Preface for merchant of Venice: trial scene
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Antonio, a merchant, is in a melancholic state of mind and unable to find a reason for his depression. His friends Salerio and Solanio attempt to cheer him up by telling him that he is only worried about his ships returning safely to port. Antonio, however, denies that he is worried about his ships and remains depressed. His two friends leave after Bassanio, Graziano and Lorenzo arrive. Graziano and Lorenzo remark that Antonio does not look well before exiting, leaving Bassanio alone with Antonio.
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Preface for merchant of Venice: Trial Scene
Act IV, Scene I of William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice involves the climactic court scene in which Shylock and Antonio confront one another, in person, before Portia, who will determine Antonio's fate.
Shylock is unpopular with other characters who accuse him of practising usury. This means lending money with outrageously high rates of interest. The merchants, such as Antonio, too cannot stand Shylock because they believe his way of making money is immoral.
The duke appeals to Shylock's sense of compassion, to no avail. The cunning Shylock, smitten by his prejudice, wants to ruin Antonio on the basis of the bond signed by Antonio. Shylock states that there was an agreement between Antonio and him, so the agreement should not be broken. He has no mercy and is eager to take the life by cutting a pound of flesh from the body of Antonio. When Portia saves Antonios reach there, Portia uses her clever wit to save Antonio. she says that sure, the words are "a pound of flesh" but she analyzes the bond and quickly finds out that there is no "blood" written in it. So she uses that as a advantage against Shylock and wins the case.
Portia says the bond allows for a pound of flesh, but not for the shedding of blood. Shylock can take the pound of flesh but he cannot take any blood. He would forfeit all of his goods to Venice. Shylock takes a drop of Christian blood from Antonio, then the law of Venice states that Venice can confiscate his land and goods. Shylock has already refused the offer in court, and he will receive only the law, just as he asked for.
Portia is the central figure of the dramatic trial. Her role is significant. Her verdict of the trial is symbolic of the victory of good overcoming evil. The Merchant of Venice is the conflict between self interest and love. Shylock loses the case, all his properties and his dignity. He says he is going home because he is not feeling well.