In Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, Shylock and Antonio make a contract in which Antonio will lose a pound of his flesh if he does not pay back money borrowed for Bassanio. … Contract law overall lacked consistency, and religion was a strong argument while defending it in court.
What Venetian law did Shylock break?
Thus she, like Shylock, decides to stand on the absolute letter of Venetian law: Shylock may indeed claim “a pound of flesh, to be by him cut off / Nearest the merchant’s heart.” She can declare this, knowing full well that Shylock’s knife will never touch Antonio.
What is the main message of Merchant of Venice?
The main theme of The Merchant of Venice is the conflict between self interest and love. On the surface level, the major difference between Shylock the Jew and the Christian characters of the play is their level of compassion.
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.
What happens in Act 4 of The Merchant of Venice?
SCENE 1- Act 4 opens in a court room in Venice with the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, and others present. Bassanio offers six thousand ducats and Shylock refuses. … Shylock draws on the fact that Christians have slaves to explain his point that he “owns” Antonio’s flesh and he shall have it.
Is Shylock a villain or a 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.
Why did Shylock call Portia a Daniel?
Because Portia seems to be ruling for Shylock, he calls her a Daniel to praise her mercy and wisdom. (It also reminds audiences that he’s Jewish, since Daniel’s story is found in the portion of the Bible that Jews and Christians share.)
Who said if you cut me do I not bleed?
Quote by William Shakespeare: “If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle…”
Is Merchant of Venice a tragedy?
The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, does not fit the conventional definitions of a tragedy or a comedy. It is categorized as a comedy, although one of the two distinct plotlines is a tragedy.
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.
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.
Why does Portia deny changing the law?
Answer: Portia rejects Bassanio’s suggestion. She asserts that there is no power in Venice which change law. It will set a bad precedent and this example will be quoted in future to do wrong things.
Why did Bassanio marry Portia?
Bassanio, Antonio’s friend, wants to marry the lady of Belmont, Portia, but he needs a large amount of money to compete with other suitors seeking her hand in marriage. … Bassanio goes to Belmont, and he is able to propose to Portia because he passes her deceased father’s test.
Who does Nerissa marry?
Nerissa marries Bassanio’s friend Gratiano who traveled with him to Belmont.
Why does Shylock disagree with Portia?
Portia refuses to grant him even that. … It’s harsh and a bit mean-spirited to refuse even to give him back the money he lent in the first place, but Shylock’s implacability and insistence on his payment in flesh was equally harsh and Portia is determined to subject him to his own merciless sense of justice.
How does Shylock lose his case at the end?
If Shylock takes a drop of Christian blood from Antonio, then the law of Venice states that Venice can confiscate his land and goods. Shylock has already refused the offer in court, and he will receive only the law, just as he asked for. … Shylock loses the case and his dignity. Justice eventually comes out triumphantly.