The following activities will help students to think about interpretive choices and how they might stage The Merchant of Venice, looking specifically at the moments and relationships on this page as well as considering different interpretations.
Exchanging the rings (2011)
The activity can be found on page 11 and takes approximately 30 minutes. It explores the stakes that are established when Portia and Nerissa give rings to Bassanio and Gratiano, tracking this through to the resolution of the play. Considering how the women feel about the way their rings are given away, and how this is built up, is an important performance choice in this play.
Alternative Viewpoints (2011)
The activity can be found on pages 13-14 and invites students to think about different staging choices that have been made for this play in the past, looking at quotes from actors who have played Portia and Shylock and challenging students to think about what the play is about.