The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 - Workbook Questions and Answers

1. Explain the meaning of 'he makes a swan like end.' What contemporary belief about swans is expressed in the extract?
A: 'He makes a swan like end' it means that if Bassanio chose the wrong casket he would have to leave silently which is compared to the swan, which sang a song just before its death and the fading music will indicate that he has chosen the wrong casket and like the swan, which would die, Bassanio would have to lose the love of Portia.

2. Why does Portia order music to be played while Bassanio makes the choice of caskets? To what does Portia compare the music, should Bassanio choose correctly?
A: Portia orders for music to be played while Bassanio makes his choice to create a calm atmosphere. Portia compares the music to Bassanio's winning or losing. If he loses, it’ll be his swan song, music before the end.  But on the other hand, if he wins, the music should be like the majestic trumpets that blare when subjects bow to a newly crowned monarch. It’s the sweet sounds at daybreak that the dreaming bridegroom hears on his wedding morning, calling him to the church.

3. How could Portia's eyes be a watery death bed for Bassanio?
A: Portia's eyes could be a watery death bed for Bassanio, because if he failed to choose the right casket, he would loose the love of Portia and would have to leave. And if that happened Portia would cry to the extent that her tears would be like a river flowing.

4. How would the music call the dreaming bridegroom to his marriage?
A: If Bassanio chooses the correct casket and wins the love of Portia, she wants to play music that represents her joy and compares it to the music which is played to the bridegroom on the morning of his marriage to remind him that his wedding day has come.

5. In what way does Portia act as a romantic heroine in this scene? How is the theme of love versus wealth developed in this scene?
A: In this scene Portia acts as a romantic heroine as she shows her feminine features when she delays Bassanio while making the choice of casket and she expresses her love for him. When he makes the right choice, she plays joyful music to celebrate his success. She is happy that she is now his and everything she has is his now. The beautiful mansion, her servants and the queen she is all now belong to him and she seals her love with offering a ring and tells Bassanio never to give the ring away or loose it.

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1. Which theme in the play is highlighted in the above extract? How is it highlighted?
A: In the play, appearance and reality are highlighted. What is seen from the outside is not the same from the inside. Bassanio refers to the caskets before he makes his choice. He highlights this with examples cowards, who behave like Hercules or Mars, the God of war. He talks of beauty, which can be done by make up. It makes a woman beautiful on the outside only.

2. How can vice assume the external show of virtue?
A: Bassanio says that you can't judge a book by it's cover. People are often tricked by false appearances. In court a lawyer can hide the wrong in the case he pleads. A soft voice, a smart lawyer can cover the reality of the case. Religious men defend sin when it is shown as good and just.

3. What are the 'stairs of sand'? To what are these stairs compared?
A: 'Stairs of sand' is referred to as stairs made of sand. Anything made of sand cannot be strong and permanent. The sea shore is not a clear indication of a stormy sea. These stairs are compared to everything and everyone that is beautiful on the outside and ugly and horrible on the inside.

4. Give the meaning of the following:
have livers white as milk - people considered as cowards

5. Who is Hercules and who is frowning Mars? What are they, with their beards known for?
A: Hercules was a Greek hero and Mars was the God of war. Their beards are known for their outward manly appearance as beards are normally associated with brave and strong men.

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5
1. Explain how is beauty purchased by weight? How does it make the wearers lightest? (Give the two meanings of the word: lightest.)
A: According to Bassanio beauty is something that can be purchased by weight. He means that cosmetics that enhance the beauty of a woman is now available in quantity and variety in shops and by using them women improve their outer looks. He says that women who use products to enhance their beauty are only beautiful from the outside, in their looks but are not respected. Lightest also means frivolous or of no consequence.

2. What is referred to as 'crisped snaky golden locks'? Who wears them and who is their actual owner?

A: 'Crisped snaky golden locks' is referred to the false hair or wigs women wear to look more attractive. Bassanio says that curly golden hair moves so nicely in the wind and makes a woman beautiful.  Though this false hair looks real it is made from women who are dead.

3. What is referred to as 'the dowry of a second head? Who has bred this head? Where is this head now?
A: 'The dowry of a second head' refers to the false hair or wig worn by women to look attractive and even though they appear to look real, it is made from the hair of dead women. The head that carried this beautiful hair is now in the grave.

4. Why does Bassanio say that ornament is but the guiled shore to a most dangerous sea?
A: Bassanio says that outward beauty is always deceptive just as the sea shore always looks pleasurable the sea it leads to can be treacherous.

