Brothers,
By reading closely and carefully the work of literary masters such as Shakespeare, we learn how to write well ourselves. I know that it has been difficult and tedious work for you to understand the archaic English of Shakespeare's play. But hopefully the experience of interpreting his work will give you a greater appreciation for the richness of language and the many ways we can manipulate it to suit some greater, poetic purpose. That is at least my hope for you, anyway.
That said, I would like to have you flex your creative brain muscles once again: Please translate one of the following bits of dialogue from each scene of ACT I of The Merchant of Venice into plain, everyday speech.
Pay attention to how this activity is suited to help you understand the underlying themes and morals that come across in character speech.
I.i.1-56
I.i.80-104
I.i.122-185
I.ii.27-101
I.iii.71-97
I.iii.101-132
I.iii.156-177
You may work individually or in a group of two. These will be due on the blog by class-time Friday, Dec. 12, 2008.
Now have a go with this fair dealing, lads.
Please be sure to head your translation properly, indicating name(s), my name, class, date due. Also, where appropriate, indicate character names involved in dialogical exchange. Be sure to title each translation with the given act and scene from the text. Post only your translation.
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13 comments:
Joe Rabel
December 10, 2008
Brit. Lit.
Bro Peach
Act 1 Translation
Act 1 scene 1 lines 80- 104
Gratiano
Believe me, you look different.
Antonio
For me the world is just a world. Gratiano, the world is a place where everyone does their own thing in life. But for me it is a sad thing.
Gratiano
I will be the happy fool and get laughed at to my face. I would rather drink to much wine than starve myself by denying myself fun. Why should anyone sit still like a statue? Why should he sleep when he’s not tired? I love you, and I’m telling you this because I care about you, Antonio-there are men who look too serious. Their faces never show any expression, like statues. They’re silent and boring, and they think they are smart, important, and respectable. When they talk, they think everybody else should listen. I know a lot of men like that, Antonio. They only reason they are considered wise is because they don’t say anything. I’m sure if they ever talked everyone would see how stupid they are.
Act 1 scene 2 lines 27-101
Nerissa
Your Dad was an extremely well morale man, and a religious man such as himself got a ridiculous idea on his deathbed. His idea was to have a game with 3 boxes. The man who picks the right box wins the right to have you. No one will ever choose the right box that doesn’t deserve your love. So tell me Portia do you like any of the princes?
Portia
Run through the list ill describe them and based on my description you can tell what I think of them.
Nerissa
How about the Prince of Naples?
Portia
Ah! Yes him he is a great character but he boosts about his horse too much.
Nerissa
Well next there’s Count Palatine
Portia
He is a very unemotional person who is very depressing, id rather marry a dead person then either of these two!
Nerissa
The French Lord, Monsieur Le Bon?
Portia
I know its bad to make fun of these but still this man frowns more than Count Palatine. He tries to outdo everyone, he was so eager to show off his fencing skills he would fence his own shadow. He is so energetic it’s like 20 people in one. I could never love him.
Nerissa
What about Falconbridge, that young English baron?
Portia
I don’t know what to think of him, we never talk. He doesn’t speak Latin, French, or Italian, and I can barely speak English. He looked quite odd too; different parts of his outfit were from random countries.
Nerissa
What do u think about the Scottish lord?
Portia
He was very kind and forgiving for letting the English man and the French man hit him and he did not hit back.
Nerissa
How did you like the young German, the duke of Saxony’s nephew?
Portia
He is a drunk and always has a hangover in the morning and is wasted later that day. If he died, to put it nicely, I would not miss him.
Nerissa
But if he picks the right box, you have to marry him. It would be disobeying your father’s orders if you reject him.
Portia
I know but please but a glass of wine on the wrong casket to tempt him into picking the wrong one so I do not have to marry him.
Nerissa
Please do not worry about any of these people my lady.
Act 1 Scene 3 lines 156-177
Shylock
Come with me to a notary and lets make this deal legal and to add a little fun to this deal, as a joke. If I don’t get the money by the deadline, for the money you promised me, you will have to give me a pound of flesh to be cut off from wherever I want on your body.
Antonio
It’s a deal and I’ll even say that Jews are nice too if I don’t pay you back.
Bassanio
No! You can’t sign such a deal like that; it would make me look like a fool. I’d rather loose the money.
Antonio
Don’t worry about it. Ill have the money within two months, that’s one month before I owe the amount. I should make more than three times the amount of the money u lent me with this recent investment.
Shylock
Oh father Abraham, what kind of people are these Christians? Please tell me what happens if he doesn’t repay me? What good can I do with a pound of flesh?
Sam Miclot
December 10, 2008
Brit. Lit.
Bro. Peach
Act 1 Translation
I.i. 80-104
Antonio-the world is a stage where every person has a part to play. My part in the play is a sad one
Gratiano- Then I'll play the happy part until I get wrinkles on my face. I'd rather get drunk than instead of not having any fun. Why should any man that wants to have fun sit still like a statue? Why should he sleep when he is awake? I love you, and I'm telling you this because of my love for you Antonio. There are men who always are serious. They never show any expression.They think because they are not any fun that they are wise and respectable. They think everybody else should keep quiet when they talk . I know a lot of men like that, Antonio. The only reason anyone thinks that the are wise is because they don’t say anything. If they did they would be looked at as an idiot. Lets talk later though. Lets be happy now. That is what I think,but I am no smarter than any other person.Let's go, Lorenzo. We will talk after dinner Antonio.
