Antonio asks the court to drop the fine of half his goods to the state and says he will give his own half of Shylock’s fortune to Lorenzo and Jessica upon Shylock’s death. He requires Shylock to leave any of his own possessions to Lorenzo and Jessica upon his death as well and that Shylock convert to Christianity.
What is the significance of Act 4 Scene 1?
It is the scene which sets the ground for logic, justice, and righteousness. The trial is perhaps the most crucial scene in the play. In Act IV, Scene I, Shylock demands the right to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. The court’s decision determines Antonio’s fate.
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.
What scene is the court scene in The Merchant of Venice?
Shylock demands justice (Act 4 Scene 1)
The Duke presides over the courtroom in Venice, where Shylock demands the penalty from Antonio for defaulting on the bond.
What is the most striking theme in Act 1 Scene 1 Merchant of Venice?
The Act 1 Scene 1 in MOV mostly emphasises on Antonio’s melancholic behaviour. The way he takes every happening negatively, and also how he thinks that his ships might have been wrecked at sea, make the audience understand that Antinio has given up on a happy life.
What is the main idea of Macbeth Act 4?
Act 4 marks the transition between Macbeth the (overly) ambitious monarch and Macbeth the bloodthirsty tyrant completely in thrall to the Weird Sisters’ prophecies. In his new role of sadistic despot, Macbeth orders the brutal murder of Macduff’s family in scene 2.
How does the Duke try to convince Shylock?
3–4). The Duke has attempted to persuade Shylock to spare Antonio, but Shylock will not. … The Duke summons Shylock into court, and tells him that everyone believes that he means only to terrify Antonio with this performance, and that, at the last minute, Shylock will show mercy, spare Antonio, and forgive his debt.
Who does Nerissa marry?
Nerissa marries Bassanio’s friend Gratiano who traveled with him to Belmont.
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.
Why does the Duke call Shylock inhuman?
(ii) Shylock is called inhuman by Duke because he demanded the pound of flesh from Antonio’s body and did not have a single grain to pity in his heart. … Shylock will forgive him a part of the principal amount to be paid by Antonio along with forgiving their penalty.
Does Shylock convert to Christianity?
Portia orders Shylock to beg for the duke’s mercy. … Shylock claims that they may as well take his life, as it is worthless without his estate. Antonio offers to return his share of Shylock’s estate, on the condition that Shylock convert to Christianity and bequeath all his goods to Jessica and Lorenzo upon his death.
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.)
Why does Shylock refuse to show mercy?
Shylock does not show any mercy as he feels that he has done nothing wrong and therefore need not fear judgement. Shylock reasons that he should be allowed to do what he wishes with the pound of flesh as he had bought it, in the same way slaves are under the power of their slave-owners.
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.
Did Bassanio really love Portia?
Bassanio explains that he is in love with Portia and needs a loan to show his wealth and power to her. Even though Antonio has no money to give to Bassanio, he still promises to guarantee any loan Bassanio can find.
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.