Machant of Venice (Act 4 Scene 2 and Shylock Character Study #2)

What invitation does Portia refuse and why?

She refuses to go to dinner with Bassanio. She does it because she and Nerissa had to go back to Belmont to arrive there before their husbands.

What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?

She plans to get her husband's ring.

Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel? Use examples to support your thinking.

I really still admire her the same as I did at the start. I think she has a good mindset and she's brave. So she's fine.

                   

Shylock Character Study #2

How does he behave when he thinks he is winning?
Shylock acts childish.

Is his behavior what you expected of him based on the story so far?
Yeah, I guess because Shylock has acted similarly in other situations.

Why do lines 40-46 offer a particularly chilling comparison? What is Shylock saying?
Shylock says "You'll ask me why I rather choose to have A weight of carrion flesh than to receive Three thousand ducats. I'll not answer that But say it is my humor. Is it answered? What if my house is troubled with a rat And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats To have it banded? What, are you answered yet?" On spark notes, it translates too...
"You're going to ask me why I'd rather have a pound of decaying flesh than three thousand ducats. I won't answer that. Let's just say it's because I feel like it. Is that enough of an answer? What if I had a rat in my house, and I felt like paying ten thousand ducats to have it exterminated? Do you have your answer yet."

How does Shylock react when he becomes the victim?
He becomes very helpless with what is happening.