Question

Why did Portia emphasis on rendering mercy to Antonio?
( The Merchant of Venice )​

Answer 1

Portia argues that mercy is better than justice. She says that the more power a person has the more mercy is a credit to his or her character. If you have the power to be cruel but are merciful, people will praise you all the more for choosing the humane path. She calls mercy God's attribute.

The theme is mercy. Portia, in her emphatic plea, wants to convince the recalcitrant and vengeful Shylock that extending mercy to the unfortunate Antonio would be his best option. ... She says that mercy as a virtue is solid and untainted.
Suhani