I.ii. 27-101
Nerissa- Your father was an extremely great man, and people get weird ideas on their deathbeds. Your father's idea was to have a game with three boxes. The suitor who can figure out whether to pick the gold, silver, or lead box will solve your father's riddle and win you. No one will choose the right box that doesn’t deserve you. Do you like any of the men who have come?
Portia- Run through the list, so I can describe them.
Nerissa- Well, first there was the prince from Naples.
Portia- That stallion. All he talked about was his horse. He thinks I will like him beter because he can put a horse shoe on a horse. I think his mother had an affair with a blacksmith.
Nerissa- Then there's the Count Palatine.
Portia- All he does is frown as if he is saying,”I don’t really want you.” Even when there is a funny story he doesn’t laugh. If he is so sad when he is young, I can only imagine how much he will cry as an old man. I'd rather be married to a skull with a bone in its mouth than to either of those men.
Nerissa- What did you think about that French lord, Monsieur le Bon?
Portia- I will call him a man because God created him. I know mockery is a sin, but he only frowns even though he is so blessed. He was trying so hard to beat everyone else that I don’t know who he is. He was showing off by dancing, singing, and fencing. I should marry twenty men instead of him because he is like twenty men all rolled into one man. I would never be able to love him.
Nerissa- What about Falconbridge, the English baron?
Portia- I don’t know him or think anything of him. He doesn’t speak Latin, French, or Italian. You know I don’t speak English well. How could I talk to someone who doesn’t speak my language? He was dressed so weird too. I think he bought all of his clothes in different countries.
Nerissa- What do you think of his neighbor, the Scottish lord?
Portia- I think he is nice. He let the Englishman take advantage of him without even fighting back. He just threatened to pay him back later. Then he frenchmen promised to help pay the scot back, just disrespecting him again.
Nerissa-How did you like the young German, the duke of Saxony's nephew?
Portia- He is a horrible person in the morning, when he is sober. In the afternoon, he is even more horrible. When he is good, he is less than a man,but when he is bad, he is like an animal. I think I can live without him
Nerissa- But if he plays and chooses the wrong casket and you refuse him, you will be disobeying your father.
Portia- I know. Put wine on the wrong caskett, I know he will be tempted and chose that one. Nerissa, I would do anything not to be married to him.
Nerissa- Don’t worry Portia. All these men have told me what they want, which is to leave and forget about you. Unless they could win you in a way that is not left to chance.
Portia- The only way I will be won is by my father’s rules. I’m glad they are leaving because i don’t love any of them. I hope they have a nice trip home.
I.iii.156-177
Antonio-Do not worry Bassanio. I won't have to pay any penalty. A month before I need to pay the loan I expect to earn more than three times that much from my investments.
Shylock- Oh father Abraham, what kind of people are these Christians? Their own meanness teaches them to suspect other people. If he fails to repay me by the deadline, what do I get? A pound of human flesh taken isn't even as valuable as a pound of mutton. I'm just offering this as a favor. If he agrees, great but if not goodbye. I hope you won't think badly of me.
Antonio-I will sign the contract and agree to its terms
Shylock-Then meet me right away at the notary's. Give him the instructions for our contract, and I will get the money for you. I need to check in at home first, because a careless servant is in charge right now. I'll see you soon.
Vinnie Venturella and Devon Mancini
Brother Robert Peach
Eng. 141.07
12-12-08
1.i 80-104
Gratiano- Trust me, you have changed al ot.
Antonio- The world is a stage and everyone must play a part; mine is a sad one.
Gratiano- Let the good times with riches and happiness, let me become an old alcoholic, near death i will groan because i want to be alive unlike my grandfather, and have to be shy and not live my life.
Antonio, my dear friend, some men don't live their life and grow like a bump on a log, and are entertained by watching paint dry , who let society decide what they should believe in, and whoever says "Listen to me with no distractions." will live their lives. Antonio, I heard stories that there are people that are wise, but don't say anything because they don't live their lives and if they would speak they could their whole audience in damnation.
1.iii. 71-97
Portia- I speak little English. So how can I converse when we do not understand each other. He is oddly dressed, and must of bought his jacket in Italy, wide breeches in France, his hat in Germany and his behavior is a mixture of all these places.
Nerrissa- What do you think about the Scottish Lord who is his neighbor?
Portia- He has a neighborly friendliness to hi, he let the Englishmen slap his ear, and instead of defending himself that he would pay him back later. I think the Frenchmen became in his debt and would add his own blow to his ear as well, promising to retaliate.
Nerissa- How do you like the young German, the Duke of Saxony’s nephew?
Portia- Very unpleasant in the morning, when he is sober and in the afternoon when he’s drunk he is even more unpleasant. He’s never really a man even at his best and when he is at his worst he’s barely human. And if the worst would happen, I hope I won’t need his help.
Nerissa- If he offered to pick one of the casket’s and chose the right one, you would disobey your father if you did not choose him.
Portia- If that happens, fear the worst. I hope there’s a drink on the other casket, and I know he will choose it. I will not do anything . Nerissa, but I will have to be married to a deadbeat.
J. Harry Farina & Mike Kretz
December 11, 2008
Bro. Peach
Brit. Lit. 141
Translation of Act 1
I.i.80-104
Antonio: Everyone has a part in the world Gratiano. Mine is a sad one.
Gratiano: And my part is the fool. I am getting old and I would rather fill my liver with wine than not have fun. Why should someone sleep when he is awake? I am telling you Antonio, I love you and it is through my love that I am telling you this. There are men like this. They think they are wise and everyone should be like them. They are only wise because they don’t say anything. If they did speak they would be fools too. I will tell you more at a different time.
I.ii.27-101
Nerissa: Your father was a good man, and holy men have good inspirations on their deathbed. He devised a plan where someone can pick a gold, silver, or lead box and whoever chooses the right one is right for you. Do you like any of these suitors?
