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Themes Of Mercy And Justice In The Merchant Of Venice

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‘The Merchant of Venice’ By William Shakespeare starts off with Shylock and Antonio making a bond, saying that if Shylock doesn't get his money in 3 months he will get a pound of flesh closest to Antonio heart. The court scene where Shylock is trying to justify his bond, shows how each character contribute in displaying the themes of mercy and justice.

Throughout the play, Shylock has been wanting justice for himself since the beginning, it started when he made the bond. At the court scene he doesn’t show mercy to Antonio because he believes that he is finally getting what he deserves after what Antonio has done to him. A quote from shylock trying to get justice is ‘You have among you many a purchased slave … because you have bought them… the pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought … fie upon …show more content…
‘ To quit the fine for one half of his goods’ (Act 4 Scene 1 Line 376 - 386) He lets Shylock keep half of his money, but he makes him become a christian and gives all processions to Jessica. Although he is allowed to keep some money, he still loses everything. His religion, daughter etc. Antonio seems to give Shylock some of his money like compensation for everything he is making him do. He is no longer accepted in his religion and he is going to live a terrible life. ‘ I pray you think you question with he Jew … you may as well use question with the wolf’ (Act 4 Scene 1 Line 70 -84) He tells them that he is too stubborn and there is no use in trying to negotiate with Shylock as he wont back down. He also refers to Shylock as a wolf, that he is out for meat and he wont stop for anything until he gets what he wishes. This just makes it seems like he isn't fighting for his life as he tries to tell the duke that there is no point in stopping him. If he were actually fighting for his life he would be begging even if he signed the

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