Question 1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are 'a pound of flesh:" Take then thy bond, take thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice. (i) Who is the speaker of the above lines? To whom are the above words spoken? Where are they at present? [3] (ii) Which bond is being referred to in the extract? What would Antonio have to forfeit if he failed to fulfill the conditions stated in the bond? Explain: This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are 'a pound of flesh' (iv) What would happen if the person spoken to shed even a drop of Antonio's blood? [3] [3] [3] (v) What previous offer is the person spoken to ready to accept immediately after this? Why do you think this person is ready to accept such an offer? What does the person state in reply?,
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(i) The speaker in the above lines is Portia, dressed as a young doctor of law. The above words are spoken to Shylock. They are at court of Venice.
(ii) The bond of lending Bassanio Three thousand ducats, for three months to Bassanio and Antonio signs the bond. A pound of flesh, if he fails to repay the amount in time.
(iii) It means that, the bond does not state any shed of blood, and the words here expressed are exactly a pound of flesh, not lesser nor greater than a pound of flesh.
(iv) If Shylock shreds even a single drop of Christian blood , all his properties would be confiscated and would face a death penalty.
(v) He would immediately accept three times the sum. The person is ready to accept such an offer because, it is impossible to not to shed a single drop of blood, and take no risks. The person state in replies that he shall have nothing but the bond.
It's been long since i touched MOV so i don't remember so much. Hope this helped!!