about his investment out and business ventures or products out in sea that could be in danger or that he could be in love, but Antonio dismisses those guesses.

3. We also meet Bassanio a friend of Antonio, what does he ask of Antonio?
He asks money of Antonio for three thousand ducats (coins) to impress Portia with his "wealth".

4. Portia worries about finding a husband, so what does she decide to do that she thinks will be the best solution to her problem?
All of the men who were mentioned didn't reach up to her expectations or standards. So, if she doesn't find a man good enough for her, she won't marry anyone and live to be a virgin. Portia resolved the problem by asking her maid to place the wine glass on the wrong casket during the casket game, which will help out her worries on finding out a husband.

Merchant of Venice Partner Work w/ Angela

1. Sometimes sadness could come from something that the person was never aware of. People often cry in movies and feel what others feel whenever they witness it. Sometimes we just cry because we feel that it's necessary. It never really seemed strange whenever a person is sad, because everyone is sad at some point, because we're humans. It's just that certain things make certain people react to them and become emotional.

2. Attitudes have changed since that time period. Right now, it isn't technically illegal. As long as the money wasn't received in an illegal way, then lending money for interest is acceptable. Back then, lending money for interest was to be thought differently. But today, it's easier to lend money without others thinking that it's "usury."

3. It's pretty common to judge people based on how they look, and our judgements are usually or likely right. It's not exactly safe to rely or believe every person's word. People would usually believe someone who has the image that they know takes responsibilities seriously. I honestly think it's better to have evidence that the person is actually able to make money or at least have a job that lends them money than giving money who have the lowest chances of returning or paying back. Overall, it is all right with how it is now.

4. Ethnic and religious conflict with love often don't go well together. Ethnic conflict is often because of pickiness and unwillingly desired choice. Religious conflict also takes part by the use of certain rules which limits people in their relationships. Many stories often have these elements as problems that create conflict. This is mainly because these things aren't always cooperative with each other.