Brian Baldowski

1. In line 48 (Norton) of the play, Solanio begins his lines with the question "Not in love neither?" Since the scrupulous grammarians of the 18th century, this type of speech has outraged English speakers but is considered normal in Spanish. It is known as: (a) una pregunta (b) a negative statement (c) a double-negative (d) an exclamatory sentence (e) no me gusta amor

2. Ironically enough this ill-advised use of English mentioned in the previous question also creates a literary device known as (a) anacoluthon (b) alliteration (c) anadiplosis (d) homeoteleuton (e) question mark

3. Where does the first scene take place? (a) Verona (b) Venice (c) Antonio (d) Padua (e) Pisa

4. The dominant theme in scene 1 act 1 is (a) weather (b) sailing (c) money (d) Jews (e) shrews

5. Bassinio tells Antonio that Portia (a) is rich (b) is fine (c) has nice eyes (d) a, b, and c (e) digs small Polish guys

6. When Lorenzo leaves, he tells Antonio and Bassanio that he will see them later on: (a) at a party (b) at dinner (c) at Bassianio's house (d) at the ship (e) at the alter

7. Antonio is sad because (a) he's lonely (b) he's broke (c) he's in love (d) no one knows (e) Portia won't date Italian guys

Thomas Burton
Act 1 scene 3

8. Most of Act 1 scene 3 is in prose form. In this scene this could represent: (a) the characters lack of education (b)the straightforward nature of the business proposition (c) the mundane nature of a conversation about money (d) the inability of Jews to rhyme

9. Shylock's aside as Antonio enters (lines 38-49) helps to emphasize his: (a) intelligence (b) duplicity (c) equanimity (d) schizophrenia

10. During the scene, Antonio repeatedly interrupts Shylock ( 73, 95, and 103 ). This helps to reinforce Antonio's : (a) lack of respect for Shylock (b) sense of urgency (c) bad manners (d) superior intellect

11. The Biblical allusions in the scene, such as Shylock's story of Jacob ( 69-88 ), serve to : (a) teach the audience a moral lesson (b) dignify the characters (c) put the audience to sleep (d) emphasize the difference between Jews and Gentiles

12. By the end of the scene Shylock is asking for a pound of Antonio's flesh even though it "Is not so estimable, profitable neither, as flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats" (lines 165, 166). This would help to : (a) show he really doesn't intend to collect his payment (b) emphasize his shrewd business sense (c) embellish his false intent of not collecting payment (d) convince Antonio and Bassanio not to eat pork

13. Antonio accepts Shylock's offer despite the severity of its demands because: (a) he believes his investments will not all falter (b) he is not having to pay interest (c) he doesn't think Shylock is serious (d) a&b (e) a&c

14. The ending of the scene with rhymed couplets serves to conclude the scene and also : (a) to mark the change in tone once Shylock leaves (b) to show Bassanio's happiness at receiving the loan (c) to emphasize the light and humorous banter between Antonio and Bassanio (d) to prove that only friends rhyme when addressing one another

Laura Carr
Act 2 Scene 2 (Bevington Edition)

15. Lancelot Gobbo's opening monologue is written in a) free verse b) blank verse c) prose d) sprung verse

16. In reference to the previous question, why is the form important? a) to show Lancelot's excellent rhetorical skills b) to heighten comic effect c) to show off Shakespeare's mastery of the language d) to confuse the audience

17. Lancelot's opening speech is similar to which character from a previously discussed play? a) Lance, _Two Gentlemen of Verona_ b) Petruchio, _The Taming of the Shrew_ c) Speed, _Two Gentlemen of Verona_ d) Christopher Sly, _The Taming of the Shrew_

18. Beginning with Bassanio's orders to Leonardo ("I pray thee…" line 160) through the end of the scene ("…visit you at suppertime" line 197), Bassanio's conversations with first Leonardo then with Gratiano are written in a) free verse b) blank verse c) prose d) sprung verse

19. In reference to the previous question, why is the form important? a) to increase the humor b) to increase the tension c) to be different d) to illustrate the class difference between Bassanio and Lancelot

20. Lancelot's moral dilemma, whether to leave Shylock or stay in his service, is thematically related to a) Bassanio's choice between love and friendship b) Antonio's choice whether or not to propose to Portia c) Shylock's choice whether or not to loan money to Bassanio d) Jessica's choice between chocolate and vanilla ice cream

