Merchant of Venice Questions 2

Revisiting Portia's situation, why is the choosing of a man suitable for her out of her hands?
For Portia, choosing a suitable man for her is out of her hands because her father wants her to marry someone with power, good fortune, and security to make them more powerful.

Who is Shylock? What is his importance in the story so far?
Shylock is a Jewish merchant. He is making a deal with Bassanio and Antonio for money. Antonio and Bassanio meet up with Shylock to ask money from him in hopes that Bassanio would go "woo" Portia and although unsure, Shylock agrees to their proposition.

What is the agreement Shylock and Antonio come to terms with?
Shylock gives Bassanio three thousand ducats for three months with Antonio as the guarantor. In return, Antonio must repay him. If he doesn't then Shylock gets to cut a pound of flesh.

Why is Shylock so hesitant of this agreement with Antonio? While answering this question you should also explain their history and relationship between each other.
Shylock is hesitant with this agreement because Antonio is Christian and he is a Jew. Shylock is not very fond of Antonio. Antonio spit on and kicked Shylock and called him a dog. Antonio would spread rumors about Shylock not having quality products because he is a Jew or vise versa and that caused a lot of tension between the two which is why Shylock didn't want to trust Antonio with his money.

Would you trust Antonio? Why or why not?
I would not trust Antonio because he is cocky about his wealth and also mean to other merchants and also to Jewish people. If someone were to be racist and mean towards me, I wouldn't lend him my money because why would I even trust him with my possessions anyway.

Many times people say friends dont make good business partners, or you should never live with your best friends. Why do you think this is so? Is it smart that Antonio and Shylock are doing business together?
Corroboration with your best friends usually doesnt work out because you either end up fooling around on the task or you both disagree ending your relationship. I dont think its smart that Antonio and Shylock are doing business together, although they arent bffs because of the negative tensions between the two.