ENGLISH

PROJECT 2
BY SAANVI AGRAWAL 10-A
STRAWBERRY FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL
2023-24
 THE
QUESTION
One of Shakespeare’s most complex plays, The Merchant of Venice provides
myriad opportunities for deeply examining a character. Few other pieces of
literature hold such complex characters that appear as infrequently as Shylock,
who surfaces only in five scenes, but whose mark is indelible.
Imagine this scene as if it were held in an unbiased courtroom. What arguments
could be made there? What would be the effect on Portia’s arguments? Look at
the behaviours of the men during this trial: Antonio, Bassanio, Shylock,
Gratiano, and the Duke. How does each respond to the proceedings in the
courtroom? How is Portia different from all these men?

POINTS TO INCLUDE:
A brief introduction to the Playwright, William Shakespeare
A brief introduction to the play, ‘The Merchant of Venice’
The background to the Bond story
The case against Antonio
The Trial (write your own critical comments)
The Duke’s open support of Antonio
Shylock’s open defiance
Bassanio’s anger
Antonio’s acceptance of his fate
Portia’s entry
Portia’s appeal for mercy
Shylock’s uncompromising attitude
Portia’s sentence
The 3 loopholes
The punishment
The breakup of Shylock’s estate
Conclusion
How does Shylock feel about the outcome of the trial? How do you feel
about it?
 INTRODUCTION
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
William Shakespeare, often referred to simply as "The Bard," is one of the most iconic and
influential figures in the world of literature and theater. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in
1564, Shakespeare's life and work continue to captivate and inspire people around the globe.
Shakespeare's impact on literature is immeasurable. His prolific writing career produced 39 plays,
154 sonnets, and several narrative poems. His plays, such as “The Merchant of Venice,” “Romeo
and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth," are timeless classics, exploring universal themes of love,
ambition, betrayal, and human nature. His unique ability to delve into the complexities of the
human experience has earned him a permanent place in the canon of world literature.
Shakespeare's plays are known for their versatility. They can be performed in a myriad of settings,
transcending time and culture. The beauty of his writing lies in its ability to resonate with people
from all walks of life, making it accessible to both scholars and casual audiences.
Shakespeare's impact extends beyond the written word.
Although much of Shakespeare's personal life remains a mystery, his genius is unquestionable.
His contributions to the English language, from coining new words and phrases to weaving poetic
and dramatic mastery into every line, are monumental. His work continues to be celebrated
through annual festivals, educational curricula, and theater productions, ensuring that his legacy
endures for generations to come.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

"The Merchant of Venice," one of William Shakespeare's most renowned plays, is a captivating
and complex work that explores themes of love, justice, and prejudice within a richly layered
narrative. Set in the vibrant city of Venice and the alluring world of Belmont, the play delves into
the lives and fates of its multifaceted characters, offering a profound examination of human
nature and morality.
Written around 1596-1599, "The Merchant of Venice" is categorised as one of Shakespeare's
romantic comedies, yet its exploration of weighty themes gives it a distinctive depth and
complexity. The play unfolds in a Venetian society marked by trade and commerce, where money
is of paramount importance. At its heart is the character Antonio, a wealthy merchant who, while
well-liked and respected, is ensnared by melancholy for reasons not immediately disclosed.
One of the central figures in the play is Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Shylock is a character of
great depth and controversy, emblematic of the complex social and religious tensions of the time.
Shakespeare's portrayal of Shylock delves into both the stereotypes and prejudices prevalent in
the Elizabethan era and the human qualities that transcend such biases. The character is often
perceived as a symbol of Jewish oppression and a representation of the enduring conflict between
Christians and Jews.
The play's plot is set into motion when Antonio seeks a loan from Shylock to assist his friend
Bassanio, who is in love with the fair and wealthy heiress, Portia. Shylock, harbouring a deep-
seated grudge against Antonio, agrees to lend the money under a shocking and unusual condition:
if Antonio fails to repay the loan within the stipulated time, Shylock is entitled to a pound of
Antonio's flesh as collateral. This merciless bond serves as a catalyst for the moral and ethical
dilemmas that unfold throughout the play.
Meanwhile, in the idyllic Belmont, Portia is bound by her father's will, which requires suitors to
choose the correct casket (gold, silver, or lead) to win her hand in marriage. Through this subplot,
Shakespeare explores themes of love and destiny, and Portia's clever wit is showcased as she
assists Bassanio in his quest to win her heart.
The play's characters are multi-dimensional and intriguing. Portia is not only a symbol of beauty
but also a woman of exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness, exemplified by her famous
speech on the "quality of mercy" in Act IV, Scene 1. Her maid, Nerissa, similarly demonstrates a
quick wit, forming a parallel with Portia and contributing to the play's intricate comedic elements.
As the narrative unfolds, Shylock's desire for vengeance takes centre stage, leading to a dramatic
trial scene in which Antonio's life hangs in the balance. The court's verdict becomes a pivotal
moment in the play, shedding light on issues of justice, mercy, and the consequences of prejudice.
Portia, disguised as a young lawyer, plays a crucial role in the trial, delivering one of
Shakespeare's most compelling speeches about the importance of mercy and the inhumanity of
revenge.
"The Merchant of Venice" is also a play teeming with wordplay and linguistic richness.
Shakespeare masterfully employs puns, double entendres, and eloquent verse throughout the
text, showcasing his linguistic virtuosity and adding to the play's layers of meaning.
In addition to its exploration of themes and characters, the play also raises questions about the
role of fate and the consequences of one's choices. As characters make decisions, they set in
motion a chain of events that culminate in a surprising and thought-provoking denouement.