21. Why does Old Gobbo (Lancelot's father) refuse to allow the "stranger" (Lancelot) to call his son "master"? a) because Lancelot owns no servants b) because Lancelot isn't a school teacher c) because Lancelot doesn't have any special skills d) because Lancelot isn't a prosperous gentleman

Carla D. Clemons
2-3-2.6

22. After study of the opening scene 2.3, it is obvious that Lancelot and Jessica both want to leave Shylock"s house. What is the reason? (a) not enough food (b) he robed them (c) it is like hell (d) his music is to loud

23. 2.3.1 - 2.3.14 In the previous scene what is the one thing Jessica doesn't give to Lancelot. (a) her views about her father (b) money (c) a letter (d) farewell (e) the time he can pick her up

24. 2.3 - 2.4 Lancelot is giving his "adieu" and preparing to change from one mater to the other. He has been asked by who to be a messenger. (a) Jessica/Lorenzo (b) Jessica (c) Lorenzo (d) no one

25. In the preceding question Lancelot delivers the messages. How was the message given. (a) pony express (b) mailed (c) written/verbal (d) by lancelot's father

26. 2.3-2.6 What is the tone of this section based upon Shylocks constant comparison of Christians and Jews. (a) Unity (b) Love (c) Peace (d) Fellowship (e) Hate/Animosity

27. 2.5.23 -2.5.38 Lancelot and Shylock communication with each other refers often to what source. (a) his daughter (b) the Bible (c) his servants (d) Ms. Cleo

28. 2.6.53-58 The language in these verses is done in what verse. (a) prose (b) blank verse (c) free verse (d) rhymed verse

Sarah K. Crisp
2.7 - 2.8 & 3.4

29. In 2.7 the Prince of Morocco reads the scroll contained in the golden casket. The scroll's message best relates back to which of the following passages: (a) Salerio's opening lines in 1.1.9 beginning with, _Your minid is tossing on the ocean…_ and ending with _...fly by them with their woven wings._ (b) Narissa's beginning lines in 1.2.3 with _You would be, sweet_ through 1.2.9 _competency live longer (c) Gratiano's third set of lines beginning with 2.6.9 _That ever holds._ through 2.6.20 _...the strumpet wind!_ (d) What Aragon reads on the scroll contained in the silver casket in 2.9.

30. After both the gold and silver caskets are opened, Portia and the stage directions demand the curtains be closed. The purpose for this is to (a) give the audience a clear sense of transition (b) punctuate the finality of the Princes' incorrect choices (c) allow the patrons adequate time for intermission (d) both (a) & (b) (e) both (b) & (c)

31. In 2.8, the exchange between Salerio and Solanio which pokes fun at Shylock's reaction to having lost his daughter and his money is meant to be comedic if one (a) understands they are playing on the stereotype that Jewish people are money lovers (b) is able to glean testicular references related to the use of the word _stones_ (c) is not a Jew (d) all of the above (e) none of the above

32. 2.8.50 Solanio says, _I think he only loves the world for him._ refers to: (a) Antonio's secret affinity for homosexual endeavors (b) Antonio's steadfastness in his friendship to Bassanio (c) Antonio's gratitude toward Shylock for loaning the money (d) Antonio's passion for Christ, as the _him_ in the Folio is capitalized.

33. In 3.4, why must Portia and Nerissa be disguised as law professionals? (a)Women were not permitted to practice law. (b) Portia's cousin, Doctor Bellario, is too ill to attend Antonio's hearing. (c) It was the easiest way to trick Bassanio and Gratiano into giving back their rings. (d) The King's Men were experiencing terrible financial times and could not afford to hire additional actors to play the lawyer/law clerk parts.

34. In 3.4, Balthasar has one line, to wit: _Madam, I go with all convenient speed._ The next appearance of Balthasar is (a) in the courtroom (b) Portia in disguised (c) in Venice (d) all of the above

35. Portia's conversation with Nerissa in 3.4 after Lorenzo, Jessica and Balthasar exit contrasts with the preceding scene by (a) offering real hope for Antonio (b) demonstrating how men must depend on women to get them out of financial hardships (c) accelerating the plot toward its climax and relieving the stressful seriousness of Antonio's plight (d) It doesn't contrast with the preceding scene in any meaningful way.

