why is the trial scene important in merchant of venice
Answers
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:
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.
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.
When Portia saves Antonios 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 an advantage against Shylock and wins the case. The trial scene is symbolic of the victory of good over evil, love over hate.