discuss how the trial scene reveals a conflict between justice and mercy
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Answer:
The Trial Scene (Act IV, Scene 1) of Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice' reveals a conflict between justice and mercy. While Shylock pleads for justice, Portia, disguised as Balthazar pitches for mercy. There is no force in the decrees of Venice. ... But Shylock does not agree to his proposal.
Answer:
The Trial Scene (Act IV, Scene 1) of Shakespeare’s play ‘The Merchant of Venice‘ reveals a conflict between justice and mercy. While Shylock pleads for justice, Portia, disguised as Balthazar pitches for mercy.
Antonio and Bassanio had made a contract with Shylock while borrowing money for Bassanio’s visit to Belmont. If Antonio would fail to repay the three thousand ducats in time, Shylock would cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. And due to the news of shipwrecks in the midst of seas, Antonio did fail to keep his words, to pay Shylock in time. This was a rare opportunity for Shylock to take revenge against all the insult and hatred he and his race had suffered so long in the hands of the Christians, and in his case especially in the hands of Antonio. So, it is very natural that throughout the entire Trial Scene, Shylock demands justice: