Mercy and Justice in Shakespeare's Term Paper

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i.95-9).

Here Portia is arguing that Shylock should always consider the human aspect of things noting that if God can have mercy on mankind, the very least that men could do is have mercy upon one another. Portia shows mercy toward Shylock when she allows him a way out of his bond. This action works to her benefit when he does not want to change his position. Portia's performance in court is one to be admired because she gives Shylock every opportunity to change his mind and have a little mercy upon Antonio. His stubbornness is emphasized when he refuses to budge and insists on carrying out the law. Portia is too clever for him, however, and when he realizes that he cannot take a pound of flesh without a drop of blood, he wishes to change the plan. With irony, Shakespeare illustrates how adhering to the law while overlooking mercy can be a huge mistake because the law of man's compassion should at least be considered before the law of the land. It only seems fitting that Portia not let Shylock off the hook so easily because he not only needs to experience justice but he also needs to experience the need for mercy.

In order for us to appreciate Portia's pleas, Shakespeare has crafted Shylock to be a rather complex, yet despicable, character. He is prideful and he enjoys being self-absorbed. His complexity is revealed with his mixed reactions toward Antonio. For instance, he first hates Antonio admitting, "I hate him for he is a Christian;/but more for that in low simplicity/He lends out money on gratis" (I.iii.

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39-41). Yet later, Shylock attempts to convince Antonio that he is his friend. This contrast is necessary for Shakespeare to focus on the opposing characteristics and points-of-view. This is an important device because while the two characters may seem like opposites, their identities begin to transform before the play ends. Shakespeare is setting up the court scene when Portia asks who the Jew and merchant are in the courtroom. After her question, we discover that the two men who seemed so violently opposed to each another are actually more alike than they would like to admit. It is ironic that Shylock must see the person he is through the letter of the law. Again, Shakespeare employs irony to illustrate his point that sometimes it is necessary to change one's stance in order to be human.

The Merchant of Venice allows us to look at mercy and justice from new perspectives. While we all would like to own what is rightfully ours, we do not have to be heartless when it comes to having it. Shakespeare utilizes Shylock's complex character to reveal the importance of mercy in a world that sometimes seems merciless. While justice has its place, it cannot always come before the idea of mercy. In other words, the law is important and justice is a fair and honest desire but because we are human, we should always look outside the realm of justice when it comes to matters of compassion and mercy.

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