ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHT POET AND OTHERS

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What reason does Antonio give for being sad in the opening scene of the play?
A
He stands to lose a fortune in his present business ventures.
B
He owes a fantastic sum of money to Shylock.
C
He gives no reason.
D
The woman he loves does not return his feelings.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -What reason does Antonio give for being sad in the opening scene of the play? He stands to lose a fortune in his present business ventures.

Detailed explanation-2: -Antonio says that his sadness makes him depressed and dull. He further says that he is yet to learn about the nature and origin of his sadness. Was this answer helpful?

Detailed explanation-3: -Salarino tells Antonio that he is sad because his mind is preoccupied with his ships filled with cargo, which are out at sea.

Detailed explanation-4: -Antonio never names the cause of his melancholy, but the evidence seems to point to his being in love, despite his denial of this idea in Act I, scene i. The most likely object of his affection is Bassanio, who takes full advantage of the merchant’s boundless feelings for him.

Detailed explanation-5: -In this opening scene, Shakespeare begins to sketch in some of the characters and some of the atmosphere of the play. Antonio, for example, is presented as being “sad, ” afflicted with a melancholy which he himself does not appear to understand.

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