Portia: Please name them. I will describe them as you name them and show you how I feel.
Nerissa: First there is the Prince from Naple.
Portia: Yes he is a stallion, but all he does is talk about his own horse. He brags about how he can shoe a horse by himself. I am afraid his mother my have had an affair with a blacksmith too.
Nerissa: Then there is the County Palatine.
Portia: He does nothing but frown like he does not care. He does not smile when he hears funny stories. If he is this sad now, imagine him when he is older. I would rather marry a skull with a bone in its mouth than either of these men. God protect me from them.
Nerissa: What do you think about the French Lord, Monsieur le Bon?
Portia: God created him, so we can call him a man. I know it is a sin to make fun of people, but his horse is better than the Neapolitan’s and frowns more than the Count Palatine. He was a big show off. If I married him, I might as well marry twenty men. I would forgive him if he hated me because if he loved me, I would not love him back.
Nerissa: What about Falconbridge, the young baron of England?
Portia: I don’t know anything about him because we do not understand each other. He does not speak Latin, French, of Italian and I do not speak English very well. He is good-looking, but how can you talk with someone you can not understand. He was also dressed weird. I think he got his jacket in Italy, his tights in France, his hat in Germany, and his behavior from everywhere.
Nerissa: What do you think of the Scottish lord, his neighbor?
Portia: I think he is a good man because he let the Englishman slap him on the ear without hitting him back and said he would pay him back later.
Nerissa: How do you like the young German, the Duke of Saxony’s nephew?
Portia: Very vile in the morning when he is sober, and most vile in the afternoon when he is drunk. When he is at his best, he behaves worse than a man, and little better than a beast. If we were to be together I am sure I could adjust my life to go on without him.
Nerissa: If he plays the game and chooses the right casket, you would not obey your father’s will and refuse to accept him?
Portia: Yes, so please put a very full glass of Rhenish wine on the wrong casket, because I know he will be tempted, I know he will choose it. I will do anything Nerissa not to be married to a drunk.
Nerissa: You do not have to fear my lady, of any of these lords.
I.iii.156-177
Shylock: I will show you how kind I can be. Come with me to a notary, and we will make it final and you will not feel uncertain in me anymore; and as joke, if you do not repay me on that given day, in the place, for the amount we agreed on in the contract, the consequence will be a pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken from whatever body part that pleases me.
Antonio: Agreed. I will agree to these terms, and say that there is much kindness in the Jew.
Bassanio: You will not do this for me! I would rather remain in need.
Antonio: Do not be fearful, I will not loose it! I have to pay this in two months-that is a month before this contract expires-I do expect to have an income three time the value off this bond.
Shylock: O father Abram, what type of people are these Christians, whose own hard dealings teaches them to suspect badness in others. Please tell me this: if he can not pay me back by the deadline, what should I gain from this penalty? A pound of flesh taken from a man that is not worth as what flesh from muttons, beefs or goats.
Branford Phillips
Bro. Peach
Brit. Lit
12/12/08
I.i.80-104
Antonio: I see the world like a play where everyone has a part, Gratiano. My part is a sad one.
Gratiano: Then I should be the guy who gets wrinkles from laughing too hard. Why should good people have to suffer like their already dead? To sleep when they’re awake? And have their judgment so distorted from being so angry all the time? Look, Antonio (As your friend, listen to me): I know all about these kinds of people, their visions clouded, adopt a deadly silence with the hope of gaining reputation so high, when he speaks, no else would. Trust me Antonio, I know these people. You might think they’re smart when they don’t say anything, but when they do, they damn everyone who hears, who in turn, would damn their own brothers.
I.ii.27-101
Nerissa: Your father was a good man, and like all good men, they have good intentions. This means in this test he created, with three caskets of gold, silver and lead, whoever chooses the right one is the one who you will marry. But how do you feel about your potential suitors?
Portia: Why don’t you go through their names and I’ll describe each one based on how I feel.
Nerissa: The first one is the Neapolitan prince.
Portia: He’s too proud. He does nothing but talk about his horse, and he makes it a good addition to his supposed achievements. I bet his mother cheated with a blacksmith.
Nerissa: What about Count Palatine?
Portia: He never smiles, as much as to say, “Do what you want”. He could hear the happiest stories and still not smile. When he gets old he’ll probably be like Heraclitus of Ephesus. I’d rather marry a skull with a bone in its mouth than these two.
Nerissa: What do think about the French lord, Monsieur Le Bon?
Portia: He’s passable as one of God’s children. I know it’s wrong to mock people, but I’ll put it this way: his horse is better than Neapolitan’s and he frowns more than Count Palatine. He has so many different personalities! If a thrush started singing, he’d start dancing. He would fight with his own shadow. It would be like marrying twenty husbands! If he hated me, I’d forgive him, but if he loved me, I won’t return his feelings.
Nerissa: What about Falconbridge, the young baron of England?
Portia: I can’t understand him, nor can he understand me. He doesn’t know any Latin, French or Italian and you know I can barely speak English. He seems like a good man, but how am I supposed to talk to him?
Nerissa: What do think of the Scottish lord?
Portia: That he borrowed money from the Englishman and promised to pay him back as soon as he could. I think perhaps, the Frenchman guaranteed that the Scot would pay back the Englishman and promised to add his own blow as well.
Nerissa: How do you like the young German, the Duke of Saxony’s nephew?
Portia: I dislike him in the morning when he’s sober. I despise him in the afternoon when he’s drunk. He’s worse than a man when he’s at his best and only a little better than an animal at his worst. If worst comes to worst, I’ll have to find a way to say away from him.
