Grading

.

Participation :   50 pts.

I will award points on participation, effort, and attendance.

In Class Writing/ Activities : 50 pts.

Two free writing assignments 5 pts. each.

If you do the assignments you get the points.

Two web quest assignments 20 pts each.   

See the web quest for the checklists.

PowerPoint Presentation : 100 pts.

See web quest for the checklist.

Unit Test : 175 pts.

Memorization : 25 pts.

See hand out.

If you have any questions, comments, and or concerns I would be happy to chat with you outside of class.

Using a Feminist Lens on The Merchant of Venice

Today, we are going to use a feminist lens to discuss chapter two. Using a feminist lens is looking at the language of the text, the relationship between the characters and the portrayal of both male and female characters, and the author's point of view through the view of a woman. I have listed three main women characters below. I want you to write a descriptive statement about each character. The first view is looking through a traditional lens, basically you're first impression of the character. The second view is through a feminist lens this is your opinion on how the male characters affect the roles of the female characters.

Nerissa:

Traditional View

Feminist View

Portia

Traditional View

Feminist View

Jessica

Traditional View

Feminist View

Discussion Questions for Act I

•  In the beginning of the play Antonio is sad. In line 79 he tells his friends “ A stage where every man must play a part and mine a sad one.” Though Shakespeare never gives an answer why do you think Antonio is sad? (Make sure to ask for support in the text.)

•  In line 121 Bassanio gives a monologue of how beautiful Portia is. After you read of Portia and her descriptions of her Suitors to Nerissa, how does your view change of Portia?

•  Is Portia's representation of her suitors accurate or based on stereotypes?

•  How do first impressions effect stereotypes?

•  Though Bassanio loves Portia, love does not seem to be enough. How is Bassanio's need for money a representation of how money and love are viewed in today's society?

•  Is money as important now as it was back then? Why?

•  Portia's father has designed a clever way to find the right suitor for her daughter. How are arranged marriages viewed in today's society compared to back then?

•  In what ways do arrange marriages still exist if they exist at all?

•  What is your reaction to Shylock and how the characters treat him?

•  What is your reaction to Shylock's penalty if Antonio does not meet his bond?

•  In what ways is Shylock's bond a recipe for revenge?

Feminist lens Discussion of Act II

•  If Portia is strong in her beliefs as a woman why does she follow the plans of her dead father?

•  What does Nerissa mean when she says, “Hanging and wiving goes by destiny.”  

•  Given this line does Shakespeare think women have control over their destiny?

•  Look at the casket scene again. Did Portia know what was in the casket? Does she say anything to persuade the characters into choosing the wrong one?

•  Jessica has a very controlling father do you think she is justified to run away, convert to Christianity, and start a life on her own?

•  In a woman's world does a man's opinion affect the decision a woman makes?

•  How are women treated now compared to back then? Have views of gender equality changed for the better, or is some of the text still representative of what happens today?

Act III Discussion Questions :

•  What tragic thing happened that marks the turning point of the play?

•  How is the tragedy going to affect the other characters?

•  Does Shylock's speech speak more towards mercy or revenge?

•  According to the famous speech Shylock gives in Act III how does Shakespeare feel about Jews?

•  Was Shakespeare anti-Semitic because he used stereotypes?

•  Does anger justify revenge? Why?

•  How is Shylock's speech a reflection of mercy for minorities?

•  In Act III scene v Portia speaks of the impression of men. How is this a reflection of her character?

•  Read the end of Act III scene v does Portia still seem innocent? Why?

•    Jessica seems to be a big fan of Portia, does Portia deserve Jessica's praise?   (Morris 110)

Discussion Questions for Act IV

•  What happens at the end of the act?

•  In your opinion does Shylock receive a fair trial?

•  Do you think his punishment is merciful? Why or Why not?

•  Which character most gains your respect in the trial scene? Why?

•  Which character do you respect least? (142)

•  How is Portia's test a symbol of relationship insecurity?

•  In your experiences have you ever tested someone you cared about to find out the truth? What was the result?

•  If Portia did not have the money to and the resources to disguise her, how would the trial have played out?

•  In the play, power and money-dictated freedom and mercy, is that still true today?

•  What passage in the play best expresses the quality of mercy?

•  Do you agree with the passage or is it a lie? Why?

•  How is the trial scene a representation of today's judicial system?

•  Does being a minority in the court system help or hinder a person accused of a crime in a court case? Why?

•  Do you think Shylock is finished? Why?

Discussion Questions for Act V:

•  What happens in the end of the play?

•  Who are the three couples that end up married?

•  Why does Shakespeare have an Act V?

•  Is Act V overkill? Why or Why not?

•  What are some similarities and differences you see in comparing Shylock to Portia?

•  There are three married couples at the end of the play. Given what you know about each character, how do you think their marriages will end up?

•  Do you think the basis of the relationships represents why people get married in real life?

•  What do you think happened to Shylock?

•  From what you know of the text, if you were a director what type of impact would Shylock being on stage have on the audience?

•  Nerissa seems to rush off and marry Gratiano. In what way does this relationship show the effects of peer pressure?