Amanda Ebersole
Act 2.9-3.1

36. In 2:9, Shakespeare uses which object(s) to demonstrate the non-verbal language of props in the dialogue between the Prince of Arragon and Portia: (a) a casket (b) a flower (c) a note (d) both a and c (e) none of the above

37. Portia's treatment of the Prince in Act 2, Scene 9 is: (a) sweet and thoughtful (b) interested and patient (c) callous and uncaring (d) harsh and full of rage

38. All of the following happen in Act 2:9-Act 3:1 except: (a) Bassanio arrives at the home of Portia, much to her delight. (b) Tubal finds Shylock's daughter after a long search (c) Shylock speaks about Christianity and Judaism and how they deal with revenge (d) Tubal returns with only reports about Shylock's missing daughter.

39. Why does Shylock hate Antonio so fiercely? (a) Antonio stole Shylock's girlfriend (b) Antonio lied to Shylock's best friend causing their friendship to end (c) Antonio does not charge interest on loans and cost Shylock money (d) both a and b

40. The presence of Solanio and Salerio is primarily: (a) to provide a level of sentimentality to the play (b) to fill in information that takes place off stage (c) to be a foil for the serious character of Shylock (d) to introduce Bassanio to the audience and to Shylock

41. Shylock concludes at the end of his promise to Solanio and Salerio in Act 3.1 (lines 53-73) that: (a) Jews are inferior to Christians (b) Christians are inferior to Jews (c) Jews possess the same faculties as a Christian (d) Religion does not have any significance

42. Portia's desire for her relationship with Bassanio is that they become: (a) enemies (b) friends (c) husband and wife (d) acquaintances

Shannon Gainey

43. A doublet is a: (a) jacket (b) vest (c) shirt (d) tie

"44. According to Nerissa, how many suitors does Portia have in 1.2?"  (a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6

"45. In 1.2 and 2.1, which Gods/Goddesses are mentioned?"  (a) Diana (b) Phoebus (c) both A and B

46. Which of the following is not one of Portia's suitors?  (a) Hercules (b) the Neapolitan prince (c) the County Palatine (d) Monsieur Le Bon

47. The tone of 1.2 is: (a) serious (b) humorous (c) angry

48. The tone of 2.1 is: (a) serious (b) humorous (c) angry

49. Tawny means: (a) white (b) black (C) brown (d) red

Tristan Hart
3.2 fh

50. Which answer _best_ denotes how the three caskets which Bassanio must choose from help tie courtly love to the underlying philosophical theme of the play? (a) They are openable treasures, which can be paralleled sexually to a woman (b) there are three of them, much like the Holy Trinity (c) they are (excepting the lead, which is true love) materially valuable possessions that are meant to symbolize false love (d) the lead one (the correct one) represents a heavy burdern, likening it to a wife.

51. In Portia's lines "Upon the rack...with your love" (3.2.26-27) what other than the simple metaphor of torture has Portia percieved in Bassanio's use of the word "rack"? (a) that he also is too short for her, and must be stretched out (b) that he also has some betrayal to confess (c) that he is pulled back and forth betwixt herself and another lover (d) that he is pulled back and forth between loving and hating her

52. In the lines by Bassanio which state, "How many cowards...livers white as milk," (3.2.83-86) the words "stairs of sand" (line 84) is what figure of speech? (a) simile (b) metaphor (c) hyperbole (d) pun

53. In the previous question, the entire lines listed are spoken by Bassanio to prove: (a) That the world is full of cowardly men (b) That the world is deceptive (c) That the world is very very large and full of all sorts of people (d) That the world is round, like Columbus was saying

54. The song, sung by Portia during Bassanio's choosing of the casket, helps to signify what? (a) The difference between Bassanio and the other two princes, who chose music-lessly (b) a rational look at emotional love, contrasting Bassanio's own irrational method of choosing (c) a rational look at emotional love, paralleling Bassanio's own rational decision (d) That Portia is highly uninterested in the situation

