"Below are some possible essay topics suitable for O Level questions on 'The Merchant of Venice'. Use these topics for revision by writing or planning the essays and comparing your work with that of a friend."
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"1. Compare the characters of the Princes of Morocco and Arragon."
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"2. Describe in some detail the the scene where Bassanio chooses a casket. Explain the logic which leads him to choose the correct casket."
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"3. What have you learnt about human nature by reading and studying 'The Merchant of Venice'?"
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"4. Compare and contrast the world of Venice and the world of Belmont."
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"5. What is the importance in the play of the sub-plot concerning Lorenzo and Jessica."
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"6. Discuss the ways in which Shakespeare has made Shylock a character of depth and humanity and not just a stereotyped villain."
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"7. Portia describes herself as '...an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpractised...' Is this a suitable judgement on her character?"
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"8. Describe in some detail the last scene of the play, including the setting and the dialogue. Is this scene important to the play as a whole?"
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"9. Using examples from at least three different scenes, discuss the use of humour in the play."
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"10. Describe the character of Bassanio, commenting especially on whether you consider him worthy of Portia."
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"11. Show how the lottery of the caskets reveals the character of each of the three suitors."
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"12. It has been pointed out that many of the events in 'The Merchant of Venice' are rather unlikely. Describe in some detail three such events, and justify your choice."
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"13. Describe in some detail the episode relating to the rings given by Portia and Nerissa to Bassanio and Gratiano. What importance does this episode have to the ending of the play."