•  Do you know of people who have made a hasty decision? What has been the outcome?

•  Deception is a key in the success of many of these characters in the play. Can a person not deceive someone in order to survive in the world?

•  What are the similarities and differences between Shylock and Portia?

Please go to www.d.umn.edu/~jb u ck/portfolio for my Web quest

Grading Procedure

The grading of this Unit is based on a Rubric and Checklist point system.

Participation:   50 pts.

In class writing and activities: 50 pts.

Note: If the student does the in class writing exercises he or she will get five points for each assignment completed. The activities are worth twenty points each.

Memorization: 25 pts.

PowerPoint Presentation: 100 pts

Unit Test: 175 pts

Below are the rubrics, writing prompts, unit test, and memorization handout that are required for this unit.

Activity Two Rubric

___ out of twenty pts

Comments:

Activity Three Rubric

___ out of twenty points

Comments:

PowerPoint Presentation Rubric

____ out of one hundred points

Comments:

The Merchant of Venice : Unit Test

_____________Name

Matching

Passage Identification :

Instruction: Below is a list of passages. Please identify the six passages. I expect you to tell me who said the passage, who the passage was directed too, and the main theme behind the passage, in order to receive full credit.   15 pts. each.  

  Her name is Portia —nothing undervalu'd To Cato's daughter, Brutus' Portia: Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, For the four winds blow in from every coast 170 Renowned suitors, and her sunny locks Hang on her temples like a golden fleece; Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchos' strond, And many Jasons come in quest of her. O my Antonio! had I but the means 175 To hold a rival place with one of them, I have a mind presages me such thrift That I should questionless be fortunate

He lends out money gratis, and brings down 35 The rate of usance here with us in Venice . If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. He hates our sacred nation; and he rails, Even there where merchants most do congregate, 40 On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift, Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe If I forgive him!

Alack, what heinous sin is it in me 15 To be asham'd to be my father's child! But though I am a daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners. O Lorenzo! If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife, Become a Christian and thy loving wife

I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs,
dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same
weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed
and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us
do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do
we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will
resemble you in that. If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge. If a
Christian wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by Christian
example? Why, revenge. The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will
better the instruction. (III.i.49–61)

Why, yet it lives there uncheck'd that Antonio hath
a ship of rich lading wrecked on the narrow seas;
the Goodwins, I think they call the place; a very
dangerous flat and fatal, where the carcasses of many
a tall ship lie buried, as they say, if my gossip
Report be an honest woman of her word.

You would be, sweet madam, if your miseries were in
the same abundance as your good fortunes are: and
yet, for aught I see, they are as sick that surfeit
with too much as they that starve with nothing.

Essay

Please pick two of the following questions to answer. 65 pts.

You have seen professional actors struggle with how to portray Shylock. Each actor had his point of view. Using the text as your support, write how you would portray Shylock and why?

Shakespeare gave Portia's character a feeling of high standards when it came to men. In Act II she points out everything that is wrong with her suitors. Given her high standards do you think she needed her fathers help in deciding whom to marry? Why do you think Shakespeare would make this decision in his writing? Use the text to support your answer.

Given what you know about the trial scene, did Shylock receive a fair trial? Use the text to support your answer.

Explain how the quote below pertains to the play. Please use the text to support your answer.

“Money is the root of all evil.”

Mesmerizing Memorization

There are two reasons why I am having you guys and gals do this exercise. The first is I think it is important to know a little bit of Shakespeare. It is impressive when someone can recite Shakespeare to make his or her point in a conversation, woe the lady or guy he is after, or more importantly impress his or her English Teacher. The second reason I am requiring this assignment is because it will begin to build the communication skills you will need when you present the PowerPoint to your class. Now that I have covered the why of this exercise, here is what I expect:

•  The recitation of memorized lines will be do two days before your PowerPoint presentation.

•  The quote must be 5-10 lines long. You will recite them to me so no one will be watching you. I will give you two practice tries, but if you have more then two mistakes I will ask you to take your seat and have you practice.

•  My office hours are from 7:00 a.m. to when class starts and from 3:00-5:00 p.m. I will also be available during my prep period.

•  How I will grade is simple. If you do the exercise you will get 25 pts. If you don't do the exercise you will get a 0.

•  If for some reason you have reservations about this exercise, please come talk to me and we will work something out.

Participation Rubric

___ out of fifty points

Comments:

Writing Prompts for Act I and II

Act I: In the play Portia says some stereotypical things about the nationality of her suitors. Do people still give stereotypes to nationalities today?

Act II: As Lancelot, imagine that you wrote to your father just after entering Shylock's service. Look at lines 85-92 for clues to what you might report. Add extra details as appropriate the write the letter. (Morris 38)

Student Resources

• Computers with Internet and PowerPoint capabilities
• Desks
• Electronic/ overhead projector
• Chalkboard
• A script of William Shakespeare's, The Merchant of Venice
• Pens, pencils, markers, scissors, and construction paper
• Glue, feathers, and other creative elements to make a mask
• A large classroom
• Notebooks
• Fifty minutes or more for each class period