[EXCLUSIVE] Paper 2: Drama
How does Shakespeare show the true friendship between Antonio and Bassanio in the play?
Similar Questions:
In what ways does Shakespeare make the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio so significant? [IGCSE May/June 2016 Paper 21]
Explore the ways in which Shakespeare show the close friendship between Antonio and Bassanio.
By using our website, you hereby agree to all our Terms and Conditions.
Introduction (Provide a brief introduction to the scenario of question)
- When we are in times of sadness, depressed or dejected, we always look for someone to share our feelings with.
- When we are in need of help, we always look for someone to offer assistance in any way possible.
- In the play, Shakespeare had made the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio so significant by displaying the concrete friendship between them that are constantly supportive of each other despite going through the most trying of times.
- When we are in times of sadness, depressed or dejected, we always look for someone to share our feelings with.
- When we are in need of help, we always look for someone to offer assistance in any way possible.
- In the play, Shakespeare had made the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio so significant by displaying the concrete friendship between them that are constantly supportive of each other despite going through the most trying of times.
Send in your original written work (essays in any languages or literature answers) now via our Contribution Page and stand a chance to score an opportunity to witness your work being published in our website. Like our Facebook Page now to receive updates on new resources being uploaded.
Content (Provide evidence to support points)
Points & Evidence 1 (How Antonio helped Bassanio)
- When Bassanio had bad finances, Antonio willingly lent money to him.
- As long as it is honorable, he would let Bassanio use all his money and do everything he can to help him.
- Although his money is tied up in the cargo at sea, he allowed Bassanio to try what "his credit" can get in Venice, either as a business loan or as a personal favour.
- Visited Shylock to borrow three thousand ducats for three months, acted as a guarantee
- Willing to break the habit of "taking nor by giving of excess" interest to help a friend in need
- Agree to the term and contract that Shylock could take a pound of his flesh, to be "cut off" and "taken in what part" of his body that "pleaseth" him
- Helped Bassanio by providing funds to woo Portia
- When he was locked up in prison, he did not want Bassanio to be sad that this happened because of him
- Wanted Bassanio to be sad only at the fact that he would lose a friend, and told that "he repents not" that he paid Bassanio's debt, for if Shylock cut deep enough, he would "pay it presently" with all his heart
- When Portia questioned about Bassanio's ring, Antonio guaranteed again, promising with his soul as penalty if Bassanio ever breaks a vow again
Points & Evidence 2 (How Bassanio helped Antonio)
- After getting married with Portia, Bassanio rushed back to see Antonio upon receiving the letter
- Supported Antonio by asking him to cheer up as he would let Shylock have his "his flesh, blood, bones and all" before Antonio shall lose for him "one drop of blood"
- Got the money from Portia and offered to pay Antonio's debt twice the sum, if not enough, he would sign a contract to pay ten times more and "on forfeit" of his hands, head and heart
- Claimed that his life, his wife and the whole world were not more valuable to him than his life is, he would give it all up, "sacrifice them all" to save Antonio
- Listened to Antonio to let Portia have the ring, considering how much their friendship is worth, against Bassanio's "wife's commandment"
Points & Evidence 1 (How Antonio helped Bassanio)
- When Bassanio had bad finances, Antonio willingly lent money to him.
- As long as it is honorable, he would let Bassanio use all his money and do everything he can to help him.
- Although his money is tied up in the cargo at sea, he allowed Bassanio to try what "his credit" can get in Venice, either as a business loan or as a personal favour.
- Visited Shylock to borrow three thousand ducats for three months, acted as a guarantee
- Willing to break the habit of "taking nor by giving of excess" interest to help a friend in need
- Agree to the term and contract that Shylock could take a pound of his flesh, to be "cut off" and "taken in what part" of his body that "pleaseth" him
- Helped Bassanio by providing funds to woo Portia
- When he was locked up in prison, he did not want Bassanio to be sad that this happened because of him
- Wanted Bassanio to be sad only at the fact that he would lose a friend, and told that "he repents not" that he paid Bassanio's debt, for if Shylock cut deep enough, he would "pay it presently" with all his heart
- When Portia questioned about Bassanio's ring, Antonio guaranteed again, promising with his soul as penalty if Bassanio ever breaks a vow again
Points & Evidence 2 (How Bassanio helped Antonio)
- After getting married with Portia, Bassanio rushed back to see Antonio upon receiving the letter
- Supported Antonio by asking him to cheer up as he would let Shylock have his "his flesh, blood, bones and all" before Antonio shall lose for him "one drop of blood"
- Got the money from Portia and offered to pay Antonio's debt twice the sum, if not enough, he would sign a contract to pay ten times more and "on forfeit" of his hands, head and heart
- Claimed that his life, his wife and the whole world were not more valuable to him than his life is, he would give it all up, "sacrifice them all" to save Antonio
- Listened to Antonio to let Portia have the ring, considering how much their friendship is worth, against Bassanio's "wife's commandment"
Conclusion (Provide a brief summary to wrap up your points)
- Although Bassanio and Antonio are supportive of each other in terms of money, with the former using his wife's money and the latter his own money, both were there to stand by each other whenever needed most.
- In real life, men are supportive of each other, regardless of whether in good times or bad times.
- The mutual support is the most crucial part in establishing a loving and caring community.
- Although Bassanio and Antonio are supportive of each other in terms of money, with the former using his wife's money and the latter his own money, both were there to stand by each other whenever needed most.
- In real life, men are supportive of each other, regardless of whether in good times or bad times.
- The mutual support is the most crucial part in establishing a loving and caring community.
Answering Techniques:
- The answer (points and content) above can be used for all questions related the scenario mentioned.
- It is vital to provide connecting sentence to link to the evidence above.
- Include direct evidence from the text to have additional bonus impression to show understanding of the text
- Always keep in mind the following when answering all questions:
- Write as fast as you can as every second saved will give you more time to think and plan for the subsequent questions.
- Always read your answer again to check for grammatical errors and never misspell the name of characters or places.
- The answer (points and content) above can be used for all questions related the scenario mentioned.
- It is vital to provide connecting sentence to link to the evidence above.
- Include direct evidence from the text to have additional bonus impression to show understanding of the text
- Always keep in mind the following when answering all questions:
- Show in-depth understanding of the setting, plot, character, themes, messages and universal issues in texts.
- Analyse and evaluate the use of language, style and tone in prose.
- Show individuality and insight through a perceptive personal response with reference to texts.
- Produce well-planned creative works independently with precise textual evidence.
- Demonstrate knowledge by incorporating well-selected reference to the text skillfully and with flair
- Sustain a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and insight
- Respond sensitively and in considerable detail to the way the writer achieves his/her effects
- Sustain personal and evaluative engagement with task and text
- Write as fast as you can as every second saved will give you more time to think and plan for the subsequent questions.
- Always read your answer again to check for grammatical errors and never misspell the name of characters or places.
Strictly for personal reference only. Plagiarism of part or the entire text without prior permission from the author is strictly prohibited. If you have any enquiries or comments, kindly email us via the link below.
This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.
Opt Out of CookiesBy using our website, you hereby agree to all our Terms and Conditions.