The Merchant of Venice Group

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syedajmain
syedajmain
Student

How did Portia talk about mercy? Was there any effect of it on Shylock? If so, give reasons?

 

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Posted by syedajmain on Sunday October 18, 2009 at 9:23 PM and tagged with characters, mercy, portia, the merchant of venice.

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  1. pohnpei397 Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    In Act IV, Scene 1 of "The Merchant of Venice," Shylock is attempting to get "his pound of flesh" from Antonio.  Antonio owes him the pound of flesh because he put it up as collateral for some money he borrowed from Shylock.  Portia asks Shylock to forgive the debt, telling him that

    The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
    It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
    Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
    It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

    In this case, "strain'd" means forced, so she's telling him that he has to give it freely, because it's the right thing to do and it helps everyone.

    It apparently does not have any effect on Shylock because he does not choose to forgive the debt and instead insists that Antonio repay the money.

     

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/merchant-of-venice/act-iv-scenes-1-...
    http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/quality-mercy-st...

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    Posted by pohnpei397 on Sunday October 18, 2009 at 9:57 PM

  2. khurramshaikh
    khurramshaikh Student
    High School - 9th Grade

    portia who disguises as a lawer says to shylockwhile taking 1pound flash from the body if 1 drop fells so you will have to face the law.so that is why shylock leave the loan on the antonio.

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    Posted by khurramshaikh on Tuesday November 24, 2009 at 7:30 AM