"Respect for Life" & "Merchant of Venice" Lesson Summaries..:

"Respect for Life" - Lesson Summary

Introduction:

In this essay, Jane Goodal talks about respect for all living creatures, with special focus on the chimpanzees and its behaviour. The essay underlines the need for wildlife conservation and the humane treatment of animals.

Man vs Beast:

According to Jane, even chimpanzees have the ability to think and reason. Hence there is continuity in the evolution of mind and physical structure. it is in the sophistication of the intellect and the uses to which it is put, that man differs from beast.

Meaning and Hope for Human Life:

While there is large scale eveidence of human violence and cruelty everywhere because of human overpopulation, when we look at the whole issue from an evolutionary perspective, we see that after all, there is hope. Because, most of the destruction that had been done to the environment was wrought before people knew the appaling damage that they were doing. But now, in the light of growing understanding and awareness, we are beginning to come out of that desolation and misery.

Healing the Human wounds inflicted on the Planet:

The West is beginning to realize the ultimate cost of the reckless destruction of the environment. The growing power of the green movement is forcing governments of more and more countries to enact legislations to protect the environment. There is hope that we are seeing the Green Revolution that will turn aside the total destruction caused by the Industrial Revolution.

The Power of the Individual in Shaping the Values of Society:

There is enormous power in the individual in shaping the values of society. Even among chimpanzees the influence of certain individuals is apparent. There are “genius” chimpanzees who invent new behaviours that are passed on and become part of the tradition. In human history the legacies of a Hitler or a Jesus, are testimonies to the impact they made during their brief years on earth.

It is not only the famous that leave their marks. Every single one of us has, a significant part to play in the preservation of the environment. We can talk to others, teach, give our time or money to improve the quality of life around us, and conserve nature in our own backyards.

Humane Treatment of Animals:

Animals are not machines. They are also sentient beings capable of feeling human-like emotions and pain. The higher mammals, particularly the great apes have a great degree of empathy and loyalty. It is a sad reflection on science that animals are being used in experimentation and product testing across laboratories in the world.

Alternatives to the use of Animals:

Using animals to test cosmetic products and household products should be stopped at once. Intensive farming, factory farming, leg hold traps, poisoning and shocking abuses should also be stopped. Cruelty is the worst of human sins, and cruelty to animals is every bit as bad as cruelty to humans.

Conclusion:

Jane strongly believes in the power to change the state of things in our planet. Only if every single individual can make some contribution to the effort to bring new hope to the younger generation, will our life be worthwhile. Thus, a more humane ethic, a respect for all living things – is desirable not only for improved well-being of nonhuman animals, but for our own spiritual development as well.

The Merchant of Venice – Lesson Summary

Introduction:

The Merchant of Venice was probably written in either 1596 or 1597. Its Italian setting and marriage plot are typical of Shakespeare’s earlier comedies, but the characters of Portia, Shakespeare’s first great heroine, and the unforgettable villain Shylock elevate this play to a new level.

Bassanio’s Need:

Bassanio a gentleman of Venice requires 3000 ducats to pay for his travel expenses to Belmont. Bassanio wishes the money as he is seeking to wed the Heiress Portia. Bassanio turns to his good friend Antonio, who is a wealthy merchant.

Condition imposed by Shylock:

Unfortunately, Antonio's money is tied up on Ships doing business. He, however has offered to be Guarantor, they attempt to borrow money from a wealthy Jew, Shylock. Shylock reluctantly agrees, but on the condition that if he doesn't pay the 3000 Ducats by three months than, Antonio has to give up a pound of his flesh, closest to the heart. They agree to the Bond.
Portia of Belmont and the Caskets:

Portia, in her home at Belmont has been visited by many suitors. From her dead fathers wishes her suitors were required to choose between a lead, silver, or a gold casket. The one who chooses the casket containing her portrait, would be her husband. No man has yet chosen the correct casket.

Jessica elopes with Lorenzo:

Jessica, the daughter of Shylock wishes to change into Christianity, against her father's will and marry the Christian Lorenzo. She runs away with him, and takes some of her father's fortune. Shylock is furious and vows revenge.

Bassanio travels to Belmont:

Bassanio with friend Gratiano travel to Belmont to, Portia is delighted to hear this, as he is the one she wants to marry. Before hand the prince of Morocco and the prince of Aragon had tried but failed to choose the correct casket. Bassanio takes his time in choosing the casket - he chooses the lead casket; the correct one. Gratiano, woes Nerissa, and the four prepare to be wed.

Tragedy strikes Antonio:

Bassanio's friends arrive with a messenger, he receives a letter from Venice, it said that Antonio's ship had not yet arrived and Shylock was demanding his pound of flesh, as the money had not been paid. Bassanio is extremely upset about this news. Portia reassures him and offers to pay any amount possible or do anything she can. The men set off back to Venice.

Portia in Disguise:

Portia along with Nerrissa conduct a plan to help Antonio, they tell Lorenzo and Jessica to mind the house while they wait for their husbands in a monastery. They plan to dress up as Lawyers in order to defend Antonio in court.The two women enter the courtroom with a message that the doctor Balthasar (Portia) has being sent to replace the original doctor, Bellario. Portia begins her case with a plea for mercy, she begs him to forfeit the bond and accept three times the amount. Shylock refuses, as he wants to take his revenge on the Christains who have criticized him because he is a Jew.

A Pound of Flesh:

Portia then reads the bond and discovers that Shylock is only allowed to take one pound of Antonio's flesh. She tells him that he can take his pound of flesh on the condition that he takes exactly one pound of flesh and only flesh. No blood shall be shed. Shylock is forced to forfeit the bond, if he does go outside the conditions than he too will be punished. Since he forfeited the bond, but threatened the life on a Venetian, Shylock was forced to give up his money, half to Antonio the other half to the general state.

Antonio’s generosity:

Antonio takes pity on the Jew and declines his half of the money, he tells the court that Shylock can keep his money, but on the condition that he change into Christianity and leave his money to his daughter on his death. The Jew painfully agrees. The men gratefully thank doctor Balthasar and her clerk, they offer them anything they desire. Portia and Nerissa both ask for Bassanio's and gratiano's rings. Reluctantly they hand it to them, as it was a present from their wives who told them never to lose it.

Conclusion:

Thus, Portia and Nerissa return home, soon after Bassanio, Antonio, and Gratiano return with the good news. Portia and Nerrissa demand to know what happened to the rings, the men apologized and explained the situation. Portia and Nerissa show them the rings and explain that they were the two doctors in disguise, and they all live happily ever after.

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