LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT IN MERCHANT OF VENICE

Examining the relationship between Portia and Bassanio and Nerissa and Gratiano, do you think that a successful relationship can possibly start with "love at first sight"?

I personally find the development of their relationship as very weak in foundation because they fell in love at first sight. Yes, they can get attracted to each other but what happens after that is more important. I think they should have taken efforts first to get to know each other better before finally getting married. For an instance, Portia, though Bassanio was the one who won the challenge, should have at least waited more than a month to really assure herself that she has the right man to live with for eternity. Also Gratiano should have been wiser not to just be "inspired" by Bassanio's true love, but rather to discern whether what attracted him through his eyes would also attract his soul. Well, good for them, the guys caught the right fish! But in real life, this does not always happen, sadly.

What do you think?

ACT 1 MERCHANT OF VENICE

If you would be given a chance to visit Venice during the Renaissance period using a "time machine," who would you want to befriend among the characters of Act 1 and why?

If I would have the chance to go to Venice, I would definitely look for Shylock first and befriend him (if he would let me because I'm a Christian). I would like to personally find out myself whether he is really evil as portrayed in the story or whether he is just bad because the society made him one. I'm also interested to know how they got discriminated by Venetians and whether it is really true that they got so much "profit" from the Christians despite their situation. More than that, I am actually hoping that there's something more about his personality-- something GOOD that was just overshadowed by the "romantic" characters in the story.

How about you?

LOOK WHO'S READING!

In line with our Book Week celebration, our blog question will be:

WHO IS YOUR MODEL READER?

I have always admired Dr. Venancio Mendiola, my literature professor for being such a voracious reader. Even if he is already 69 years old, he still remembers the intricate details of the books that he have read and taught his students, even as far as 1970's! He would know the exact images that the autor used, how many times a certain phrase appeared in the book, how many dreams a character has in a book, and many more! I mean, how can such a person be fully focused on READING to its fullest sense. I myself digress many times while reading even the most interesting books. Maybe just like Sir Mendiola, I need to learn how to READ enthusiastically, savoring each word, phrase and image so that I could completely grasp the beauty and message of the book.

How about you? Who is your model reader?