Nerissa: If he chooses the right casket and you refuse to accept him, you’ll go against your father’s will.
Portia: That’s why I want you to put a glass of Rhenish wine in the wrong casket. If he’s the drunk I think he is, he’ll take it instead. I’ll do anything to prevent marrying a drunk.
Nerissa: You don’t have to worry about any of the losing suitors.
I.iii.71-97
Antonio: And three months.
Shylock: Oh, right-three months [to Bassanio]
But wait, if I remember correctly, I thought you said you never lend nor borrow money with intrest.
Antonio: I don’t.
Shylock: You remember the story of Jacob? He grazed Laban’s sheep and(thanks to his mother)was the third heir.
Antonio: Did he want interest?
Shylock: Actually, no. No, listen to what he did. Jacob contracted with Laban to serve him for seven years. Jacob’s payment would be the only multicolored lambs born that year. When the ewes were in heat, Jacob drove branches into the ground where the ewes would see them. He believed that the offspring would resemble whatever the mother saw at the time of conception. Doing this, Jacob acquired a huge flock.
Matt Clair
Brett Pippens
Brit Lit
Bro Peach
Translations
I.I.80-104
Gratiano- you look different
Antonio- I regard the world as it is, Gratiano,
everyone has a role to play
My part is unfair
Gratiano- Let me have the sad part
Let me laugh until wrinkles form
I will drink until my liver erodes
And my ambition leave me with life destroying groans
Why should a healthy man
Act like a statue of the dead?
Be in constant inactivity? And be overcome
By jaundice because of bad temper. I’ll tell you what Antonio
( I am speaking from the heart when I say) :
There is a kind of face of some men
That acquire a covering of scum, like a still pond
And adopts a willful silence
Having then a reputation
Of wisdom, gravity, and profound thought
As if he would say “I am Sir Dracle,
And I shall be respected.”
I know about these, Antonio,
They are claimed to be wise
For saying nothing, but I know
If they should speak, it would defile
Those who listened, and put them in danger of damnation
(I.ii.27-101) [brett]
I.iii.71-97
Antonio- for 3 months
Shylock- I forgot- three months-
you told me.
Well its all good, but
I thought you said that you don’t lend or borrow
for profit.
Antonio- That is not my practice.
Shylock- When Jacob served his uncle by taking care of his sheep - Jacob being from out holy Abram was (as his wise mother managed on his behalf) the inheritor of Isaac who inherited from Abraham.
Antonio- so what about him? Did he use interest?
Shylock- Not exactly. Listen to what he did. When Laban and Jacob agreed that all the lambs which were parti-colored should become Jacobs wages, the ewes being in heat at the end of autumn turned to the rams. And when these breeders were in the act, the skillful Sheppard peeled certain wands, and in doing this good deed, the stuck them up before the lustful ewes, who then conceived in lambing time gave birth to parti-colored lambs that then belonged to Jacob. He thrived on this, and he was blessed; and profit is blessing if you don’t steal it.
Brian Fuchs & Corey Wagner
Brosef Peachs
Brit Lit / ENG 141
Friday December 12th, 2008
I.i. 80-104
Gratiano: Trust me You’ve changed a lot.
Antonio: I’ve got everything in the world Gratiano. And everyone has a purpose in life but I have a sad one.
Gratiano: Let me cheer you up. Live life with a smile and laughter. Have a drink and don’t think about the sad. Live your life while you still have it. There are a lot of men who look bitter and serious just so they can get a reputation as a person of wisdom. Antonio, I know men like that and if they opened their mouths, they would sound like idiots
I.ii 27-101
Nerissa-three men wanted to marry near the end of their lives to a rich mans daughter who composed a selection of three chests. The man that chooses the gold chest will win the fathers respect and daughters love in marriage.
Portia-i will show my love by the description that i give for each man
Nerissa- first there is the Neapolitan prince
Portia- no, not him he is to interested in his horse and i feel that his mother had an affair with a smith.
Nerissa- Then there is the Country Palatine
Portia- He does nothing but frown, i feel that when he grows old he will be sad for what he didnt accomplish early in life while the opportunity was still present. God please not either of these!
Nerissa- What about the French Lord, Monsieur Le Bon?
Portia- God made him so carefully. He is everything that no other man is. He is amazing so if he loves me to maddness i would never be mad at him. If he divorces me then i will forgive him.
Nerissa- How about Falconbridge, the baron of England?
Portia- We just dont understand each other. He doesnt speak Latin, French or Italian and i can barely speak English. He looks like a proper man thats why all this clothes are from all over the world.
Nerissa- Scottish lords neighbor?
Portia- He doesn't have a lot, so he borrows from the Englishman and pays him back when he is able to.
Nerissa- How do u like the Duke of Saxony's nephew?
Portia- He isn't much of a man. When his is his best he is a little less than a man but at his worst a little better than a beast.
Nerissa- Just because one man chooses the correct chest doesn't mean that you accept them and love them
Portia- we should switch the true casket with a bottle of fine wine for the wrong people will choose that and i would rather be married to a sponge.
I.iii. 156-177
Shylock: Come with me to the notary Antonio and agree on this deal. If you don’t pay me back on time than I get a pound of flesh from wherever I choose on your body.
Antonio: Sounds good to me and I’ll also say that Jews are kind.
Bassanio: No! Don’t make this deal just for me
Antonio: Don’t worry about it. In two months I’ll have three times the money than the amount of this bond.
Shylock: O God, these Christians are always suspicious of others intentions. If he doesn’t pay me back, I will take a pound of his flesh.
