"Merchant of Venice"

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses Shakespeare's treatment of mercy and justice in his play, "The Merchant of Venice" and shows how the protagonists, Portia and Shylock, are the characters which Shakespeare uses to juxtapose mercy and justice. The paper demonstrates how Portia is a representative for mercy while Shylock is a spokesman for justice. The paper explains that Shakespeare utilizes Shylock's complex character to reveal the importance of mercy in a world that sometimes seems merciless.

From the Paper:

"Shakespeare brings us closer to the ideas of mercy and justice and which should trump which in the play The Merchant of Venice. Portia and Shylock are the characters in which Shakespeare uses to juxtapose mercy and justice. Portia fights for mercy while Shylock would rather adhere to the law letter by letter. It takes a twist of events for Shylock to be convinced that mercy should be considered occasionally because the law, wonderful as it might be, cannot be compassionate. The issue of justice and mercy is brought to light through Shylock's situation and the unfortunate turn of events. However, the extreme is necessary for Shakespeare to emphasize the importance of mercy in a just world."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Shakespeare, William. "The Merchant of Venice." William Shakespeare: The Complete Works. New York: Barnes and Noble Books. 1994.

More papers on "Merchant of Venice":

• Essay # 71250 : "Love in "The Merchant of Venice"
• Analytical Essay # 140795 : "The Symbolism of Rings in "The Merchant of Venice"
• Essay # 33623 : "Merchant Of Venice"
• Argumentative Essay # 4770 : "Shylock, Shakespeare and the "Merchant of Venice"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: