Why does the play hang so much on caskets and rings as stand-ins for the invisible values of love and loyalty? This Merchant Of Venice Literary Devices Quiz considers the metaphors, irony and dramatic structure which make this play so powerful. And first of all, let us examine the technical art of the bard.

The Merchant of Venice | The Ultimate Guide $19.99
This guide turns The Merchant Of Venice into a clear, organised framework.
It explains what happens, why it matters, and what Shakespeare is actually saying.
- Expert Context: The historical facts that actually explain the characters’ choices.
- Character Maps: Guides on relationships.
- Scene Summaries: Clear breakdowns of every act.
- Top Quotes: Essential lines with the analysis.
- Key Themes: Simple explanations of Justice, Greed & Friendship.
- Exam Prep: “Common Traps” and essay questions.
The Merchant Of Venice Literary Devices Quiz Questions
- Which literary device is used in the line “All that glisters is not gold”?
- The phrase “The quality of mercy is not strained” employs which device?
- When Shylock says “Hath not a Jew eyes?”, what device is he using?
- The recurring contrast between mercy and justice represents what device?
- When Portia disguises herself as a man, what literary device does this exemplify?
- What device is seen when Antonio’s ships are lost and then found?
- The pound of flesh symbolizes which literary device?
- When Portia speaks as Balthasar, what device is primarily at work?
- Shylock’s insistence on law over mercy reflects what type of irony?
- What device is used when Antonio is described as “the good Antonio”?
- When Portia’s father designs the casket test, what device is central?
- What is the literary device in “My ventures are not in one bottom trusted”?
- The contrast between Venice and Belmont represents what device?
- Shylock’s speech about revenge mirrors Christian ideas of mercy using which device?
- When Bassanio says “So may the outward shows be least themselves,” what device is this?
- The courtroom scene as a test of morality and identity demonstrates what device?
- The ring subplot functions as which literary device?
- The repeated mention of the sea and ships functions as what device?
- When Launcelot jokes about his conscience and the devil, what device is used?
- When Shylock says “You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog,” this is an example of?
- What is used when Portia praises mercy as “an attribute to God himself”?
- The phrase “A Daniel come to judgment!” alludes to what device?
- When the audience knows Portia is disguised but characters do not, this is?
- Shylock’s desire for revenge contrasts Bassanio’s pursuit of love using which device?
- The caskets symbolize what larger idea?
- When Gratiano jokes during tense moments, what device is present?
- The bond scene’s focus on “flesh” and “blood” employs which device?
- When Antonio says “I am a tainted wether of the flock,” what device is he using?
- What device appears when Portia uses the law to trap Shylock?
- The repetition of contrasting ideas like mercy and revenge represents what?
