Mercy and Justice in Shakespeare\'s

Mercy and Justice in Shakespeare's

Merchant of Venice

Shakespeare brings us closer to the ideas of mercy and justice and which should trump which in the play the Merchant of Venice. Portia and Shylock are the characters in which Shakespeare uses to juxtapose mercy and justice. Portia fights for mercy while Shylock would rather adhere to the law letter by letter. It takes a twist of events for Shylock to be convinced that mercy should be considered occasionally because the law, wonderful as it might be, cannot be compassionate. The issue of justice and mercy is brought to light through Shylock's situation and the unfortunate turn of events. However, the extreme is necessary for Shakespeare to emphasize the importance of mercy in a just world.

Portia is a representative for mercy and her discourse on the subject is one of the finest pieces of Shakespeare's work. Mercy is freely given, she says, and it is an act of the giver, not the receiver. Portia speaks with harmony and her words illuminate the difference between her character and Shylock. Shylock, on the other hand, is a spokesman for justice. He believes in having what is his by right of the law. In his eyes, the agreement with Antonio is something that is perfectly legal and he should have what he rightfully deserves. When he does not get what he thinks he serves, he believes that retribution is in order. Shakespeare is showing us the difference between the law of the land and the laws of man.

Portia is smart and realizes that if she is to succeed, she must petition for Antonio, appealing to Shylock's merciful side. She is well aware that mercy is not something that can be mandated by law. It must come from the heart. Shylock is already adamant regarding the law and what is his, so Portia must make mercy something that is appealing to Shylock - something that is more appealing than the bond he rightfully deserves. She tells him mercy is an act of human kindness, and it "droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven" (Shakespeare IV.i.184). She even tells him, "It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes" (IV.i.186), and it is "mightiest in the mightiest" (IV.i.187). Portia also tries to reason with Shylock at this point, maintaining that individuals that find themselves in places of power have opportunities to exhibit great and high mercy. She demonstrates how Shylock is in a position to show great mercy, telling him it:

becomes the throned monarch better than his crown.

His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,

An attribute to awe and majesty.

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. (IV.i.87-91)

Here we see how Portia is trying to appeal to Shylock through pride. In other words, she wants him to wear his reputation as a merciful man as proudly as he would wear a crown. In addition, she argues that mercy is far more important than earthly wealth or power. She says mercy is, "an attribute to God himself./and earthly power dost the become likest God's,/Where mercy seasons justice" (IV.i. 94-6). Here she is emphasizing that mercy enhances justice and makes it more appealing. Her words also compelling because she continues to say that:

earthly powers doth then show likest God's

When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,

Though justice be thy plea, consider this,

That, in the course of justice, none of us

Should see salvation" (IV.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.