What does clothing symbolize in The Merchant of Venice?
In the encounter between two different cultures, clothing may show oppositional imagery: battles between opposed worlds, persons and churches. In The Merchant of Venice, owing to race, social status, and religion, Shylock’s clothing can be easily told.
Why is he a woolen bag but of force?
Now, for your answer: As there is no firm reason to be rendered 55 Why he cannot abide a gaping pig; Why he, a harmless necessary cat; Why he, a woollen bagpipe, but of force Must yield to such inevitable shame As to offend, himself being offended— 60 So can I give no reason, nor I will not (More than a lodged hate and …
Who did Nerissa dress up as?
Portia and Nerissa go to Venice disguised as a lawyer and clerk. In the courtroom, the Duke asks Shylock to show some compassion and Bassanio offers 6000 ducats to repay Antonio’s loan. Portia appears, disguised as Balthazar.
What happens in Act 4 of The Merchant of Venice?
Summary: Act IV, scene i, lines 397–453 As she leaves, the duke tells Antonio to reward the young law clerk, since it was he who saved Antonio’s life. Bassanio thanks Portia, though he does not see through her disguise, and offers her the money he brought with him in order to pay off Shylock.
How does Shylock dress?
In the play, Shylock only refers to his clothes once, referring to the gown he wears as “My Jewish gaberdine.” A Gaberdine is a long cloak like the one in the painting above, but as you can see, Jews were not the only people wearing them.
Who dresses up in The Merchant of Venice?
This very sentiment is the primary motivation for the cross dressing of Portia and Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice. Portia understands that in order to help her husband’s friend Antonio, she must dress like a man in order to escape the strict limitations placed on women at the time (Belsey 639).
Why did Portia dress as a man?
Portia understands that in order to help her husband’s friend Antonio, she must dress like a man in order to escape the strict limitations placed on women at the time (Belsey 639).
How does cross dressing help in the various scenes of the play?
How Shakespeare Uses Cross-Dressing. Shakespeare regularly uses this convention in order to afford the female character more freedom in a restrictive society for women. The female character dressed as a man can move more freely, speak more freely and use their wit and intelligence to overcome problems.
What happens in Act 4 Scene 1 in The Merchant of Venice?
In this scene Antonio and Shylock come face to face in a court room in Venice. Antonio has failed to pay back the money on time, and according to the terms of their agreement, Shylock is now entitled to take a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
What is the summary of Act 4 Scene 1?
A despairing Juliet begs Friar Lawrence’s help in averting a marriage to Paris. If he can’t help her, she has resolved to commit suicide. Friar Lawrence has a solution: she should go along with her father’s plan, but when it’s time to marry Paris, Juliet will take a potion that mimics death.
What did Shylock wear?
Which two animals does Shylock compare Antonio?
He compares Antonio to animals that would not be valued in Jewish society: carrion, a pig, a rat. Shylock wants Antonio’s pound of flesh because he no longer sees a shared humanity with him but instead sees him as a contemptible creature who impedes Shylock’s values and his personal happiness.
What lie would Portia speak when she wears male attire?
Answer: Portia will wear her dagger in a gallant way. She will speak in a voice that is between a young boy’s and a man’s, which will be a shrill voice. She will tell strange lies about how honourable ladies tried to win his (being dressed as young man) love, but fell sick and died when he refused to reciprocate.
How does cross-dressing help in the various scenes of the play?
Who cross dresses in The Merchant of Venice?
Why does Shakespeare use crossdressing?
What happens in Act 4 Scene 1 of the Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice Act 4, scene 1 Summary & Analysis. Shylock says that he will give up his suit. But, Portia tells him that another Venetian law holds that if an “alien” (4.1.344) is proven to have sought the life of any “citizen” (4.1.346), that citizen has the right to take one half of the alien’s property.
What are the best quotes from the play the Merchant of Venice?
BASSANIO : Most worthy gentleman, my friend and I Have been acquitted today of grievous penalties by your wisdom; instead of three thousand ducats, due to the Jew, we will freely pay for your courteous pains. ANTONIO : And stand indebted, over and above, in love and service to you forever.
What is Act 4 of the Venice code?
ACT 4. SC. 1 Wrest once the law to your authority. 225 And curb this cruel devil of his will. It must not be. There is no power in Venice 230 Will rush into the state.
What is the punishment for attempted murder in Venice?
The law has another requirement of you. It is enacted in the laws of Venice that if a foreigner is proved to have directly or indirectly attempted to kill a citizen, the citizen against whom he plotted will take half of his goods. The other half is confiscated by the state. And the guilty man’s life is in the hands of the Duke alone and his mercy.