Mercy vs. Justice in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice

Introduction: Mercy and Justice as Opposing Forces

In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare brings us closer to the ideas of mercy and justice, and which should take precedence over the other. Portia and Shylock are the characters Shakespeare uses to juxtapose these two values. Portia fights for mercy, while Shylock would rather adhere to the law letter by letter. It takes a dramatic twist of events for Shylock to be confronted with the possibility that mercy should occasionally be considered, 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 of mercy, and her discourse on the subject is one of the finest passages in Shakespeare's work. Mercy is freely given, she says, and it is an act of the giver, not the receiver. Portia speaks with eloquence, and her words illuminate the difference between her character and Shylock's. Shylock, on the other hand, is a spokesman for strict justice. He believes in having what is his by right of the law. In his eyes, the agreement with Antonio is perfectly legal, and he should receive what he rightfully deserves. When he does not get what he believes he is owed, he insists that the bond be carried out. Shakespeare is thus showing us the difference between the law of the land and the laws of human compassion.

Portia's Case for Mercy

Portia is shrewd and realizes that if she is to succeed, she must petition on Antonio's behalf by 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. Because Shylock is already adamant regarding the law and what he is owed, Portia must make mercy something more appealing to him than the bond he rightfully claims. She tells him that mercy is an act of human kindness, and it "droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven" (Shakespeare IV.i.184). She adds, "It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes" (IV.i.186), and it is "mightiest in the mightiest" (IV.i.187).

Portia also reasons with Shylock by maintaining that individuals in positions of power have opportunities to exhibit great mercy. She demonstrates how Shylock himself is in such a position, telling him that mercy:

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 Portia is appealing to Shylock's pride. 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, saying it is "an attribute to God himself. / And earthly power doth then become likest God's, / Where mercy seasons justice" (IV.i.94–96). In this way she emphasizes that mercy enhances justice and makes it more appealing.

Her argument grows even more compelling as she continues:

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.95–99)

Here Portia argues that Shylock should always consider the human dimension of his situation, noting that if God can have mercy on mankind, the very least that men could do is show mercy upon one another. Portia also shows mercy toward Shylock when she allows him a way out of his bond — an action that works to her benefit when he refuses to change his position. Her performance in court is to be admired because she gives Shylock every opportunity to change his mind and show a little mercy toward Antonio. His stubbornness is emphasized when he refuses to budge and insists on carrying out the bond to the letter.

Portia is too clever for him, however. When Shylock realizes that he cannot take a pound of flesh without shedding 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 grave mistake, because the law of human 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 also needs to experience the need for mercy.

Conclusion: Shakespeare's Vision of a Merciful World

The Merchant of Venice allows us to look at mercy and justice from new perspectives. While we all would like to own what is rightfully ours, we do not have to be heartless when it comes to having it. Shakespeare utilizes Shylock's complex character to reveal the importance of mercy in a world that sometimes seems merciless. While justice has its place, it cannot always come before mercy. In other words, the law is important and justice is a fair and honest desire, but because we are human, we should always look outside the realm of strict legality when it comes to matters of compassion and mercy.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. "The Merchant of Venice." William Shakespeare: The Complete Works. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 1994.