Justice is a term that connotes fairness, while mercy is presented as a compassionate gift given to victims. Indeed, justice is an idea that people demand when they feel they have not been treated fairly or simply want the law to resolve a particular problem between people or groups. Similarly, mercy is a gift that embraces forgiveness (Shakespeare and Lindsay 25). Thus, justice and mercy are major concerns in Shakespeare’s play “Merchant of Venice.” They are extensively explored in the courtroom scenes. For instance, Shylock, the villain in the play, demands justice, and he seeks a pound of flesh, insisting that he is not asking for more than justice, as it was guaranteed to him in the contractual agreement (bond) between himself and Antonio.
Portia on the Value of Mercy
Through the voice of Portia, Shakespeare suggests that, much as justice is a valuable and admirable virtue, mercy is even more valuable. Every person needs it. However, the playwright holds that justice is set against mercy, and justice is equally important in society. Sometimes, justice is not simply what the law states (Shakespeare and Lindsay 26). Portia believes that if Shylock’s contract is overruled, then everybody will recognize that the laws governing Venice are not fairly enforced. Notably, one can clearly see that Shylock is not motivated by law and justice but purely by revenge. He uses the law and justice to pursue his vengeful acts against Antonio.
Revenge Prejudice and the Limits of Law
Shylock is determined to take revenge against Antonio even when he is offered money; his hatred and vengeful desires stand out. Justice can be influenced by prejudice based on one’s religion or even race. Shakespeare authored the play during the Elizabethan period, at a time when there were many religious differences between Jews and Christians (Shakespeare and Lindsay 33). In this sense, Christians tend to show mercy and embrace it as directed by their doctrines. Similarly, Shylock represented Jews who believed in justice and the law. However, Shakespeare tends to emphasize that mercy is equally important in society. He believes that each and every member of society should embrace mercy for the good of society. This is captured through the speech given by Portia in the courtroom. It is quite difficult to tell whether Shakespeare intended to make his character, Shylock, a sympathetic character or a Jewish villain in order to satisfy an anti-Semitic audience. This is evident in the treatment of Shylock in the courtroom. Therefore, mercy remains a major concern for both Christians and Jews. It was the virtue that would unite them (Shakespeare and Lindsay 45). Portia explains the essence of mercy. Shylock was given the go-ahead to take his pound of flesh from Antonio, but just before he cut the flesh, Portia reminded him that the contract did not include the shedding of blood. So, he was told to take the flesh but not to shed a drop of Antonio’s blood. The implication is that there are always loopholes in the law; therefore, people should always try to solve their issues by using virtues such as mercy. Again, the case is complicated: Shylock seeks justice in the court of law, but the judge, Portia, speaks of mercy (Shakespeare and Lindsay 28). However, the speech about mercy was given to offer Shylock the option of using mercy to save Antonio’s life. Indeed, the law is on Shylock’s side, but the audience expects him to show mercy, which he declines to do. During the courtroom trial, Shylock asks Portia what could compel him to show mercy. In her response, Portia says, “The quality of mercy is not strained.” The implication is that human beings are expected to be merciful since God is merciful.
Justice Without Compassion
Shylock is determined to get justice by having his pound of flesh as per the agreement, or bond. He insists on the law and justice (Shakespeare and Lindsay 25). Portia insists on upholding every letter and word of the law, knowing clearly that there are loopholes in the law that will save Antonio’s life. However, she still endeavors to ask Shylock to show mercy. Therefore, when Portia cautions Shylock against seeking the law without any concern for mercy, she is endorsing what Elizabethan Christians expected, which was not acceptable to the Jews (Shakespeare and Lindsay 27). The play was structured to portray Shylock as a villain because he did not want to show compassion for his enemy. It is clear that the weapon on which Shylock had placed his hopes was the law and justice. Since this is turned against him, Shylock is stripped of his wealth, estate, and dignity; he is therefore left to ask for mercy. The law allowed Antonio to take Shylock’s wealth as a punishment for conspiring to kill him; however, Antonio refused to take the wealth and instead showed mercy.
Mercy as the Path to Social Harmony
In summary, there is a relationship between mercy and justice, and justice is not simply whatever the law states. This is evident in Shylock’s desire to have his bond enforced, which he was denied in the courtroom. Mercy as a virtue stands out as an important element that every member of society should embrace, whether one is a Christian or a Jew. The playwright endeavors to show how justice is not the only way to settle disputes, but mercy can also bring harmony.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William, and M. Lindsay Kaplan. “The Merchant of Venice.” The Merchant of Venice. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2002. 25-120.
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