"!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."
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"*COMMENT"
"Be sure to trace the whole history of the rings (Bassanio's is mentioned in Act III). Note that this episode has a serious dramatic purpose."
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"*ANSWER PLAN"
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"- Giving of the rings"
" - Portia gives B. the ring when she gives herself"
" - She says he must never part with it"
" - Nerissa presumably gives G. a ring at the same time"
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"- Husbands give away the rings"
" - Disguised Portia asks for ring as reward"
" - B. resists, and she leaves 'unhappy'"
" - Antonio persuades B. to change his mind"
" - Gratiano takes the ring to Portia"
" - Nerissa plans to get G.'s ring as well"
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"- Discovery and teasing"
" - Gratiano and Nerissa quarrel first"
" - Bassanio is forced to confess the loss of his ring"
" - Portia, Nerissa are 'angry'"
" - They threaten to offer sexual favours to Doctor & clerk"
" - Antonio feels guilty"
" - Portia reveals the disguise, all is well"
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"- Importance of episode"
" - maintains dramatic interest after end of Bond story"