Devon Mancini
Vinney V.
12/11/08
Brit lit
lines 27-101
Nerissa
Your father was a man of many virtues and a holy man indeed he had very good intentions upon his death. He placed gold, silver, and lead in three different chests and whoever picks the right box gets your love. No doubt you will pick the one which you love but what does your affection really mean to these men?
Portia
I pray to you, look their names over, and as i describe them, guess as to which one i have feelings for.
Nerissa
First we have the Neapolitan prince.
Portia
He is a jock, all he talks about is his horse and how he can put his shoes on by himself. I think his mother committed adultery with a blacksmith.
Nerissa
Then we have the Count Palatine.
Portia
All he does is frown and all he says is that i will not choose him. He neve smiles and will grow old with no manners and sadness of his youth. I would rather marry a skull than either of these. Please God protect me from them.
Nerissa
What about the French Lord, Monsieur Le Bon?
Portia
God made him and let him be a man. He has a horse better than the Neapolitan's and frown's more than the Count Palatine. He would fight with his own shadow. IF i marry him i will marry 20 husbands. I will forgive him if he despises me but i will not if he loves me to madness.
Nerissa
How about Falconbridge, the young baron of England?
Portia
I never speak to him. He does not speak Latin, French, or Italian and i speak little English. He dresses very weird too. It is like he got his behavior along with his outfit all over Europe.
Nerissa
What about his neighbor, the Scotish Lord?
Portia
He is a very friendly kind man. When the englishman slapped his ear, instead of defending himself,he said he would pay him back later.
Nerissa
How do you like the young German, the Duke of Saxony's nephew?
Portia
He is always drunk or hung over. When he is sober he is little worse than a man and when he is drunk he is little better than a beast. If the worst should happen to him, i would not lose sleep over it.
Nerissa
But if he chooses the right chest, you must marry him or you will be going against your fathers will.
Portia
I hope they set a glass of wine on the wrong chest because the devil in him will choose the alcohol over me.
Nerissa
You don't need to worry because they have told me their intentions are to go and not bother you any longer.
Shane Yuhas
12.11.2008
Brit. Lit.
Brother Peach
Act 1 Translation
Act 1 Scene 1 lines 80-104
Antonio
For me the world is just a world. Gratiano, everyone is entitled to their own stage of life. Mine is a sad one.
Gratiano
Then, let me happily play the fool with so much laughter i will begin to get the crinkles in my face of an old person due to all the humor. I would rather drink so much wine drowning my own liver rather than killing my hear in destroying my own fun. Why should any human being sit still, and motionless like a statue? Why should anybody sleep while they are awake? Antonio, I love you and i am telling you this because i mean it. Antonio there aare guys out there that always look so serious.Their faces always so still never showing any emotion towards anything or anyone. They reamin still like the scum on top of a pond... but you're different. They are not like you they think they are so wise and better than everyone else. When they talk they think all attention should be on them and everyone else should stop their lives to pay attention to them. They think even pets such as dogs should be muzzled and stop barking. I know alot of guys like that and i am telling you they are only considered wise only for the simple fact that they are so quiet and do not talk to anybody. It's better for them to be quiet because if they did speak finally people would wake up and see how stupid and what such fools they are. I will talk to you more about this later. So cheer up and stop moping around so much will ya?
Act 1 Scene 2lines 27-101
Nerissa
Your Father is a very moral man, and he was religious, and those kinds of people seem to get funny ideas on their deathbed. Your father's great idea was to have some goofy game with three boxes. Your father figured out a way to predetermine the man you will marry by his game. The man who can deside whether to pick the gold, silver, or lead box will solve your father's riddle and be the man for you. Nobody will ever choose the right box he doesn't deserve your love. so share with me... do you like any of the fine young men who've you seen already?
Portia
Start at the top and run through them, as you say each name ill tell you a little something about eachone. The way i describe eachone, you will know which one i am liking.
Nerissa
First, there was the Prince from Naples.
Portia
Hmm yess, a stallion indeed. All he talks about is his horse. He thinks his horse in a way represents who he is. Also, I am afraid his mother may have folled around with a blacksmith.
Nerissa
Then there's the Count Palatine
Portia
All he does is mope around all day with this big gloomy frown on his face saying " If you are not interested in me I do not care too much". He hardly even smiles... not even when a funny story is told. God protect me from these first two guys i mean this one is so grumpy now, i can only imagine how he will be as an old man. I would rather be married to a skeleton.
Nerissa
What about the French Lord, Monsieur Le Bon?
Portia
Since he is a creation of God, we might as well as just call him a man. It is rude to make fun of people! But, his horse is better than the Prince's and he is even more miserable than the Count. He was soooo overdueing it. So much to the point where you couldnt see his true identity. He sang everytime music was played or even especiallly if a bird sang!! And he was sooo into fencing that he would fight anybody, his own shadow if he had to. If i married him i should marry twenty dudes cause that is basically what he is wravelled into one. I can understand if he didnt like me, but he would love me dearly. I could never marry him cause i could never love him back.
Nerissa
What about the English Baron, Falconridge?
Portia
I really don't think too much of him. I don't have much of an opinion on him. We really do not have very good chemistry so we really didnt talk too much at all. He speaks basically just English... he doesnt speak Latin, French, or Italian. You know how much English i speak, hardly any!
I mean don't get me wrong he is great-looking, but how can you have a relationship with someone if you do not even speak the same language? He was dressed kinda funny too i think he got his outfit from different countries. Although i think his personality came from all over.
Nerissa
What about the young English Baron, Falconridge's neighbor... the Scottish Lord?
