"These notes refer to the Cambridge GCE O Level Examination held in November in Singapore. However, they are of general interest to anyone preparing to answer essay questions on The Merchant of Venice, in any exam."
" "
"The O Level exam presents a compulsory Context Question,"
"*(See Other Notes - Context Question)"
"followed by a choice of two essay topics. The candidate must answer ONE essay question only in the Shakespeare Section."
" "
"There is a 20% mark allocation for the essay, so about 30 minutes should be allowed for answering this question."
" "
"*Notes on approved essay techniques follow."
6
"You are advised to follow these steps in writing your answer."
"*1. "
"Quickly select the topic which seems best suited to the study and preparation you have done. Usually this will be obvious."
"If you have trouble choosing, jot down rough notes about each topic and see which one is easier to give information on."
"*2. "
"Check the question carefully, underlining key words. Be 100% sure that you know exactly what the examiner wants you to do. Many essays are failed because they are off the topic, although the candidate has shown wide knowledge of the play."
6
"*3. "
"Now, plan your essay. It may seem that time is very short, but a well-planned essay will be written much more easily than one where you are struggling to think of ideas as you write."
"Any essay topic should fall naturally into some kind of logical form or order. Try to allot one paragraph for each major point you want to make."
"For instance, if you are asked to describe how Morocco and Arragon choose the wrong caskets, and show what it reveals about their character, a possible arrangement would be:"
"*Morocco's choice of gold casket - why he rejects other caskets - gold suitable for his own character and Portia's"
"*His character - he judges by appearances - he is a great man, but too conscious of it - vain"
7
"*Arragon's choice of silver - rejects other caskets - lead is unattractive, gold too popular with the 'common spirits'."
"*Shows arrogance - believes that he deserves high prize - doesn't even consider lead."
"*CONCLUSION - choices show character flaws in both men - as is pointed out by messages inside the caskets."
" "
"*4. "
"As you plan, try to think of quotations that are relevant to your topic. Jot them down also. It doesn't matter if it is not a long or complete quote, but it should be fully relevant."
"You won't get marks for writng down all the quotations from the play that you have learnt - only those you use to back up some point that you are making."
9
"Almost as good as a quotation is a precise example from the text. The body of your essay should fall into the pattern of:"
"*Point - Evidence - Point - Evidence etc."
"If you can help it, never make an unsupported statement."
" "
"Now let's try a sample essay topic."
" "
"I have made up one that deals with the character of Bassanio."
" "
"*What are your first impressions of Bassanio? Show how these impressions are changed by describing in some detail what he says and does in the scene where he chooses the right casket."
11
"This topic falls naturally into two parts:"
" - give first impressions"
" -describe his words and actions/ show how your opinion changes"
"*My plan follows."
" ESSAY PLAN"
" "
"*PARA. 1 First impressions are unfavorable - spendthrift and fortune hunter."
" "
"*PARA. 2 His words before choosing the casket"
" "
"*PARA. 3 His choice of the right casket"
11
"*PARA. 4 Immediately after choosing"
" "
"*PARA. 5 His reaction to Antonio's plight."
" "
"*PARA. 6 CONCLUSION First impressions are unfavorable, but obvious love for Portia, depth of thought in choosing casket, and concern for Antonio change our minds"
" "
"* MODEL ANSWER"
" "
"Our first impressions of Bassanio are not at all favorable. First he admits that he has been"
"*something too prodigal..."
"with the money that Antonio has lent him previously."
7
"*Model Answer (Cont.)"
"However, he is prepared to approach him again."
"What is more, he seems to be overly optimistic of his chances of winning Portia's hand and so being able to repay this debt as well as the former ones."
"In fact, his first thought of Portia is that she is 'richly left'. That is, he seems more interested in her money than anything else."
"To get his loan he is even prepared to put Antonio's life at risk by asking him to sign the rather fishy bond with Shylock. True, he does protest at the terms, saying"
"*You shall not seal to such a bond for me!"
"but he allows his protests to be easily brushed aside."
8
"*Model Answer (Cont.)"
"Worse is to come. Instead of using the money for its declared purpose, he immediately proves his spendthrift nature by buying new livery for his servants and throwing a feast for all his friends."
" "
"Our opinions of Bassanio start to change when he comes to try his luck at the trial of the caskets."
"Although Portia tries to delay his choice, he insists on choosing immediately,"
"* let me choose"
"*For as I am, I live upon the rack."
"showing a determination that we have not previously noticed."
7
"*Model Answer (Cont.)"
"Now we see a depth of thought and character that were not guessed at before, as Bassanio gives a long speech before making his choice."
"First he reveals that he will not make Morocco's mistake of being deceived by appearances, with the words"
"*So may the outward shows be least themselves;"
"*The world is still deceived with ornament."
"Then he expands on this theme with several examples, such as cowards who wear 'the beards of Hercules', and women who wear 'crisped, snaky golden locks' although 'the skull that bred them' is 'in the sepulchre'."
"With these words he discards the showiness of the gold casket."
9
"*Model Answer (Cont.)"
"When it comes to actually choosing a casket, Bassanio also passes by the silver casket, dismissing silver as"
"* ...common drudge"
"*'Tween man and man."
"This is certainly a different Bassanio from the one who seemed only interested in money in the first Act."
" "
"Having made the correct choice, Bassanio confirms our improved perception of him by expressing his genuine love for Portia, first by a poetic description of her picture's beauty:"
"*What demi-god"
"*Hath come so near creation?"
8
"*Model Answer (Cont.)"
"Then he wittily asserts that the picture lags far behind the reality in beauty."
"* Yet look how far"
"*The substance of my praise doth wrong this shadow"
"*In underprizing it."
"Finally he expresses his extreme joy at his success, and is pleased that Gratiano will share his wedding day by marrying Nerissa."
" "
"At the end of the scene, Bassanio receives the news that Antonio has failed to repay Shylock's loan and must forfeit a pound of flesh."
8
"*Model Answer (Cont.)"
"We realise the true depth of his feelings for Antonio by his reaction on reading the letter. As Portia remarks, the letter's contents 'steal the colour from Bassanio's cheek."
"He also modestly reveals the true state of his financial affairs to Portia - saying that he had borrowed money from Antonio."
"His words about Antonio also reveal the great respect he has for him:"
"*The dearest friend to me, the kindest man,"
"*The best conditioned and unwearied spirit"
"*In doing courtesies...."
"as do his actions. He hurriedly marries Portia, and rushes off to Venice to bring comfort and assistance to Antonio."
4
"*Model Answer (Cont.)"
"So the casket scene reveals that our first impressions of Bassanio were unjust. He truly does love Portia and his friendship for Antonio is genuine, not just self-serving. He may be extravagant, but he is also intelligent, witty and thoughtful."
