ENGLISH ASSIGNMENT

101.LEGAL ENGLISH

SUBMITTED BY
SHAHIL BHATTARAI
UID: SM0123046

SUBMITTED TO
PROJNYA PAROMITA KAUSHIK
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ENGLISH

NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY AND JUDICIAL ACADEMY

 CONTENTS

Serial TOPIC PAGE NO

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1. Describe the characteristic of Portia in Merchant Of Venice. Explain how 03-08

Portia intervened in the trail and defeated Shylock

i) About the author 04

ii) Introduction 05
iii) Characteristic of Portia 06
iv) Portia’s intervene 06
v) How did Portia defeated Shylock 07
vi) Conclusion 08

2. Discuss the major themes of the poem ‘The Unknown Citizen’ by W.H 09-13
Auden

i) About the author 10

ii) Introduction 11
iii) Various Themes of the poem 11
iv) Conclusion 12

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DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER OF PORTIA IN MERCHANT
OF VENICE. EXPLAIN HOW PORTIA INTERVENED IN THE
TRIAL AND DEFEATED SHYLOCK

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and performer. He is largely

recognized as the greatest English-language author and the greatest playwright in
history. He is frequently referred to as the "Bard of Avon" and England's national
poet. A total of 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three lengthy narrative poems, and a few
additional verses, some of whose authorship is disputed, make up his extant works,
including collaborations. His plays are produced more frequently than those of any
other playwright since they have been translated into every significant living
language. Shakespeare's works are still being studied and reinterpreted, and he is
still regarded as the most significant author in the English language.
Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice is thought to have been composed
between 1596 and 1598. Antonio, a trader in Venice, misses a significant payment
on a debt made by Jewish moneylender Shylock on behalf of Bassanio, his close
friend. The play is best remembered for its dramatic scenes, and it is most famous
for the character Shylock and his infamous demand for a "pound of flesh" in
retaliation. Despite being categorized as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing
some aspects with Shakespeare's other romantic comedies, the play is most
remembered for its comedic elements.

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 INTRODUCTION

The play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare is complex

and difficult. It has elements of humour, romance, and tragedy. The play
takes place in Venice in the 1600s and looks at love, justice, and
prejudice, as well as the depth of human nature.

In the first scene of the play, Antonio, a wealthy businessman from

Venice, is shown to be sad for no clear reason. Bassanio, a close friend,
asks him for a loan so he can go to Belmont and court Portia, a beautiful
princess. But Antonio's money is already being used for shipping
projects. Antonio gives Shylock a pound of his own flesh as collateral
when he wants to borrow 3,000 ducats to help Bassanio.

In Belmont, Portia, who is both rich and smart, has to follow the rules set
out in her late father's will. Those who want to marry her must choose
the right coffin, which can be made of gold, silver, or lead. Once he has
chosen the right lead box, Bassanio marries Portia.

Antonio's ships are said to be at sea and have gone missing, so Shylock
goes back to Venice to get payback. Portia dresses up as a male lawyer
and goes to Venice with her maid Nerissa to defend Antonio in court.
Shylock's bond is weak because it only lets flesh be taken off but not
blood. She makes a court case that shows this. Shylock is determined to
get payback no matter what, while Portia is pleading for mercy and
justice. This is a crucial moment where morals and intelligence clash. In
the end, Shylock's bad motives are shown, and he has to take back what
he said.

Nerissa and Portia have come back to Belmont in a quiet way. They go
up to their husbands, who gave them rings as a sign of their love

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because they didn't know that the lawyer and his clerk were really their
wives. After some funny mistakes, everything is okay again. The play
also looks at Jessica's secret relationship with Shylock's son Christian
Lorenzo. This story focuses on the idea that love is something that
everyone shares, regardless of religion or social class.

As the players come together in Belmont, peace is finally restored, and

the play ends happily with a string of marriages and resolutions. Still, the
play's ending is sad because Antonio's business plans are still uncertain
and Shylock feels he has to become a Christian.

"The Merchant of Venice" is a play with a lot of different characters and

themes. It talks about complicated problems like bias, justice, mercy, and
human connections. The Jewish moneylender Shylock is one of the
most interesting characters in the play. The way he is portrayed brings
up issues of anti-Semitism and the need for revenge. At the play's end, it
asks watchers to think about how justice and mercy can live together in
a world full of bias and different morals.

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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PORTIA

Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" has a character named Portia who is very
interesting. She is a beautiful, smart, and strong-willed Belmont lady who is known
for her wealth. This woman is interesting and has many sides to her. Portia is very
smart and sharp-witted, and she uses her cleverness to get what she wants. She is
smart because she used the young male lawyer Balthasar as a mask to Shylock's
Her drive and strong sense of right and wrong drive the play. Even if it means
breaking the law, she does everything she can to keep Antonio safe. Portia tries to
do more than what is expected of her by standing up for truth and justice. Even
though Portia is rich, she wants to be free and independent. She has a strong sense
of who she is and plans the coffin test to pick her own husband. Portia's versatility is
clear as she easily shifts between different roles and personalities, such as a wealthy
woman, a lawyer, and a funny friend. She is kind and caring, as shown by her
friendship with Nerissa, her housekeeper. Portia's personality is a mix of traditional
femininity, female strength, and a strong sense of right and wrong. In Shakespeare's
plays, she is one of the most famous heroines because of how important her deeds
and character growth are to the plot.

PORTIA’S INTERVENE

The play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare features a significant

and compelling moment wherein Portia plays a crucial role in Antonio's trial. At this
juncture, the tension reaches its zenith as Shylock, the unyielding usurer, adamantly
demands the fulfilment of their contractual agreement by exacting a pound of
Antonio's flesh. Portia assumes the role of Balthasar in order to intervene and
resolve the situation.

In addition to serving as a compelling narrative twist, Portia's portrayal as Balthasar

showcases her astuteness and ingenuity. The contrast between her first portrayal as
a male legal expert and her subsequent transformation into a more conventional

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female figure is striking, highlighting her remarkable ability to adapt and effectively
conceal her true identity. The juxtaposition of her several personas contributes to the
nuanced portrayal of her character, thereby accentuating the central theme of
identity within the play.Portia demonstrates a thorough proficiency of Venetian law in
her role as Balthasar. She carefully breaks down the bond's conditions, focusing on
the clause that permits

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Shylock is depicted as requesting a pound of flesh without any accompanying blood.
The entirety of her argument relies on this legal anomaly, ultimately thwarting
Shylock's unlawful intentions.

Portia's involvement is notably characterised by her earnest appeal for compassion

and mercy. The author presents a compelling argument asserting that the act of
demonstrating compassion towards others is a heavenly attribute. The author's
ethical reasoning and persuasive language bring forward significant considerations
pertaining to equity, compassion, and the essence of human beings. The argument
put out by the individual in question is not only a strategic manoeuvre inside the legal
realm, but rather a thorough exploration of moral principles. This multifaceted
approach lends greater depth and significance to her character.

The revelation of Portia's true identity during the last scene introduces an additional
layer of complexity. The transition from the character Balthasar, a competent
attorney, to Portia, a woman, symbolises the amalgamation of traditional feminine
qualities and self-assurance. The aforementioned statement serves as a poignant
reminder of Portia's utilisation of her intellectual capabilities and personal autonomy
in her relentless pursuit of justice, even in the face of societal constraints prevalent
during her day.

In summary, Portia's intervention can be seen as a resounding success in terms of

moral rectitude, intellectual prowess, and the advancement of women, in addition to
its legal implications. The character's multifaceted nature is seen in her portrayal as
a male legal expert, her impassioned appeal for empathy, and the subsequent
revelation of her true identity, all of which contribute to the diverse range of themes
explored in "The Merchant of Venice."

HOW DID PORTIA DEFEATED SHYLOCK

The trial scene in "The Merchant of Venice" culminates with Portia's remarkable
triumph against Shylock, which can be attributed to her astute discernment,
compassionate understanding, and shrewd intellect. Portia assumes the role of
Balthasar, a well-informed legal authority, upon entering the courtroom, with the
intention of safeguarding Antonio, a cherished associate of her spouse, from
Shylock's merciless endeavour to claim a pound of flesh. This particular scene

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functions as a pivotal moment within the play, showcasing the multifaceted nature of
Portia's character and her significant contribution towards the resolution of the
conflict.
In her role as Balthasar, Portia meticulously examines the terms of the agreement
between Antonio and Shylock, with a particular focus on a legal anomaly that
stipulates Shylock's entitlement to a pound of flesh, yet prohibits the extraction of
even a single drop of blood. Through her meticulous investigation, she effectively
refutes Shylock's assertion and thus quells his vengeful aspirations. However,
Portia's achievement was not solely attributed to her exceptional understanding of
the law. The author presents a persuasive ethical argument advocating for the
prioritisation of mercy over the pursuit of justice. The author posits that mercy is an
inherent attribute of the divine and emphasises to Shylock the importance of
exhibiting compassion, akin to the behaviour expected of a deity. This action not only
demonstrates strategic thinking but also reveals the empathetic nature of her
character.
Despite the compelling arguments and legal acumen displayed by Portia, Shylock
remains resolute in his unwavering determination to seek retribution. The stage is set
for a momentous shift in events due to his steadfast refusal to yield. The complexity
of the action increases due to Portia's ultimate revelation that she is, indeed, a
female and the spouse of Bassanio, bearing the name Portia. This admission
underscores the topic of identity and societal obligations, while also catching the
court off guard.
This information has a huge effect. Shylock confronts his inherent prejudices and
prejudice by realizing that he has been outwitted not only by a brilliant legal mind but
also by a woman. Shylock loses in court, and in addition to not getting his just
desserts, he also has to pay a heavy financial price for his malicious intent.
Therefore, Portia's intervention comprises not just a moral and personal victory but
also a legal one.
In sum, Portia's trial victory over Shylock is a skillful synthesis of legal know-how,
moral argumentation, and the dramatic disclosure of identity. It highlights the play's
examination of issues like justice, mercy, and the complexities of human nature and
serves as an example of her knowledge, compassion, and perseverance. This scene
marks a turning point in the story and illustrates Portia's crucial contribution to the
play's conclusion.

CONCLUSION

In "The Merchant of Venice," Portia's participation in the trial and eventual victory
over Shylock demonstrate the skill of combining legal knowledge, moral reasoning,
and the dramatic disclosure of one's true nature. She cleverly points out a legal flaw

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while posing as the seasoned attorney Balthasar, disputing Shylock's merciless
pursuit of a pound of Antonio's flesh. Outside of the courtroom, she fervently defends
mercy, portraying it as a heavenly virtue that ought to triumph over strict justice.
Shylock refuses to budge despite Portia's persuasive argument, which prepares the
audience for the dramatic reveal of Portia's true identity.
Her transformation from Balthasar to Portia, a woman, represents the disintegration
of conventional gender roles and emphasizes the play's theme of identity. The
encounter is made more interesting by Shylock's knowledge that he has been
defeated by a woman, which challenges his biases. The play's examination of
justice, mercy, and human complexity is reflected in Portia's intervention as an
important turning point in the story and a triumph of wisdom, empathy, and
empowerment.

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Discuss the major themes of the poem ‘The Unknown
Citizen’ by W.H Auden

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wystan Hugh Auden, also referred to as W. H. Auden, was a renowned poet of the
20th century who made significant contributions to English literature. The early
exposure to literature and music in an educated familial milieu laid the groundwork
for Auden's distinguished literary career. Auden was born on February 21, 1907, in
York, England.
As part of his academic journey, Auden attended Christ Church in Oxford to study
English, where he met other poets who would later become known as the "Oxford
Poets." Marxist and political themes marked his early writings. But with time, he
developed as a poet, integrating deeper, existential, and spiritual topics in his later
work.
Among Auden's most well-known pieces are "The Age of Anxiety," which won him the
1948 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, "The Shield of Achilles," and "September 1, 1939." His
poetry was distinguished by a distinctive style, precise language, and depth of
thought. Auden has left a significant literary legacy. He spoke on a variety of
subjects, including as politics and love as well as the human condition, frequently
fusing personal experience, political activism, and in-depth philosophical thought. He
is regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century and his work had a
significant influence on the development of modern poetry.
Auden's personal life was distinguished by an openly homosexual identity in a time
when such matters were far less tolerated, in addition to his literary
accomplishments. He resided in several nations, including England and the United
States, and his writings were influenced by his experiences abroad.
W. H. Auden kept up his writing and teaching until his passing on September 29,
1973, in Vienna, Austria. His poetry, which is distinguished by its depth of thought
and feeling, has had a lasting and significant impact on English literature.

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 INTRODUCTION

W. H. Auden's satirical poem "The Unknown Citizen" explores the uniformity and
dehumanization of a person in a bureaucratic and politically regulated society. The
poem is written in the style of an epitaph or eulogy and praises the life of a model
citizen in accordance with the laws of the land.
The poem describes a man who diligently complies with cultural conventions and
official expectations. He is referred to as "unknown" because his uniqueness has
been wiped out by his conformity. His life is under the supervision of the state
through numerous organizations and agencies. He behaves in a proper manner,
keeps a regular job, pays taxes, and even has his marriage recorded.
Irony and sarcasm are used by Auden to highlight the stupidity of a culture that
values uniformity over originality. The poem is a meditation on how modern society
frequently favors conformity to accepted norms over an individual's distinctive
features and personal agency.
The poem criticizes how a bureaucracy may make people into nothing more than
statistics and pieces of information. It calls into question the genuine worth of a
legacy that puts conformity before personal authenticity. "The Unknown Citizen"
highlights the value of keeping individuality and freedom of thought in the face of
societal pressures, provoking readers to think on the price of conformity in
contemporary society.

VARIOUS THEMES OF THE POEM

W. H. Auden's "The Unknown Citizen" is a funny and critical look at a society that is
too conformist and has lost its humanity. According to the government, the person in
this poem was a "model" citizen. The poem is written in the way of an epitaph or
eulogy to honour their life.
According to the poem, compliance and conformity are important because they show
respect for following social rules and official standards. People praise the citizen in
question for living a very normal life and following society rules and expectations to
the letter. The poem uses both irony and humour to show how silly this kind of life is.
This level of unity is shown as a good thing for society.
One of the main complaints in the poem is that bureaucracy and government control
make people less human. Pressures from society and politics to follow the rules
slowly take away each person's unique personality and sense of personal control.
When a citizen is reduced to numbers and data, they lose what makes them special.
The poem expresses concerns regarding the human costs of dehumanization in a
culture that prioritizes conformity above authenticity.

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State Control and monitoring aspect the poem makes oblique references to how
pervasive state control and monitoring are in the lives of citizens. Many aspects of an
individual's livelihood, such as their choice of job and leisure activities, are dictated
by governmental entities and organizations. The degree to which the state hinders
personal freedom and autonomy is highlighted by this theme.
Irony and satire are used in the poem to ridicule the celebration of obedience and
conformity, "The Unknown Citizen" makes use of irony and satire. The absurdity of a
culture that values conformity to social standards over uniqueness and free thought
is brought to light via humor and sarcasm. The poem's critical and incisive tone
emphasizes the satirical content of the poem.
The poem's central issue, is the loss of individuality in a conformist society.. For
the sake of conforming to society standards and political expectations, the
"unknown" citizen has given up their personal autonomy and sense of identity. The
poem makes one ponder the cost of conformity and whether giving up individuality is
worth it in order to get social acceptability.
The poem explores the idea of death as well as the characteristics of one's
legacy. When one's originality and authenticity are sacrificed, the state praises the
citizen as a role model for conformity, but this raises concerns about the legacy of
such celebrations. Readers are prompted to think about what a meaningful legacy
means by this theme.
Consumerism and Materialism, although not the poem's main subject, it makes
reference to the pursuit of material goods as a yardstick for success and happiness.
The cultural assumption that success is correlated with material wealth and
acquisition is reflected in this theme.
Citizenship and patriotism are subtly discussed throughout the poem, along with
what it means to be a "good" citizen and the place of patriotism in contemporary
society. It raises issues about the price of unquestioning obedience to the
government and the importance placed on conformity above individual principles.
The poem refers to the speaker's sense of alienation and isolation. People could
feel separated from their true selves and cut off from others in a conformist society
that values upholding accepted standards.
"The Unknown Citizen" is a social commentary in general, going beyond its specific
subjects. It makes readers consider the difficulties of upholding one's sense of self-
determination and originality in a society that frequently places an emphasis on
complacency and conformity. The poem emphasizes the negative effects of giving up
one's originality to gain social acceptability.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, "The Unknown Citizen" provides a challenging examination of the

dehumanization and depersonalization of modern society. It calls into question the
price of conformity, the worth of uniqueness, and the significance of keeping one's
identity and freedom of thought in a conformist setting. These topics strike a chord
with readers because they make them consider the complicated nature of
contemporary life and the necessity of maintaining a balance between societal
expectations and individual authenticity.

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