Essay --

And lawfully by this the Jew may claim a pound of flesh, to be by him cut off nearest the merchandisers heart. Be merciful. (IV. 1. 231-233). throughout the trial scene, despite the heavy tension in the air, a subtle, reoccurring idea floated in and lingered. It was the idea for u authorizedr to found Antonio mercy. However, the Jew disregarded it. Yet, Portia managed was to show the court that Shylock fiercely wanted the uprightness upheld. The intent of the Law and the leniency of Mercy clashes as the course of the trial progresses.Consumed by termination to uphold his bond, Shylock found the mind of showing mercy to the merchant ridiculous. The Duke said to Shylock, Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, that thou just now leadest this fashion of thy malice to the last hour of act and then tis thought thoult show thy mercy and remorse more strange than is thy strange sheer cruelty. (IV. 1. 17-21). To this, the Jew responded Youll ask me, why I rather choose to hav e a weight of carrion flesh than to receive three thousand ducats Ill not make out that but, say, it is my humor is it answerd? (IV. 1. 40-43). The Duke many a times asked the Jew to show mercy, and only that, naught more and nothing less. Blinded by wrath, Shylock ferociously make it clear to the court, even before Portias appearance, that he wanted his bond. viewing mercy was out of the question. At that point, the grace of mercy had long disappeared from Shylocks mind. The thought of ridding Antonio, the great merchant of Venice, from his hair replaced it. Shylock expect seeing red. It was all he could think about seeing Antonios crimson flesh as he cut it off without waver and in the absence of grace. The Jew wanted the Law, his side of the La... ... drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate unto the state of Venice. (IV. 1. 307-312). Shylock demanded he wanted the law, and Portia made sure to give him exactly what he wanted. The tables turned on Shylock he was advised to practice mercy and now he has to beg for it.Throughout the trial scene, the intent of the Law and the grace of Mercy constantly clashed, as judgment on the bond was determined. Shylock entered the courtroom a cocksure man with an apt for revenge, though left a man plain of everything away from him except the clothes on his back. Mercy was asked of the Jew, many times before the intent of the Law was twisted against him. His determination and refusal to show grace ultimately caused his demise. Portia pitted the intent of Law against him and the end, the grace of Mercy was bestowed upon Shylock.