Question

the importance of trial scene and the role played by portiain in this scene (mearchant of venice)

Answer 1

The trial scene is an important scene of the play 'The Merchant of Venice' which sets the ground for logic, justice, and righteousness. Shylock, smitten by his prejudice, wants to ruin Antonio on the basis of the bond signed by Antonio. By means of the bond, Antonio has to give a pound of his flesh if he doesn't pay the loan borrowed from Shylock to help his friend. Though Bassanio is ready to pay double the amount of the loan, i.e. six thousand ducats, Shylock is bent upon meeting the condition in the bond. Antonio would have fallen a prey to Shylock's dark design if Portia had not come cross-dressed to help her husband and his friend. 

Portia plays an important role as she not only has a thorough knowledge of the Venetian law, but she also has the art of oration which can sway the audience. Firstly, she appeals for mercy as mercy can place a man on a high pedestal due to its divine quality. When she makes out that expecting mercy from a cunning and conniving Shylock is a waste, she reads the bond and makes it clear that since the bond mentions a pound of flesh only, it should be cut in a way that Antonio doesn't bleed to death. If he does, Shylock will be accused of plotting against Antonio and killing him. She also talks about the punishment declared in the Venetian court if anyone directly or indirectly tries to kill a Christian. Shylock is trapped in his own web and bound by the law to live as a Christian for the rest of his life apart from giving away his wealth to his daughter Jessica who had fled and married a Christian. The role of Portia not only reflects the power a woman can possess in the male dominated society but it also concludes that evil can never triumph. 

Answer 2

Answer:

The trial scene serves many purposes: one of the main storylines comes to fruition as Shylock receives his downfall; Portia proves herself as capable as any man; and Antonio is relieved of the bond. Portia's role is pivotal in this scene: without her intervention, Antonio would have died.The trial is perhaps the most crucial scene in the play. In Act IV, Scene I, Shylock demands the right to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio's body. The court's decision determines Antonio's fate. The duke appeals to Shylock's sense of compassion, to no avail.The trial scene serves many purposes: one of the main storylines comes to fruition as Shylock receives his downfall; Portia proves herself as capable as any man; and Antonio is relieved of the bond. Portia's role is pivotal in this scene: without her intervention, Antonio would have died.