55. In lines 3.2.140 ("I come by note") and 3.2.148 ("Until confirmed, signed, ratified by you), what figure of speech is being used and what nonverbal prop is used to strengthen it? (a) metaphor, written note (b) pun, written note (c) hyberbole, wedding ring (d) metaphor, wedding ring (e) simile, spaceship

56. In the lines of the previous question and continuing along the remainder of the exchange between Portia and Bassanio, again love is likened to what to exemplify the play's theme? (a) duties of friendship (b) religious politics of the time (c) law and the courts (d) business dealings

Tasha Mohler

57. After Bassanio chooses the right casket, Portia gives him a) a kiss b) a ring c) a letter d) all of the above

58. Gratano is happy that Bassanio chooses the right casket because a) he want to be the servant of a wealthy master b) he wants to live in a castle c) he is in love with Portia's handmaid d) he is in love with Portia's sister

59. Why has Salerio come to visit Bassanio? a) to bring him a letter from Antonio b) to tell him that Antonio is dead c) to tell him that Shylock is coming after him d) to congratulate him on choosing the right casket

60. Who accompanies Salerio on his visit with Bassanio? a) Shylock b) Shylock's daughter c) Lorenzo d) both b and c

61. How many of Antonio's endeavors see demise? a) about half b) all c) some d) none

62. What does Bassanio have to do before he can leave for Venice a) collect some money to pay Shylock b) find a lawyer to defend his friend c) marry Portia c) ask Portia's permission to leave

63. What does Antonio say will clear all debts between he and Bassanio a) seeing him before he dies b) three thousand ducats c) an appeal o Shylock d) his head on a platter

Nick Peppers

questions 64-70 ????????????????????
 

Brandy Smith

71. Antonio and Shylock are in court for which of the following reasons: (a) Shylock fell on Antonio's property (b) Antonio stole Shylock's TV (c) Shylock wants to claim a debt owed by Antonio (d) Shylock wants a pound of deli meat

72. Who offers to pay the debt owed to Shylock by Antonio: (a)Antonio (b) Salerio (c) Gratiano (d) Bassanio

73. What does the above offer to pay Shylock: (a) six thousand ducks (b) six thousand ducets (c) pound of hamburger (d) pound of ducets

74. Portia helps Antonio by appearing as a(n): (a) medical doctor (b) doctor of laws (c) judge (d) ice cream man

75.In Lines 42-63 " Three Thousand Ducets-" (Bevington) Shylock explains his reason to hate Antonio. Which best describes his answer: (a) he was wronged by him (b) he slept with his wife (c) Antonio hit him (d) because he can

76. Who offers a pound of flesh in replace of Antonios: (a) Bassanio (b) Duke (c) Nerissa (d) Gratiano

77. A lawyers clerk is present during this scene; who is he: (a) Shylock (b) Sherlock Holmes (c) Nerissa (d) Portia

William Smith
Second half 4.1 Bevington

78. When we compare Gratiano's statement in 4.1.331-332, "A second Daniel…."  with Shylock's comments in 1.3.43 "If I can catch him…." And 4.1.221 "A Daniel come to judgment…." what literary device is most evident? (a) syllepsis (b) irony (c) metonymy (d) paradox

79. The literary device from the preceding question highlights what notion found throughout the play. (a) to die for a loved one is the greatest sacrifice (b) buyer beware (c) Christian triumph over the Jews (d) to err is human, to forgive divine

80. A theme in the play evident in Shylock's choices and their end results, compared with the choices and results of two of Portia's suitors is which of the following:  (a) material wealth versus spiritual wealth (b) you should always read the fine print (c) Christians always make the right choice (d) don't cry over spilt milk

81. Bassiano's loss of his wife's ring parallel's what other event in the play: (a) Shylock's loss of his estate (b) Lancelot's father not recognizing his son (c) Antonio losing his ships (d) Jessica stealing from her father

82. The Duke's pardoning of Shylock's life and or Antonio's decision to give some of the estate to Jessica and Lorenzo highlight all of the following except what? (a) Christian kindness (b) Antonio's generosity (c) Shylock's humanity (d) mercy in the application of justice

83. Shakespeare's addition of Shylock's request for his deeds to fall upon his head, 4.1.204, and his stated choice of Barabbas, 4.1.294, over Christians echoes what sentiment obviously common among Christians during Shakespeare's time: (a) both the Jews and the Gentiles are brothers in God's wrath (b) careful what you wish for (c) the Jews deserved a lower lot in life (d) Christians should always respect the Jews