5. Give any two examples from Bassanio's speech to show that appearances are deceptive.
A: Two examples in Bassanio's speech to show that appearances are deceptive are, the false attractive golden hair or wig that moves so nicely in the wind is actually made from the hair of dead women and the second example he gives is that a scarf can hide an ugly face which is only visible once the scarf is removed. What people expect to see and what people actually get to see are different.

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6
1. Where was the gentle scroll? Give the summary of what was written on the scroll.
A: The gentle scroll was in the lead casket which Bassanio opened. The summary of what was written on the scroll was that since he had not chosen by outward appearances, he had luck on his side to make the correct choice. Since he had won a great prize he should be happy and look nowhere else for good fortune or happiness. And if he was happy with what he had won and accepts this good fortune as his destiny he should go to his woman and claim her as his own with a loving kiss.

2. What prize had the speaker won? Give reasons which led to the winning of the prize.
A: The speaker, Bassanio had won Portia as the prize. The suitor had to choose the correct casket which contained Portia's picture and Bassanio chose the correct lead casket which had an inscription which said that whoever chooses the lead casket must risk his life which actually meant his true love. 

3. What was the speaker asked to give and receive?
A: The speaker was asked to turn to where his lady was and to claim her with a loving kiss and receive Portia in total as his own.

4. Give the meaning of :
(a) universal shout: shouts of approval from everyone
(b) Giddy in spirit: giddy with excitment

5. To whom does the speaker compare himself? In what way does he compare himself? Why is the speaker doubtful whether what he sees is true?
A: The speaker compares himself  to someone who has just won a contest and thinks that everyone is cheering for him. The speaker is still doubtful of his victory and he asks Portia if what has just happened is true and asks for her confirmation.





Brian T.
Borivali (W), Mumbai
Phone: 92232 03441

Why do people speak negatively about themselves?

Why do people speak negatively about themselves?

At a recent wedding anniversary party, the host had to say a few words of his journey with his partner. His short address wasn't something people were overtly ecstatic about but everyone clapped and cheered at the end. He said his piece and that was it. As the gathering was small and just close relatives and really close friends were invited, the hosts passed by a few times. When we met again after his address, he said that he finds it difficult to speak in front of an audience and gets nervous and knows that it wasn't the best speech. Did anyone tell him that, no but that's how he thought for himself. Another example. Many adults approach me for English language coaching and the first thing they tell me in very clear English is, "I don't know English." And I look at them and ask them if they have memorized this sentence and that's how they were able to speak this sentence without any hesitation and fully confident that there was no error in that sentence. 

This is the general attitude of most people, they always want to speak negatively about themselves. It is obvious that rocket science is a difficult subject and most people will find it difficult to study and master this topic. That's OK. It's rocket science. But simple things like saying a few words in front of a small audience, speaking English and driving a vehicle is definitely not rocket science. People like to speak negatively about themselves. They will say all that they cannot do repeatedly and convince themselves that they are simply not going to speak English their entire lives. They also receive support from like minded people, who tell them that it is a very difficult task and there is no way they are going to be able to even achieve 50% results. Most things are not as difficult as people make it out to be. A little effort and continuous practice everyday for a few minutes and most things can be learnt. Driving, learning a language, basic computer operation, and so many things we just push away by saying that it's difficult and impossible. 

The vast majority of the population know for sure that everything has to be learnt, must be done somewhere outside. That is you have to go to a driving school to learn driving. This is required since the driving institute also arranges for the learner's licence, vehicle for learning and practice and also this requires someone to guide and steer the learner away from serious accidents. There are other skills, like basic computer operations. This is skill that can be self taught. You don't need to go to an institute to learn basic windows or internet functions, that you can learn on your own. It just requires continuous effort of the individual. But then this individual has already said, "I don't know computers." He has closed his mind to learning and has also demotivated himself. A new computer will lie in the corner of the room untouched because of the words, "I don't know." Is there any reason for this discouragement? Really nothing. It's just an excuse to avoid taking responsibility for  one's actions and growth. We don't want to improve. We have this comfortable job and it provides for all our needs and comforts. Do we really need to put in extra effort to improve? Then comes the next most hindering thought, what is the use of  learning this new skill, what BENEFIT will I get? Just making me a better person is just not enough, it has to translate into money or material benefits. If it doesn't bring the individual more material benefits, then it's a lost case.

