Act 2 Scene 1.

Question 1

There is a flourish of trumpets, and the Prince of Morocco enters. He initiates the subject of the colour of his skin. What does he say?

Answer 1

He has a very dark complexion, and he begs Portia to “mislike [him] not for [his] complexion.”

Question 2

What does he say in spite of the dark complexion of his skin?

Answer 2

Despite the colour of his skin, however, his blood is as red as any of Portia’s other suitors, and he is as brave as any of them.

Question 3

What does Portia say in reaction to the Prince of Morocco’s begging?

Answer 3

Portia says it isn’t up to her, but if it were, the Prince would stand in her affections just like any of the other suitors.

Question 4

The Prince says he’s very fierce and lists off all the things he’s killed despite the fact that he can only win Portia through chance. What did he say that was so fierce?

Answer 4

The Prince says he’s willing to steal a baby bear from its mama bear.

Question 5

According to her father’s will, however, if any of the suitors wishes to try for her hand, he must take his chances like all the others. What happens if he chooses wrongly?

Answer 5

If he chooses wrongly, he must remain a bachelor forever; he is “never to speak to lady afterward / In way of marriage.”