Question

why does portia want the jew to show mercy

Answer 1

portion wanted the jew to show mercy to the poor merchant antonio as it was the sole method of saving him from the clutches of the argute shylock. she expresses that mercy is like the rain, it blesses who renders it and whom upon which it is rendered.

Answer 2

bcz she was bassanio wife who was antonio's dear frnd and thus she wanted to save antonio on any cost so she asked shylock the jew to be mercyful to antonio and forgive him for his debt