Act 1 Scene 1

Questions

1. Whom is Antonio hanging out with on a street in Venice?
2. What does Antonio say about the origin of his sadness?
3. What do Solanio and Salerio do instead of trying to cheer Antonio up?
4. What do Solanio and Salerio suggest might have caused Antonio's depression?
5. Why is Antonio certain that his merchandise at sea is not the cause of his sadness?
6. What other reason does Solanio suggest might have caused Antonio's sadness?
7. Which of Antonio's friends come onstage?
8. Why do Salerio and Solanio hastily take their leave after more friends enter?
9. What does Graziano say about men who are quiet and sad-looking?
10. What does Antonio ask Bassanio about when they're left alone?
11. What has finally come back to bite Bassiano in the butt?
12. Why does Bassanio think he's obligated to reveal a scheme he's concocted to get himself out of debt?
13. Which woman has Bassanio discovered?
14. What is Bassanio certain of if he appeared as rich or worthy as Portia's suitors?
15. Why can't Antonio offer financial support for Bassanio's plan?
16. How does Antonio tell Bassanio to raise money for his plan?

Answers

1. His friends Salerio and Solanio
2. He's not sure what has caused it.
3. They volunteer reasons why he might be depressed.
4. Worry about all the big ventures he's financed at sea
5. He's diversified his assets so no single venture can make or break his fortunes.
6. Being in love
7. Lorenzo, Graziano, and Bassanio
8. They know Graziano is going to wax on for longer than they care to stick around.
9. They seem thoughtful, but they're likely to be as foolish as anyone else.
10. His secret pilgrimage to see a lady
11. He's in financial trouble for living well above his means.
12. He owes Antonio the most love and money.
13. Portia
14. He believes he could convince her to marry him.
15. His money is tied up in his sea ventures.
16. He tells him to try his hand at raising some money around Venice on credit, using Antonio's good name.