THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

By the end of this unit, students will be able to: evaluate Shakespeare’s development of a potentially stereotypical character beyond stereotype; trace the development of themes in this play (e.g., the question of mercy versus justice, the distinction between appearance and reality); examine Shakespeare’s use of figurative and rhetorical devices, specifically and analyze their contribution to the overall tone, mood, and aesthetic appeal of the play (e.g., epistrophe, malapropism, puns and wordplay); identify the main plot and three subplots of this play and analyze their interrelationships; and analyze the plot and subplots in terms of the five-act dramatic structure. 95 pages. ©2008.