The Merchant of Venice Themes Quiz
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare · 6 multiple-choice questions with answers · about 5 min
Test your knowledge of The Merchant of Venice with 6 themes questions with answers and explanations — the big ideas and what the writer is saying about them. Ideal for revision once you have read the whole play.
The big ideas and what the writer is saying about them. Drawn from the whole play — contains spoilers.
Skills tested: Theme · Difficulty: Challenge, Standard
The Merchant of Venice Themes questions
The answers and an explanation for each question appear as you play, and on the answer-key page of the printout.
- What do the caskets suggest about judging by appearances?
The richest choice is always right · Fortune decides love more than worth · Outward show can hide what really matters · Wise men should trust first sight
- What is Shylock's argument in the speech beginning 'Hath not a Jew eyes?'
Jews and Christians should never trade · Shylock forgives Antonio's insults · The law of Venice protects only Jews · Jews are as human as Christians, even in revenge
- What penalty is finally imposed on Shylock?
He must leave Venice and never set foot in it again · He must convert and leave his wealth to Jessica and Lorenzo · He must pay Antonio a thousand ducats in damages · He must spend a full year in a Venetian prison
- What does the ring plot add to the play's ending?
A reason for Antonio to marry Portia himself · Proof that Shylock was in the right all along · A new debt that Bassanio cannot ever repay · A test of whether promises in love will be kept
- What does the trial scene set against each other?
Love and friendship for Bassanio · Venice and Belmont as rival states · Old money and new trade · Strict justice and Christian mercy
- Why is Portia's victory in court double-edged?
She secretly lets Shylock keep his wealth · She preaches mercy yet shows Shylock little · She loses Bassanio's love because of it · She breaks the law to save Antonio
More The Merchant of Venice practice: all The Merchant of Venice quizzes · characters quiz · themes quiz · plot recall quiz · read The Merchant of Venice free
Original questions written for Pagine. Quotations are from the public-domain text.
Frequently asked questions
Is this The Merchant of Venice Themes quiz free?
Yes. All 6 questions are free with answers and explanations. Play online with instant feedback, or print it as a test with an answer key — no sign-up needed.
What does the The Merchant of Venice Themes quiz cover?
6 themes questions drawn from every part of The Merchant of Venice. The big ideas and what the writer is saying about them. It tests theme at challenge, standard level.
Does it contain spoilers?
Yes — it draws on the whole play, including the ending.
Can I use it with a class?
Yes. Print it with the answer key for a reading check, homework or revision lesson, or share the link so students can take it online.
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