1. How do you deal with Shylock?

• Is he sufficiently motivated?
• Consider his values.
• Watch out for his reference to his deceased wife--it's a good clue.

2. Characterize the two worlds of Belmont and Venice.

• Who (or what group) is in charge of each?
• Why do Jessica and her new husband quarrel in Belmont in the fifth act?

3. Why is this play set in Italy?

• Why use a Jewish moneylender as a villain?
• Shakespeare probably never met a Jew in his life--they had been banished from England centuries earlier.

4. Consider Antonio's character?

• Is he straightforward and virtuous, as he claims?
• How accurately does his character reflect the general nature of the Christians in this play?

5. How do you deal with Jessica?

• The Christians applaud her running off with her father's money to wed a man Shylock disapproves of.
• Are they correct to feel this way?

6. Why a pound of flesh from nearest the heart?

• Why not the heart itself?
• Why not something else?
• Think about all the possible meanings of the phrase--ie. "pound" is the English form of currency
• What is nearest the heart spiritually?
  

Thanks to JM Massi, Ph.D. for writing these study questions.