84. Bassiano's decision to give Balthasar his ring, bring to light all of the following except: (a) Bassiano loves his wife and will always be faithful (b) Antonio and Bassiano have a _very_ close friendship (c) the ability of ingratitude to besmear honor (d) the value of friendship

Alice (Wynn)

85. In 5.1.1-22 (Bevington), Jessica and Lorenzo are: (a) declaring their love for one another (b) speaking of the beauty of the night (c) comparing their love with great loves of the past (d) both b and c (e) none of these

86. What is used to add to the mood of 5.1? (a) birds singing (b) candlelight (c) music (d) moonlight

87. The rings, the main subject of 5.1 are, according to Bevington, what kind of symbols? (a) feminine (b) fidelity (c) marriage (d) love (e) masculine

88. Portia and Nerissa tell their husbands that they will do what until each can show their rings? (a) scream (b) withhold marital relations (c) go back to the monastery (d) become liberal with their bodies

89. In Lorenzo's soliloquy in 5.1.70-88, he speaks mainly of: (a) Ovid's poetry (b) the power of music (c) the beauty of horses (d) Jessica's dislike of music

90. In 5.1.102-106 what does Portia imply? (a) all birds have a sweet song (b) that she does not care for singing birds (c) that all birds have the same song (d) some birds have a sweeter song than others

91. Who acts as the "peacemaker" between the bickering couples ? (a) Lorenzo (b) Lancelot (c) Antonio (d) Jessica
 
 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT THE QUIZZES:

-- Use the run-on paragraph format, as above

-- Each student should use the following numbers rather than just 1 through 7 (excepting Brian Baldowski), to help simplify my collation: Brian Baldowski (1-7), Thomas Burton (8-14), Laura Carr (15-21), Carla Clemons (22-28), Sarah Crisp (29-35), Amanda Ebersole (36-42), Shannon Gainey (43-49), Tristan Hart (50-56), Tasha Mohler (57-63), Nick Peppers (64-70), Brandy Smith (71-77), William Smith (78-84), Alice Wynn (85-91)

-- Each student should indicate immediately under his or her name the act and scene, or acts and scenes, that the questions cover (see examples in the test questions above)

-- Use full parentheses for each letter of the questions, as above -- that is, "(a)" rather than "a)" or "(a" (without the quotation marks)

-- Use double asterisks inside the correct response, and be sure to leave a space between the last parenthesis mark and the double asterisks; do not leave extra spacing between the double asterisks and the remainder of the answer; e.g., (a) **the discrepancy between his idealistic words and materialistically greedy actions

-- Save your file in ASCII DOS (= txt file for MS-DOS) ; my WordPerfect 8 at home has trouble differentiating ANSI for Windows (= txt file for Windows) from ASCII DOS (= txt file for MS-DOS); also, I'm not sure which conversion works best yet

-- If a passage is cited, be sure to quote some words at the beginning and ending of it, not just act, scene, and line numbers, to help classmates identify exactly where it is

-- Students, particularly English or Communication majors or minors, should edit for spelling, grammar, and usage problems; I have left these unedited in the questions (e.g., apostrophe usage or misuse, "to" vs. "too," or the spelling of the Dutch currency repeatedly referred to in the play); English or Communication majors or minors, alas, are held to a higher standard than other insouciant mortals

-- Remember that if a rhetorical or stylistic device is asked about for identification in a question, an accompanying question must also ask for interpretation or analysis of the rhetorical or stylistic device (what aspects of character, or themes, or ideas, or meanings  does the device help communicate or convey?)

-- Questions should be analytical and interpretive rather than merely factual; what is important is the meaning or thematic significance of literal facts or details of the text (including, though not limited to, revelation about aspects of human nature, personality, and behavior)

-- Questions may draw on or cite editorial material from a particular edition (e.g., a note by Bevington, something in an introduction by Greenblatt et al. [= Norton Shakespeare]) only if checked that the same or comparable material is found in the other main one-volume Shakespeare; that is, something from Bevington can be asked about only if the same material is in the Norton, and vice versa ; remember that I have placed the Bevington edition as well as the Norton edition on reserve at the library