THE BOND STORY

The bond story in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" is central to the play's plot and
themes, serving as a complex and pivotal element that explores the themes of justice, mercy,
prejudice, and the consequences of human actions. This bond, or contract, forms the basis for
much of the drama and conflict in the play.
The bond is a contractual agreement between Antonio, the titular merchant, and Shylock, the
Jewish moneylender. Antonio, out of love for his friend Bassanio, agrees to borrow 3,000 ducats
from Shylock on behalf of Bassanio, who seeks the funds to court Portia, a wealthy heiress. The
terms of the bond are harsh and unusual: if Antonio fails to repay the loan within three months,
Shylock is entitled to extract a pound of Antonio's flesh as collateral.
This bond is the embodiment of Shylock's thirst for revenge against Antonio, whom he despises
for his Christian beliefs and for mistreating him on account of his Jewish heritage. The bond,
therefore, becomes a symbol of the deep-seated animosity between Christians and Jews, as well
as a representation of the prejudices of the time. Shylock's vengeful intentions are driven by the
mistreatment he has endured, making him a complex character whose desire for retribution stems
from both personal and societal grievances.
As the play progresses, Antonio's ships meet misfortune, and he is unable to fulfil the bond's
terms. This sets the stage for the courtroom scene in Act IV, where Shylock demands the fulfilment
of the bond, a pound of Antonio's flesh. This is a moment of high tension and moral dilemma, as
Shylock insists on the literal interpretation of the bond, while the Christian characters, including
Portia disguised as a lawyer, argue for the sanctity of mercy.
The trial scene is a dramatic climax in the play and a profound exploration of justice and mercy.
Portia, disguised as the young lawyer, delivers a famous speech on the "quality of mercy,"
highlighting the importance of compassion and forgiveness. She implores Shylock to show mercy
rather than strict adherence to the bond. When Shylock refuses, he faces the consequences of his
unyielding pursuit of vengeance.
The court ultimately rules in favour of Antonio, insisting that Shylock cannot shed any of
Antonio's blood in extracting the pound of flesh, as this would mean Antonio's death. Instead,
Shylock is forced to forfeit his wealth and convert to Christianity. This outcome serves as a
striking and somewhat controversial resolution to the bond story, raising questions about the
balance between justice and mercy.

