Act 5 Scene 1 - Shakespeare - Merchant Of Venice.

Why do Lorenzo and Jessica remind each of the stories of classical lovers?
There love life has been similar to the one they are referring to.

What are Portia's feelings as she approaches the house?
She feels happy because she keeps commenting about happy things.

What is the first argument to break out?
Gratiano giving his ring.

How do Gratiano and Bassanio try to justify parting with the rings, are they successful?

They're saying it's all the judge would want and he helped save my best friend.

Was Bassanio right to give away the ring, give reasons for your thinking?
No, Because Bassanio had promised Portia that whatever happens, I would not give this ring away. Even if the judge (Portia) did something really good for your friend, Bassanio shouldn't have given the ring away.

How can the newly-weds threaten to sleep with the men who took their rings- and mean it?

Because Portia and Nerissa know they will be sleeping with themselves since they have the rings.

What effect do these arguments have on Antonio?

They make him feel guilty because he was the reason why the Bassanio and Gratiano gave there ring away.

Portia and Nerissa have the rings. What does this prove to Antonio, Gratiano and Bassanio?

It proves that Portia and Nerissa were the judge and the judge's clerk meaning they were set up.

How do Antonio, Lorenzo and Jessica benefit from news that Portia brings?
Antonio, because he gets half of shylocks money and contents.
 Lorenzo & Jessica because in his will it will be written that everything I own will go to my daughter and her husband.