Free The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Page B

describing Shylock as “an inhuman wretch / Uncapable of pity.”Antonio is resigned, declaring that he will “oppose” Shylock’s “fury” with “patience,” and his “rage” with “a quietness of spirit,” emphasizing the deliberate contrasting of the two characters. Shylock is shown in and the duke tells him that he is sure he will “show mercy” to Antonio. Shylock is unmoved, maintaining that he will have the “weight of carrion flesh” he is entitled to. He refuses to take the three thousand ducats instead, citing his “hate” and “certain loathing” of Antonio. Bassanio tries to reason with him and offers him more money, but Antonio tells him that it is pointless. The duke asks Shylock how he expects to receive mercy when he shows none. Shylock argues that he has no need of mercy when he is “doing no wrong”: he is asking for justice, which must be given to him according to “the decrees of Venice.” The duke has sent for “Bellario, a learnèd doctor” to determine the outcome, and Salerio reports that a messenger has arrived from Padua. Nerissa enters, disguised as a law clerk. As she hands the duke a letter, Shylock begins to sharpen his knife. The letter is from Bellario, who is unable to come but who has sent “A young and learnèd doctor,” Balthasar, in his place. Portia enters, disguised as Balthasar.
    Lines 167–270: Portia, as Balthasar, questions both Shylock and Antonio, concluding that “the Jew” must “be merciful.” Shylock asks what “compulsion” there is to do so, and Portia responds that mercy cannot be forced: “It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven / Upon the place beneath.” Bassanio repeats that he now has the money to pay the bond “ten times o’er,” and asks that the law be changed. Portia says that there is “no power in Venice” that can alter the law. Shylock is delighted. Portia asks to look at the bond and concludes that Shylock may “lawfully” “claim / A pound of flesh.” Again, she urges Shylock to “be merciful” and again he refuses. He also declines to provide a surgeon to tend to Antonio afterward because “’tis not in the bond,” showing his determination to stick to the letter of the law.
    Lines 271–356: Portia calls Antonio forward and he announces that he is “prepared.” He takes Bassanio’s hand and tells him to commend him to his “honourable wife” and tell her how much Antonioloved him. Bassanio declares that, although Portia is as “dear” to him “as life itself,” he would “sacrifice” her to save Antonio. Gratiano makes a similar declaration, and Portia and Nerissa are both unimpressed by their husbands’ claims. Portia announces that Shylock may cut the flesh from Antonio, but, as he goes to do so, she tells him to “Tarry.” Using Shylock’s own adherence to the wording of the bond against him, she reminds him that the “words” “expressly are ‘a pound of flesh’”; he may take no “blood,” and he must take exactly a pound. Anything else is against the law, and would result in Shylock having to surrender his “lands and goods” to the state. Shylock announces that he will take money instead, but Portia insists that he may only take his bond. Shylock accepts defeat and prepares to leave the court, but Portia calls him back.
    Lines 357–413: Portia reminds Shylock of the penalty against “an alien” who “seek[s] the life of any citizen”: he must forfeit all of his “goods,” to be divided between the state and Antonio, and, unless the duke shows “mercy,” he will be executed. In contrast to Shylock’s own refusals to show mercy, the duke pardons his life and reduces his fine. Antonio is similarly merciful, returning his share of Shylock’s fortune on the condition that he converts to Christianity and leaves his money to Jessica and Lorenzo. Shylock agrees, and leaves the court.
    Lines 414–470: The duke invites “Balthasar” to dinner, but Portia says she must