Portia
I think he is a very kind and forgiving person considering he pretty much got slapped in the ear and he didnt hit him back. Instead of doin what most people would do, defend themself, he simply told him he would get him back later. The frenchman promised the Scot to pay the Englishmen back with a slap of his own.
Nerissa
Well how was the German, The Duke of Saxony's nephew?
Portia
Well he is pretty much a drunk. He is terrible in the morning when he is struggling from a hangover and is trying to sober up! It doesnt get any better when he just gets drunk again in the afternoon. To be nice if he died... i would not miss him one bit.
Nerissa
Well if he picks the right box you are obligated to marry him. If you didnt that would go against your father's wishes.
Portia
Nerissa, i dont care if you have to put a bottle of wine on the wrong box i do not wanna marry a drunk.
Nerissa
Trust me you dont have to worry about these dudes. They just want to hurry home. Unless we find another way to win you other than the box method that your dad created.
Portia
I guess im going to die an old maid and lonely. Unless i am won by my father's wishes.The only thing i am happy about all these suitors is that they didnt win.
Act 1 scene 3 lines 156-177
Antonio
Dude, don't worry about it. I am not worried in another month i will earn three times the amount i have to pay on the loan.
Shylock
Oh Father Abraham, tell me what kind of people are these christians. If he fails to repay me by the deadline what will i get out of it? What will i do with a pound of flesh?
Antonio
Ofcourse Shylock, I will gladly sign the contract for you.
Shylock
Then meet me as soon as possible at the notary's. Give him the info about our contract. Then i'll go get that money for you asap. I need to run home cause one of my servants is in charge and need to make sure everything is cool.
Antonio
Okay hurry up buddy!!
James McDonough
And Adam Butler
December 10th, 2008
British Literature
Brother Peach
Act I Scene 1 Lines 80-104
Gratiano
You seriously don’t look like you normally do.
Antonio
Gratiano, the world is simply a stage where everyone is given a role. My role is that of depression.
Gratiano
The I guess my role will be the happy ignoramus who just laughs his head off until it wrinkles my face. I would take overloading my liver with wine over depriving my heart of the warmth of fun and letting it cool with agony. Why would anyone alive and well act like a statue, sleep when he’s awake, and be so sad it causes him to be sick? I love you, and I tell you this because I care, that there are men who are constantly sullen. They never show any kind of expression, and act like scum-covered ponds. They think they are the most clever and deepest of men, and because of this, when they speak, they expect everything around them to drop what they are doing or saying and listen. Yes, Antonio, there are many men that I know like this, and to be honest, it’s because they don’t speak that they are considered so wise. If they did, people’s ears would die, and those around would call the men fools. But I’ll save this little chat for some other time. And try not to look so dispirited. Well, that’s my opinion, but I’m a fool, remember?- Okay Lorenzo we’re going.- I’ll see you later, and I’ll finish my lecture after dinner.
Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 27-101
Nerissa
Your father was actually pretty ethical, and people who have strong religious beliefs usually get some bizarre ideas when they’re dying. What your father believed in at that point was fate to choose your spouse through the test of the three chests of gold, silver, and lead. I’m sure you probably can’t even remember any of the princely suitors who have even tried.
Portia
Oh yeah? Go through the list. Watch me describe every one of them, and I’ll let you be the judge of how much I care for each one of them.
Nerissa
Fine. First, describe the prince from Naples.
Portia
Oh yeah hah that stallion. He wouldn’t stop talking about his horse. He thought he was awesome just because he can shoe a horse by himself. Oh and unfortunately, I think his mother might’ve been sexually associated with a blacksmith.
Nerissa
Next we have the Count Palatine.
Portia
He doesn’t do much, except frown. By this expression, I pretty much assumed he meant, “If you don’t want me, I just don’t care.” Even when he would here something funny, the man wouldn’t even crack a smile. I mean if you’re going to be that depressed when you’re young, I can’t imagine what he’ll be like old. I think I’d rather be married to a skull with a bone in its mouth than to either of the last two men. Dear God please don’t let them touch me.
Nerissa
Okay then. Well what about that French lord, Monsieur le Bon?
Portia
Well we might as well call him a man, mainly because God created him. Yeah, I know, I know; it’s bad to make fun of people. But for the love of God, his horse is like… better than Napoleon’s! And yet he still frowns more than Count Palatine. You really couldn’t identify what kind of a personality he had, just because he was trying to outdo everyone with every chance he got. Every time a bird sang, he’d bust a move. And I think his own shadow is afraid that one day he’ll be too eager to show off how “great” he is at fencing and just start randomly attacking it. If I married him, I’d be marrying like twenty husbands, seeing as he has the personalities of twenty men. Bipolar much? I’d understand if he hated me, just because if he loved me, I don’t think I’d ever be able to love him back.
Nerissa
And what about Falconbridge, the young English baron?
Portia
You know for a fact that we can’t understand each other. I mean, he doesn’t speak Latin, French, or Italian, and I speak English as well as John Paul, so not very well. Don’t get me wrong, he’s gorgeous, but how exactly can you talk to someone who doesn’t speak your language? He was dressed kind of weird too! He probably got his jacket in Italy, his tights in France, his hat in Germany, and his behavior from God knows where.
Nerissa
Okay but what about his neighbor, the Scottish lord?
Portia
I think he’s pretty merciful, as he let the Englishman slap him on the ear without hitting him back, but promised to tag him back later. And the Frenchman promised to pay the Englishman back too, and gave a slap.
Nerissa
How’d you like the young German? You know, the duke of Saxony’s nephew?
