How is the plot introduced? or what is the exposition? (_The Merchant of Venice_, p. 148.)
As there are two main stories, so there are two climaxes. What are they? Which of these we regard as the climax of the play will depend on which story we consider the more important in the development of the plot.
How does the Launcelot-Gobbo episode help to bring out the character of Bassanio? of Shylock? Do you think it serves any other purpose?
How does the Lorenzo-Jessica story help to weave together the two main stories? to arouse us against Shylock? to make us sympathize with him? Does it serve to bring out any other characters?
How does the rings episode aid in interweaving the two main plots? in developing main characters?
Why did not Shakespeare end the play with Act IV?
CHARACTERS.--In making Shylock the cruel man that the story requires, Shakespeare was in danger of making him too inhuman to be of interest to an audience. Show in detail how he avoided this danger.
What kind of master was Shylock? What kind of father? What good traits had he?
By what traits do you distinguish Salanio, Salarino, and Salerio, or do you think that they lack individuality? Do Gratiano and Lorenzo have distinctive traits?
What evidence have we that Jessica was an attractive girl? What were her surroundings, her companions, her employments, so far as we can judge? What effect would such conditions naturally have upon a girl?
Compare Shylock with Isaac of York; Jessica with Rebecca.
How was Antonio regarded by Bassanio and his friends? by Shylock? by the Duke? What traits of character does he show in what he says and does?
What anxiety have we reason to believe Antonio had for Bassanio? What hints do we get of Bassanio's previous actions and employments? What idea do we get of Bassanio's ideals from his words and acts? What impression of his character do we get from the devotion of Portia and Antonio to him?
What successive impressions do we get of Portia from what Bassanio says of her in I, 1? from her conversation with Nerissa in I, 2? from her manner and language toward the unsuccessful suitors? from her bearing toward Bassanio? from her planning to relieve Antonio and the successful carrying out of her plans? and lastly from her part in the ring episode?