Description
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare begins with the impulsive and carefree nobleman Bassanio. He is in love with Portia, the rich heiress from Belmont. Portia is being courted by many great and wealthy men from around the world. Without sufficient funds to court Portia, Bassanio turns to his good friend Antonio, a wealthy merchant, to supply him with enough money to support his quest. But because Antonio has invested all his money in ships that are at sea, to help his friend Antonio is forced to borrow 3,000 ducats from the greedy Jewish moneylender Shylock. He agrees to sacrifice a pound of flesh if he forfeits the loan.
The comic results and complications are a lesson in love, friendship, prejudice, and true justice.
Merchant of Venice Digital Download Literature Study Guide
Formatted with your High School student in mind, Progeny Press literature study guides provide in-depth lessons and writing assignments that strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop advanced literary analysis and essay writing skills. Each guide challenges students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the text, without unnecessary busywork that diminishes the joy of reading.
For over 30 years, homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools worldwide have trusted Progeny Press to provide rigorous, faith-based English and Language Arts curriculum that inspires thoughtful readers and confident writers.
What Progeny Press' Merchant of Venice Literature Curriculum Digital Study Guide provides your Middle School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts Credit: This High School literature curriculum provides students with a one-quarter credit
Historical Background: Explore the late 1500s context of anti-Semitism and the practice of usury and money lending in Renaissance Europe.
Author Biography: Learn about the life and legacy of William Shakespeare.
Before-You-Read Activities: Select and complete preparatory activities like delving into the topic of usury and lending through research, summarizing the concepts of justice and mercy, defining anti-Semitism, studying Shakespeare's biography, and exploring the life of Jewish communities in Europe during the 1500-1600s.
Vocabulary: Increase your vocabulary by actively learning words that appear throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities designed to boost retention and vocabulary expansion.
Literary Techniques: Examine literary techniques present in the text, such as understanding different points of view, conducting in-depth characterization studies, examining conflicts, contemplating the concept of poetic justice, exploring the roles of heroes and villains, identifying protagonists and antagonists, exploring the nuances of comedic plays, and unraveling overarching themes.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Analyze hypocrisy, biblical teachings on money, the implications of discrimination, the principles of justice, mercy, and honor, the concept of mercy from a divine standpoint, the influence of Christianity, and the importance of friendship.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Select from assignments such as a detailed study and research paper on racism, essays that encompass characterization studies, comparisons and contrasts, exploration of life lessons, and even the opportunity to perform a specific scene from the play.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We provide an enriching reading list that encompasses additional plays by William Shakespeare, as well as other literary works that share thematic or stylistic connections to Merchant of Venice. Movie suggestions are also included.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of the Merchant of Venice novel
- A copy of the Merchant of Venice study guide
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (child-friendly or online)
Created for upper-level learners, this guide strengthens critical thinking and encourages polished writing while helping students master essential ELA concepts.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
Features and Benefits FAQ - Progeny Press ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each guide is rooted in Christian values, helping students grow academically while learning in a faith-aligned environment
- Proven Success: Trusted by homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools for more than 30 years.
- Easy to Follow & Open-and-Go: Designed for simplicity and flexibility. Just open and start learning.
- Biblical Connections: Every study promotes meaningful discussions that tie literature themes to Scripture and real-life application.
- Adaptable for Any Setting: Works beautifully in homeschools, classrooms, or co-ops and supports different learning styles and teaching methods.
- Thoughtfully Structured Lessons: Integrates literature analysis with biblical truth, helping students strengthen both academic understanding and spiritual growth.
- Engaging, Hands-On Activities: Includes projects, creative assignments, research papers, writing assignments, and interactive exercises that support reading comprehension and make learning memorable.
- No Busywork: Every activity is purposeful, faith-filled, and designed to deepen understanding—not fill time.
- Comprehensive Literature Coverage: Features classic and contemporary works that build strong literary foundations and critical thinking.
- Support for Parents & Teachers: Includes practical tips, clear instructions, and full answer keys to make teaching simple and effective.
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
