what was the importance of the trial scene in the merchant of venice and also the role of portia in it.
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When Portia enters the scene she appears to recognise law and shylock compliments her for this "o wise young judge, how do I honour thee." Shylock is ready to commit the deed and it appears as though the bond is going to go through when Portia asks Antonio to "lay bare his breast." However Portia suddenly "Tary a little there is something else." Portia stands to change the direction of the law. "One drop of Christian blood" and the "laws of Venice will procescute Shylock. The court denies shylock the right to take his money back "he shall have nothing but the penalty" this penalty is the forfeiture. ...read more.
The Duke describes him as a "Stoney adversary, an inhuman wretch, uncapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy." When Shylock enters the Duke asks Shylock for mercy however shylock Shylock does "not answer that." When Bassanio offers Shylock twice the principle sum. Shylock replies he would not have six times the principle Sum he "would have his bond." This suggests that shylock has no mercy as the duke described him. When Portia enters the scene. She says that "the jew must be merciful." The court offers Shylock a second opportunity to be merciful. He however says that "on what compulsion must I?" and turns down the opportunity. Portia gives Shylock many more opportunities to have mercy upon Antonio
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Answer:
Trial Scene Of Merchant Of Venice
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 trial scene is perhaps the most important scene of the play 'The Merchant of Venice'. It is the scene which sets the ground for logic, justice, and righteousness. 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 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 and Antonio 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. According to the law his properties will be confiscate and divided between the city of Venice and Antonio. 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 brilliant and keen observation saved the life of an innocent man from an unforgiving enemy. 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.