The trial scene in The Merchant of Venice dramatizes the conflict between Positive Law and Natural Law, as the Venetian legal system betrays the Natural Law tenets of respect for human life, equality among humans, and an individual’s right to a fair process.
What was the law of Venice in Merchant of Venice?
The Law. The Merchant of Venice depends heavily upon laws and rules—the laws of the state of Venice and the rules stipulated in contracts and wills. Laws and rules can be manipulated for cruel or wanton purposes, but they are also capable of producing good when executed by the right people.
What was the law of Venice?
The laws of Venice state that if a foreign resident directly or indirectly attempts to kill any citizen, the person he tried to kill will receive one half of the foreigner’s goods. The other half goes to the state. Whether the offending person lives or dies is up to the duke—there’s no one else to appeal to.
How is justice shown in The Merchant of Venice?
The most obvious example of justice within The Merchant of Venice makes for one of the most interesting stories in all of theatre. … Throughout act 4, Shylock references justice so many times that we lose count. He demands, over and over again, for his “bond;” that is, Antonio’s flesh.
What is the trial scene in Merchant of Venice?
The trial scene in The Merchant of Venice is the climax of the play as Shylock has taken Antonio to court. Portia once again proves herself cleverer and more competent than any of the men with whom she shares the stage; and she resolves the major crisis in the comedy and paves the way for a happy ending.
How were Portia and Nerissa dressed?
In the Merchant of Venice we find the disguise not in all the play but in a very important part of it. Those who are disguised are Portia and Nerissa. Portia disguises herself as a male then assumes the role of a lawyer’s apprentice whereby she saves the life of Bassanio’s friend, Antonio, in court.
What are the main themes in The Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice Themes
- Prejudice and Intolerance. The Venetians in The Merchant of Venice almost uniformly express extreme intolerance of Shylock and the other Jews in Venice. …
- Human and Animal. …
- Law, Mercy, and Revenge. …
- Greed vs. …
- Reading and Interpretation. …
- Love and Friendship.
Why does gratiano call Portia a second Daniel?
So, when Portia, disguised as a lawyer, says “it cannot be” that Bassanio is allowed to save Antonio, because it would establish a bad precedent, Shylock is delighted. He calls Portia a “Daniel,” after the Biblical Daniel, who was known as a wise judge.
Who said the laws of Venice Cannot be altered?
Shylock was confident that no one could take away his right to forfeiture. Since, they strict exposition of the law of Venice permits it. Portia, the lawyer has already stated that the law cannot be altered to save Antonio as it would set forth bad precedents in the administration of justice. 6.
Who is Prince of Morocco in Merchant of Venice?
The Prince of Morocco is a suitor to Portia’s hand. Dark-skinned, he is a great and boastful warrior, whose grandiloquent language overbears all before it. He is aware that the color of his skin may not overly please Portia, but he is not ashamed of it.
Is Shylock a villain or victim?
Shylock is a combination of both victim and villain in The Merchant of Venice. He is a victim of discrimination and mistreated by Antonio and his daughter, Jessica. Shylock’s greedy, vengeful nature is what makes him a villain, which helps drive the plot of the play.
Does Antonio forgive Shylock?
Antonio, remarkably forgiving, intervenes on the side of mercy, which has been a major theme of the trial scene. He petitions the Duke to allow Shylock the use of half his fortune for his life on two conditions: that he leave it to his son-in-law and daughter on his death and that he convert to Christianity.
Does Portia really love Bassanio?
Portia highlights her true love for Bassanio by describing her sacrifice to save Antonio as an act of love for Bassanio. … Portia’s willingness to sacrifice for her new husband, even indirectly, demonstrates the genuine love she feels for him.
Why does Duke call Shylock inhuman?
(ii) The Duke remarks that Shylock is ‘inhuman’ since he refuses to show any mercy on Antonio. … He states simply that he doesn’t feel the need to answer anyone about his preference over the penalty; though his hatred towards Antonio is evident.
Why does Shylock refuse to show mercy?
He refuses to show mercy because he strongly dislikes Antonio. … The duke declares that he will show mercy: he spares Shylock’s life and demands only a fine, rather than half of the Jew’s estate. Shylock claims that they may as well take his life, as it is worthless without his estate.
Why does Shylock hate Antonio?
Shylock hates Antonio because Antonio has the privilege of being a wealthy Venetian who charges no interest on his loans, and he also hates Antonio for being a Christian. … Antonio not only loans money interest-free to many, he has also covered the loans of Shylock’s victims without charging them interest to repay him.