Question 1 : Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Lorenzo : Nay, we will slink away in supper-time,
Disguise us at my lodging, and return
All in an hour.
Gratiano : We have not made good preparation.
(i) Where are Lorenzo and Gratiano at this time? Who others are present with them?
Answer : Lorenzo and Gratiano were at a street in Venice when they had this meeting. Salarino and Salanio were also present with them.
(ii) Why, according to Gratiano, have they not made good preparations?
Answer : There was a procession on the night being discussed here. They were to be dressed in masks. However, they had no preparations to arrange for torch-bearers. Thus, Gratiano commented that they were ill-prepared.
(iii) Do they succeed in the venture they had planned for the night?
Answer : Yes, Lorenzo asked the others to help him elope with Jessica that night. Jessica got dressed as a man and joined the procession as Lorenzo’s torch-bearer. Her father was away from home at this time and thus was unaware of all these happenings.
(iv) How does Launcelot help them in concerting Lorenzo’s planning?
Answer : Launcelot had been instructed by Jessica to give a letter to Lorenzo. The letter contained a well laid-out plan for their elopement. Launcelot gave that letter to Lorenzo. He also informed that her father would be away from home that night.
(v) Why is Lorenzo saying that they would slip away in dinner-time?
Answer : Lorenzo has a plan set for the night. He is in love with Jessica who is Shylock’s daughter. Lorenzo is a Christian and Jessica is a Jew. Her father will not approve of their relationship. Hence, they are planning to elope that night when her father would be away from home.