Portia
Miserable in the morning when he’s sober, and even worse in the afternoon when he’s hammered. When he shows his best qualities, even, he is less than a man, and with his worst qualities, he’s a bit better than an animal. If he died, I think I’d survive.
Nerissa
You do know that if he decides to accept the challenge and chooses the right casket and you reject him, you’ll pretty much just be slapping your father in the face with disobedience.
Portia
Yeah I know. So if you could just put a substantial amount of booze on the wrong box, I think he’ll be swayed by temptation and choose poorly. I swear Nerissa, I think I’d do anything than marry a drunk like that.
Nerissa
Don’t worry about these guys. They all told me what they want, and what they want is to go home and have nothing to do with you. Of course, if there was any other way to win you other than The Box Is Right game, I think they’d go for it.
Portia
Well they’re out of luck because I’m going to live by my father’s creed, however ridiculous it may be, and even if it drives me to a life of loneliness. I’m actually kind of happy that these guys are reasonable enough to keep their distance, because that’s the only thing I really like about them. Even if that one dude is gorgeous. And I hope they all get home safe.
Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 156-177
Shylock
Okay so follow me to the notary and we’ll make this deal official. Hah and if I don’t get the money by the promised deadline, let’s just say that you’ll give me a pound of flesh from my choice on your body.
Antonio
Heck, if I don’t pay you back, I’ll even say that you and your Jewish friends are a great group of guys.
Bassanio
Woah let’s not get carried away. I mean, I’d rather go without the money than you sign a contract like that.
Antonio
Hey bud, don’t worry about it. There won’t be a penalty or anything. Sometime in the next two months-which is a month before the loan is due-I’ll earn more than three times that much from my business.
Shylock
Oh Father Abraham, who are these crazy cat Christians? They have learned to suspect other people!- Okay, so tell me this: even if he does fail to repay me by the deadline, what exactly would I get out of the punishment? A pound of human flesh is not worth much, and it’s not as valuable as a pound of mutton, beef, or goat. This offer is extended in the hope that you will accept my friendship as well. And if you consent, fantabulous. And if you don’t, I won’t stay up at night over it. And I hope this doesn’t affect your opinion of me.
Antonio
Alright, Shylock, I’ll do it.
Shylock
Okay then meet me at the notary’s. And give him the details of the happy offer, and I’ll get the money. I just need to go home first and check up on things, seeing as I left one of my more careless servants in charge. See you later.
Brett Pippens and Matt Clair
December 12, 2008
Bro. Peach, FSC
Act 1 Scene 2
Lines 27-101
Nerissa: Your father was a very generous man and at his death he had good intentions. Therefore, this prize of three chests containing gold, silver and lead were given to you so that whosoever chooses the right chest will have your hand in marriage. But what love will be there besides the love you already have?
Portia: I pray, say their names over again, and when you do, you will be able to tell who I like by the description I give, and by my emotions.
Nerissa: There is the Neapolitan prince.
Portia: This guy is cocky. He only talks about his horse. And he loves the fact that he can put the horseshoes on himself. His mother did have an affair with the blacksmith.
Nerissa: There is the County Palatine.
Portia: All he does in frown, and even when he listens to cheerful songs, he still frowns. He may prove to be a weeping philosopher when he gets older, due to the sadness in his childhood. I would rather be married to a skull and bones then to either of them two.
Nerissa: What do you think about the French Lord Monsieur le Bon?
Portia: God made him, so I will call him a man. In truth I know it is wrong to be a mocker, but him, he has a horse better than the Neapolitan’s, a worse habit of frowning than Palatine. He is everything I never wanted. If someone would sing, he would come dancing. He would fight his own shadow if he could. If I do marry him, I would have married twenty men. If he would cheat on me I would forgive him.
Nerissa: What do you think about Falconbridge the young baron of England?
Portia: You know that I have nothing to say about him. He doesn’t understand me and I do not understand him. He doesn’t speak Italian, Latin, of French. He is cute but he isn’t up to par with intelligence. He dresses weird also. He must have bought his jacket in Italy, his pants in France, his bonnet in Germany, and his manners from everywhere.
Nerissa: What do you think of the Scottish lord, his neighbor?
Portia: He has a neighborly charity in him, for he let the Englishman slap his ear, and instead of retaliating, he promised to return the favor. He promised to return the blow, and to add his own.
Nerissa: How do you like the young German, the Duke of Saxony’s nephew?
Portia: He is very aggressive, when he is sober and overly aggressive when he is drunk. At his best he is less than a man, but at his worst, he is better than a beast. If the worst would happen to him, then I would marry him.
Nerissa: If he does pick the correct chest and you do not choose him, then you are disobeying your father’s will.
Portia: Therefore, fear the worst, I pray that you have a tall glass of wine, for he will chose the wrong chest. When he chooses it the devil will be inside to tempt him. I know that he will chose the wrong one, Nerissa I know this. I will be married to a sponge.
Zachary Carlino
December 12, 2008
Brit Lit
Bro Peach
I.i. 80-104
Believe me you have changed.
Antonio- The world is the world
a place where everyone must have a role
And mine is a sad one.
Gratiano- Let me be a fool
Riches and laughter bring old age
Let wine destroy my liver
Then my heart life-destroy
Why a man who has warm blood
Sit there like his grandfather's grave
Asleep when you are awake. And have bad temper
From excess of bile. I tell you Antonio
I love you, and this is my love that speaks
These men have important limbs
To cover scum of pond
And then a forceful silence comes
Dress to your reputation
Wisdom and gravity come thought
As if he would say "I am Sir Oracle
When I open my lips let no noise come out."
My love Antonio I do know what you talk about
I know that only Antonio is smart
Not to speak, then everybody would be in danger
When they are heard, even they're brothers would call them dumb.
