Question

Summary of the poem the quality of mercy by William Shakespeare

Answer 1

In the play The Merchant Of Venice by William Shakespeare, the author examines the themes of justice, mercy and forgiveness. Shylock is looking for an excuse to be vindictive, to exact revenge, to punish, to hurt and to be spiteful and vengeful. In some ways, Portia is wasting her breath trying to show him what mercy should be like - he is glad of the opportunity to get his own back and therfore mercy has use for him. Portia also tries to explain that mercy is gentle and no respecter of class or staus - it should "fall" on,or be available to, all. It is enobling for the giver to be capable of offering mercy - but Shylock does not want to be noble,he just wants to be avenged.

Answer 2

Quality of mercy is a short monologue said by Portia to Shylock. In the poem, the protagonist, Portia, explains the value of human mercy to Shylock and why the virtue is very important. According to the speech, mercy is an important human virtue which transcends all the powers of the world; it is also divine upon combination with human morality and justice.