Merchant Of Venice Theme Of Mercy Vs Justice example essay topic

In Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice", the theme of mercy vs. justice was used effectively to clearly display the different attitudes amongst the central characters. Shylock "stands for the law", for justice at all costs. The Christian characters balance this; they seem to value love and mercy above material wealth, although they have no conscience when it comes to the treatment of Jews and their families. Prejudice is a core theme in this play and is present in many aspects of Venetian society of the times. The characters' different attitudes towards the giving and taking of mercy and justice provide a great deal of conflict throughout this skilfully crafted story. Shylock accepts Antonio's bond in the hope that he may fail in repaying him, therefore forfeiting a "pound of flesh, to be by him cut off nearest the merchant's heart", a penalty that would surely kill Antonio - an opportunity for revenge that is too tempting to overlook.

He shows no compassion for Antonio and his grave situation. Shylock's hate for the merchant and his fellow Christians runs so deep that this anger seems almost inhuman. Shylock is heavily portrayed in this text as the villain, yet it could be said that his hate for the Christian is not unfounded. Shylock has suffered many times under the powerful Christian influence in Venice, and has "borne it with a patient shrug". Even Antonio, who is painted as a kind, merciful character, is prejudiced, as he warns Shylock that he is likely "to spit on thee again, to spurn thee too". simply because he is a Jew. Antonio risks his own life to provide his friend Bassanio with 'his purse, his person, his extremist means' and ensure that Bassanio has enough provisions to play suitor to his beloved Portia.

These characters value love and friendship above material wealth and possessions. This fact works to Bassanio's favour and helps to secure Portia's hand, when Bassanio chose the correct - lead - casket. This shows that he knows the truth, that morals and beliefs make up the value of a person, rather than outward appearance and possessions. Shylock is the contrasting character in this respect, as he holds monetary wealth close to his heart.

The Jewish moneylender proves this fact when he discovers that he had lost his daughter to a Christian, as well as a significant amount of his fortune. He exclaims "My daughter! O my ducats! ", as though the coins hold the same worth as his only daughter - his own "flesh and blood". Portia tries to convince Shylock otherwise in her speech in the court, that mercy "is twice blest; it blesses him that gives and him that takes. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown".

But his hate for Antonio is so intense, that he would forsake the payment for his revenge. "If it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge". Shylock is made to suffer the consequences of his selfish decision however, when Portia saves Antonio from the knife; finding a loophole in his ruthless plan and points out that in the taking of his 'dearly bought pound of flesh,' he may not take "one drop of Christian blood". Once Portia has turned Shylock's greatest weapon-the law-against him, she has the opportunity to give freely of the mercy for which she so beautifully advocates. Because of his insistence of justice, he loses all he has - to the law that was once on his side. "Thyself shalt see the act; For, as though urgent justice, be assured thou shalt have justice more than thou desire " st".

Shylock's greed is his downfall in the end. He is made to sacrifice all, because he would show no compassion to a man that was in his debt. Shylock is stripped of his bond, his estate, and his dignity, forcing him to kneel and beg for mercy. It seems that mercy, as delivered in this play, never manages to be as noble, or with as pure intentions as Portia presents it.

These characters were portrayed cleverly to reveal meaning and moral to the reader - giving insight into the change between the values and ideals of Elizabethan and modern society. Their very different attitudes to mercy and justice provide a complicated and entertaining web of relationships that contributes to the play's meaning and importance. Love, hate and the choice between giving mercy or maintaining justice, add depth to the themes and characters and create a passionate and complex plot..