This GCSE English Literature quiz focusses on understanding the text in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. The Merchant of Venice was written over four hundred years ago. Although it is written in what is known as ‘Early Modern’ English, the language can seem very different from any dialect of English spoken today. So the text will not be the easiest to understand. Reading slowly, reading sections more than once and even reading aloud will help with comprehension.
As with any other text, pay close attention to all of the methods and techniques authors use to convey meaning. Think carefully about character, setting, plot, theme and dialogue. Comprehension works on several levels simultaneously.