Everyone has to reach a state of awareness, where they will do something new every now and then. Start exercising, start learning something new, wear colors they haven't worn before, meet new people, make new friends. Let every day be a new day. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, what's new about this person? Smile at that person. Think of the word change and change will happen, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. But it will happen. Good change will bring rewards, not so good change will bring experience and new learning. Learn, let this word be a constant in our lives. Don't worry about success, in fact just don't worry. Perfection is insanity. Our goal is progress. Most important, never think what will people say? People who are idle will always gossip. People who seek progress, will have no time. All they see it their goal because they don't speak negatively about themselves.

Brian Thankappan

9223203441

Things I think are a cockeyed . . .

Things I think are a cockeyed . . . 

1. Never make purchases from a super store or a multi brand store that does not give bags for what's bought from the store. If I buy a pair of shoes for Rs.3000/- I expect them to give me a bag for my purchase without charging for it and giving me lame excuses of government rules. A Rs.10/- or even a Rs.20/- bag for the purchase is not going to eat into their profit to damage the year end financial reports. Surprisingly if the same purchase is made from the individual brand store they will provide a bag FREE of COST.  

2. Searching for some new real estate, do it yourself. Register online in all portals, on all classified sites and use all your social media accounts to let your friends and every one know that you are looking for some property. A new home, a second home, whatever you need, search for it yourself. The benefits of this activity is that you don't waste time seeing unnecessary places, which don't suit your taste or budget and you get almost what you had in mind. As a buyer you also save on unnecessary costs of middle men, who keep showing up every time you want to renew your lease agreement. If you want to rent a new home, check these few conditions first. Decide the floor you want to live on and search for those homes only. Make sure there is 24 hours running municipal water. Ask your home owner if non vegetarian food is allowed in the apartment. Make sure the apartment is not near the waste collection bins of the housing complex or the locality. It will stink and also attract mosquitoes and a whole lot of rodents and insects. Finally, bargain heavily, don't forget this factor, especially if you are buying a property, BARGAIN, yes that's how you should bargain. Bring the price down heavily and to do that keep a substantial amount of booking money ready. If you are ready to pay a handsome booking amount and also keep your bankers alert and active, so that as soon as you have chosen your property, there is no delay in obtaining finance for the rest of the amount.

3. Most people are waiting for the right person to come along for them to get married and then waiting even longer to "know the person" and in the process of getting to know the person waiting to achieve certain goals, like buying a house first, getting that promotion and raise in salary. First of all there is not right person and then that knowing the person better NEVER happens. You just never know the person better or at all. You will learn that marriage has another dictionary with the same words like patience, tolerance, insanity, etc. with new meanings and the meanings keep changing every day. Remember that your partner too will experience the same things you experience. In a marriage every day is a new day, new problems so new solutions. And this story is the same for every one, NEVER EVER IMAGINE that the grass is greener on the other side, it's just a mirage. When you get there, there's no grass too. You just imagined that another person would be your PERFECT PARTNER. NEVER. And then comes the second part, achieving certain goals before getting married. Does one stop seeking promotions and raises after getting married? Doesn't one need a bigger house as the family grows? Will your first house be the last house you purchase? Everything changes to suit your needs as per the present time. Just go with the flow. You will buy a new and bigger house if you can afford it. Don't worry about 10 years later, just enjoy the present time, every time. NOW is the time, and at that time do what you think you need to do and can afford to do.

More will be added when I find something I think is cockeyed.

Brian T.

92232 03441

DESTINY

DESTINY

Everything in life is destiny. And nothing else.

Every person you meet, you are destined to meet. Every action you take, you are destined to take. Everything that happens to you is your destiny. There is no luck, there is no hard work. If you are destined to be lucky, you will be lucky. If you are destined to work hard, you will work hard. Nothing is pre-planned, nothing is well thought over. It’s all your destiny.  

Many students, plan a well thought out education program and finally end up working in a profession which has nothing to do with their education. They went for an interview because they couldn’t get a job that matched their qualifications and needed money, they went out looking for work, they impressed people at the interview and regardless of their qualifications they got employed. Destiny. Nothing else. They are successful in their jobs. Again destiny. They simply used their common sense and made some correct decisions, again destiny, which worked for them and they are successful. Yes, they work hard, but that’s their destiny.

How many people invest in apartments, which never get built and their lives saving go down the drain? One of that many decided to fight with the builder and twenty years later gets all the money back with interest. Destiny of the people who lost their money and did nothing to get it back and the destiny of one person, who thought that the builder should not get away with cheating and decided to fight with the builder till the builder returned the money back with interest. It’s just your destiny. There are also some who start the fight but don’t go through till the end. Their destiny. Some people struggle to buy one house in their lifetime and others buy houses every few years. Some people buy their houses cheap and sell them for a profit and the people who buy these houses have to sell them at a loss.

This one’s the best. People die. Just like that. Sitting on a chair reading a newspaper and next second. All is over. Why? How? Nothing but the destiny of that person, who was supposed to live only till that very destined second and was destined to die sitting on that chair reading a newspaper. People who don’t smoke get lung related diseases and then you get a video which shows a ninety year old man puffing away and has smoked 20 cigarettes since he was 20. How come he didn’t get any lung related or any disease with his compulsive habit? His destiny.

The person you marry, the job you get, the job you resign from and the next job you find. The house you buy, the car you drive to work and the route you take, the people you meet every day on the train, the grocer you buy your grocery from. The clothes you wear, the shops you buy them from, the colours you like and then suddenly dislike after many decades. Your neighbors, good or bad. Your teachers, your friends, your parents, your siblings, your cruel boss, your kind colleague, your milkman, your driver, your maid, your wife, your children, the people you meet at the jogging track, the waiter at the restaurant you had dinner last weekend, and the list goes on and is endless. Everyone you meet in your lifetime is who were destined to meet. Everything you do or don’t do in your lifetime you were destined to do or not do. Including reading this article.

Brian T.
92232 03441 / 77100 27662

Practical Phonics (Pronunciation of words)

Practical Phonics (Pronunciation of words)

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A

Allotted = a - lot - tid

Anxious = ank - she - us

B

Behave = b - hay - v
Breakfast = brek - first

C

Chaos = k - aw - s
Concert = kon- sir - t Concentrate = kon - sen - tray - t

Concrete = kon - kre - t

Cough = kaw - ff
County = cow - n - t
Creature = kre - chur

Curiosity = q - ree - aw - city

E

Enough = e - nuf

Essential = es - en - she - al
Expect = x - pek - t

I
Inflated = in - flay - tid

Initially - in - nee - she - al - e

Instinctively = in - stink - tiv - lee
Isle = i - l

J
Juicy = ju - see

K

Know = no

Knew = new

M

Mediterranean - Med - e - ter - ray - nee - un

Miscellaneous =  mis - a - lay - nee - us

O
Opaque = o - pay - k

P

Paradigm = para - die - m
Photograph = fo - toe - graf

Photography = fo - taw - gr - fee
Precisely = pre - si - s - lee (pronounce i as the alphabet)

Pronunciation = prun - nun - see - ay - shun

R
Renowned = re - noun - d
Recital = re - si - tal

T

Teeny = t - nee

V

Veil = way - l
Village = v - lay - j

W
Won - one or wun

While = why - l

Brian T.

92232 03441

I C S E - Std.9 NOTICE - A Visit to an Old Age Home

I C S E - Std.9
NOTICE

You are the Head Girl / Boy of your school. Write a notice for the School Notice Board inviting students from Classes IX and X for a visit to an Old Age home on the occasion of World Health Day.

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A Visit to an Old Age Home

On World Health Day

Date: September 30. 2018
Time: 7.30 am to 1.00 pm

Venue: Golden Oldies Home, Versova, Andheri (W)

All the students are requested to submit their names by September 22, 2018 and pay Rs.250/- towards travelling and other expenses to their respective class teachers.

Kajol Mukherjee

Head Girl

I C S E - Std.9 NOTICE - Arts & Crafts Exhibition

I C S E - Std.9
NOTICE

You are the secretary of an Arts & Crafts Club of your school. Write a notice for your School Notice Board, asking students of Classes VII to X to submit their entries for the Arts & Crafts exhibition to be held in school, giving all the necessary details

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Arts & Crafts Exhibition

for students of Classes VII to X

Date: September 23 to 25, 2018

Timings: 8.00 am to 12.00 noon
Venue: School Basement

All the students are requested to submit an application with details of their Arts or Crafts exhibit by September 15, 2018.

Selected students will have to submit their final exhibit by September 21, 2018.

Salman Sheikh

Secretary, Exhibitions Committee

Brian T. 92232 03441