choose one question, answer in 250 words

 1. In Dr. Weller’s first lecture, he pointed out that the majority of  Shylock’s speech in Act I, Scene III (“How like a fawning publican he  looks…”) is cut from the movie adaptation. How does this adaption change  the audience’s understanding of Shylock? How does this adaption  influence the audience’s understanding of the play as a whole? Consider  the themes of prejudice and racism.
2. How would you describe the relations between Christians and Jews in  Venice as represented by Act I Scene III? What seems to be the main  difference between the Jews and the Christians, at least the merchants?  Based upon the text, is one religion portrayed in a more favorable  light? Support your claims with specific quotes.
3. What similarities are there between Launcelot and Gobbo’s  relationship and Jessica and Shylock’s? What are the differences you can  see this far? What are the larger implications of these similarities  and/or differences?