Act 1 scene 2 27-101
Nerissa- Your father worked very hard
Even holy men have inspirations. The
Game that he has put together of three chests
Of gold, silver, and lead, whoever chooses his
Which is you. Will never be picked
By anyone except for the right person, who you will be in
Love with. But why will you fall for any
Of these princes
That are coming
Portia- I ask you to say their names then
I will describe them, based on
My best guess
Nerissa- First, Neapolitan price
Portia- All he did was talk about his
Horse, and he makes it a point
To say that he can put his horses shoe on
By himself. I am afraid to say that
His mother committed adultery with a blacksmith
Nerissa- There is a count for Palatine
Portia- He only frowns, thats all to say
If you do not choose me then do as you please. He hears
Happy tales and does not smile. I am afraid he will prove
Heraclitus and Ephesus, when he gets older
He was around sadness when he was younge. I would
Rather be married to a skull
Than these two. God save
Me from them
Nerissa- What do you think about the French prince Monsieur Le
Bon
Portia- He was made by God, so let him pass
As a man. I know it is not right to mock
Why does he have a horse better
Than Neapolitan, a better habit of frowning
He is every man in no man
He is so eager to show his fenceing skills
He would fence his own shadow
He is like 20 people in one
I would never be able to love him.
Nerissa- What about Falconbridge, the young English man
I do not know, we never talk
Can't speak Latin, French, or Italian
Barely speaks English well
He looks very weird
His outfit is from random countries
Nerissa- What do you think about the Scottish Lord
Portia- He is kind and forgiving
He let the French and English men hit him and he did not hit back
Nerissa- How bout the young German duke of Saxony's nephew
Portia- He is drunk and always has a hangover in the morning
And then is drunk later that day.
If he died I would not care
Nerissa- But if he picks the box you have to marry him
You would be disobeying your father
Portia- I know just put a glass of wine there before he picks the box.
If he picks the wrong I do not have to marry him
Nerissa- Do not worry my lady.
Act I scene 3 71-97
Antonio- For three months
Shylock- I had to forget for three months thats what you told me
I thought you neither lend or borrow
Antonio- I never do
Shylock-The story in Genesis aboutJacob who served Laban for seven years and recievedhis daughter Rachel and lambs from that year
Antonio- And did he take any interrst
Shylock- No he did not take "interest"
Jacob took all the earnings he got over the years for himself and became rich from it
This was a kind deed and they both kept to their word.
Jacob Sedlack
Pd: 7
12/12/08
Eng. 141/ Brit. Lit
(I.i.80-104)
Antonio: I think the world is the way it because it is, Gratiano, it’s like a big stage where everyone has a part to play, and I’ve got a sad one.
Gratiano: then I’ll be the comedian. With joy and laughter, I’ll let old age come and I’ll just poison my liver with wine rather than grow cold with complaints. Stand around like a statue? Sleepwalk? And sneak into nothingness by being rude? I’ll tell you what, Antonio (I love you, and it’s my love that’s talking): that there are people who look like cream and stand like scales in a willful stillness entertain others with purpose that is more or less opinion is wisdom, gravity or profound conceit and say “ I am an oracle and when I speak everyone listens.” So Antonio I do know of them and they are wise
(I.ii.27-101)
Nerissa: your father is always virtuous like all men who are holy in death with good intentions. Therefore the deal he’s struck with these three chests of gold, silver, and lead, and who ever chooses right chooses you to love. But who among these princely suitors do you want to love?
Portia: Tell me, name them and I’ll tell and will tell you about them and tell you what I think of the as I tell you.
Nerissa: First there’s the prince from Naples.
Portia: He’s a real horse indeed, and all he does is talk about his horse and talk what’s so great about it when he can’t even shoe himself. And I think his mother fooled around with a blacksmith
Nerissa: Then there’s the count from Palatine
Portia: He’s too stern, and no stories seem to please him. I fear he’ll turn out to be a true pessimist when he grows old, since he’s so sad now. God save me from the both of them
Narissa: What about the Frenchmen?
Portia: God made him a man but not so he’s aware of it. He’s worse than the Neapolitan about his horse and gloomier than the count. He’s every man in no man. Marrying him would be like marrying twenty men at once!
Narrisa: Then what about then English baron Falconbridge?
Portia: I did not talk to him so I wouldn’t know. He’s seems to have no culture his own in the way he dresses and it’ll be weird to spend time around him at court
Narissa: And the Scottish fellow?
Portia: He seems to be trying too hard to be English
Narissa: What about the duke of Saxony’s nephew?
Portia: He’s nice… when he’s sober
Narissa: Then my advice to you is to choose the right man on your own and make you father happy.
Portia: Then I shall require some red wine for whoever picks the right casket because if temptation is real I’ll end up marrying the devil or with my luck a sponge.
Narrisa: Don’t worry I’m sure it will all work out and they are all good men and things will work out
(I.iii.156-177)
Shylock: Then I shall be nice to you, come with me to the notary, make the deal with me there in a single bond; and in good sport if you can’t pay me back on the day we agree on then I shall take from you a pound of your skin as payment
Antonio: That sounds fair to me you’ve got a deal. And may I say that you are very nice for a Jew
Bassanio: No! That sounds unfair to me and I’d rather pay for it myself than trust you!
Antonio: Relax man, I’ve three months to pay him and I’ll have triple that coming my way in two
Shylock: Oh my god these Christians! They say not to judge yet they are always judging themselves. Tell me: if he should break this deal, what do I get out of it? A pound of a man’s skin isn’t very valuable against the flesh of sheep, cows or goats.
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