Antonio, remarkably forgiving, intervenes on the side of mercy, which has been a major theme of the trial scene. He petitions the Duke to allow Shylock the use of half his fortune for his life on two conditions: that he leave it to his son-in-law and daughter on his death and that he convert to Christianity.
Did Shylock show mercy to Antonio?
At the end of the extract, Shylock still firmly refuses to show Antonio any mercy and this proves to be his downfall as the rest of the scene depicts Portia manipulating the terms of the bond and freeing Antonio from the bond. She then does not show mercy to Shylock.
What does Shylock say about mercy?
Shylock asks why he must show mercy, and, in one of the play’s most famous speeches, Portia responds that “[t]he quality of mercy is not strained,” but is a blessing to both those who provide and those who receive it (IV.
Why does Shylock refuse to show mercy How does he justify his position?
How does he justify his stance? He refuses to show mercy because he strongly dislikes Antonio.
What reason does Antonio give for his hatred of the person who seeks his life?
What reason does Antonio give for his hatred of the person who seeks his life? Is this the only reason? Answer: Antonio says that Shylock hates him because he had rescued many debtors from Shylock’s clutches.
How does Shylock respond to Antonio begging for mercy?
Shylock replies that Antonio will soon be bankrupt and swears to collect his bond. Salarino doubts Shylock’s resolve, wondering what the old man will do with a pound of flesh, to which Shylock chillingly replies that Antonio’s flesh will at least feed his revenge.
Why does Shylock refuses to show mercy on Antonio?
Answer: Shylock does not show any mercy as he feels that he has done nothing wrong and therefore need not fear judgement. Shylock reasons that he should be allowed to do what he wishes with the pound of flesh as he had bought it, in the same way slaves are under the power of their slave-owners.
How does Shylock respond to Antonio?
Shylock hates Antonio, and for him that is reason enough. Bassanio, who has arrived from Belmont, attempts to argue with Shylock, but Antonio tells him that his efforts are for naught. Hatred and predation, Antonio suggests, come as naturally to some men as they do to the wolf.
What reasons does Shylock give for his stubborn refusal to grant mercy to Antonio?
What reason does Shylock give for not showing mercy to Antonio? Shylock shows no mercy because he is never afforded mercy. His intent is to make Antonio an example. It’s a way of getting back for the way he is treated.
Why is mercy mightiest in the mightiest?
Answer: Mercy is the mightiest of the mightiest because its power is mightier than all the other powers that a king can boast of. The throne, the crown and the scepter are all symbols of power of the king.
How is mercy presented in The Merchant of Venice?
“The quality of mercy” is a speech given by Portia in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice (Act 4, Scene 1). In the speech, Portia, disguised as a lawyer, begs Shylock to show mercy to Antonio. The speech extols the power of mercy, “an attribute to God Himself.” The quality of mercy is not strained.
How does Shylock react to the Duke’s appeal for mercy?
(iv) What is Shylock’s response to the Duke’s appeal for mercy ? Answer: Shylock says that since he has done no wrong, no sentence can be passed on him. So he does not need God’s mercy.
Why does Shylock suddenly decide to accept this offer?
Solution. Shylock suddenly decides to accept the offer that Bassanio had made previously because now he is trapped and his plan of revenge has failed. Now he wants to gain whatever is possible. Bassanio has made this offer.
Why is Antonio confident that there is no danger in signing the bond?
Antonio is confident that there is no danger in signing the bond because he is confident that one month before the date of payment, his ships will have brought nine times the amount they are borrowing and they will not have to pay the penalty. This incident shows Antonio’s overconfidence and generosity towards Bassnio.
Who does Antonio plead for mercy from?
Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 3
In Venice, Antonio has been allowed to leave the jail, accompanied by his jailer. He hopes to speak with Shylock and plead for mercy, but Shylock refuses to listen.
What attitude of Antonio is reflected in this scene?
Answer: Antonio is here depicted as a very kind-hearted man and as being very devoted to Bassanio. He is here shown to be more interested in Bassanio’s welfare and in Bassanio’s happiness than in his own safety.
Where is Antonio who is he addressing to who has brought him here?
Who has brought him there ? Answer: Antonio is in the street of Venice, in the custody of the jailor. He is addressing Salarino, his friend. The jailor has brought him there in order to have a talk with Shylock.