THE CASE AGAINST ANTONIO

The case against Antonio, the eponymous merchant in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of
Venice," revolves around the binding and unusual bond he enters into with Shylock, the Jewish
moneylender. Antonio seeks to borrow 3,000 ducats on behalf of his friend Bassanio, who wishes
to court the wealthy heiress Portia. Antonio's ships, however, are currently at sea, and he lacks
the ready funds to repay the loan within the agreed-upon three-month period.
Shylock, nursing a deep-seated grudge against Antonio for his Christian beliefs and past
mistreatment, exploits the opportunity to exact vengeance. He insists on a pound of Antonio's
flesh as collateral, making the bond particularly harsh and unforgiving. This clause appears to be
a vindictive response to Antonio's earlier anti-Semitic acts, which included spitting on Shylock
and insulting his religion.
Shylock's case against Antonio is grounded in the strict interpretation of their legal agreement.
From Shylock's perspective, the bond is a binding contract, and he is well within his rights to
demand the fulfilment of its terms. He argues that if Antonio fails to repay the loan, he is entitled
to a pound of Antonio's flesh. This unyielding pursuit of vengeance underscores Shylock's
determination to avenge the wrongs he has suffered.
However, the court case against Antonio also presents a moral dilemma, as it raises questions
about the nature of justice and the limits of legal agreements. The courtroom scene becomes a
pivotal moment in the play, as Portia, disguised as a young lawyer, delivers a speech on the
importance of mercy. Ultimately, the court's judgment, while in favour of Antonio, forces Shylock
to convert to Christianity and surrender his wealth. The resolution highlights the tension between
strict legal interpretations and the higher virtues of compassion and forgiveness, leaving the
audience to ponder the ethical implications of the case against Antonio.

THE TRIAL IN AN
UNBIASED
COURTROOM
The Duke's open support of Antonio would be evident through his unwavering commitment to
ensuring a fair and just trial. As the presiding judge, he would prioritise impartiality and
adherence to the law, refraining from displaying any undue favouritism. Instead, he would
actively encourage a thorough examination of the case, weighing all legal arguments, while
maintaining an atmosphere where every party feels heard. The Duke's support for Antonio would
manifest in his insistence on a balanced, equitable proceeding, aiming to arrive at a decision that
genuinely upholds the principles of justice and equity, free from bias or partiality.

Shylock's open defiance would stem from his unyielding commitment to the letter of the law. He
would assert the legal validity of the bond he entered into with Antonio, arguing for its strict
enforcement. His defiance would manifest as a fervent defence of his contractual rights,
unwavering in his pursuit of what he sees as just retribution for past wrongs. Shylock's defiance
would be based on his unwavering belief in the legal system and his entitlement to the pound of
Antonio's flesh as per their agreement, despite any emotional or moral objections raised during
the trial.

Bassanio's anger would be palpable as he grapples with the potential loss of his dear friend
Antonio. Frustrated and emotionally charged, he would express his dismay at the harsh terms of
the bond and the precarious situation Antonio is facing. His anger would stem from the feeling of
helplessness, knowing that the legal system might lead to the tragic loss of a loved one. Despite
his fury, Bassanio would also be conscious of the need to present rational and persuasive
arguments to secure Antonio's release, highlighting the emotional complexity of the trial scene.

Portia's entry as the young lawyer would be a moment of intellectual gravitas. She would exude
confidence and poise, ready to provide legal counsel while subtly challenging the traditional
norms of the courtroom. Her presence would signal a shift toward a more thoughtful and nuanced
approach to justice.

Portia's plea for mercy would be a powerful and poignant moment. With eloquence and passion,
she would emphasise the importance of compassion and forgiveness within the realm of justice.
She would argue that the bond's strict enforcement, demanding a pound of Antonio's flesh, goes
against the very principles of fairness and humanity that the law is meant to uphold. Portia's
speech on the "quality of mercy" would touch upon the idea that justice should be tempered with
empathy, and that true justice extends beyond a rigid adherence to legal technicalities. Her words
would serve as a compelling reminder that the courtroom should be a place where the spirit of the
law aligns with the broader moral imperatives of society. In this unbiased courtroom, Portia's plea
for mercy would resonate deeply, challenging the court to consider not only the legality of the
bond but also the broader notions of compassion and equity that underlie a just society.

Shylock's uncompromising attitude would be marked by his unwavering commitment to the letter
of the law and the bond he holds with Antonio. His stern resolve would be evident in his refusal to
entertain any suggestion of compromise or mercy. He would vehemently assert his legal
entitlement to the pound of Antonio's flesh as per the contractual agreement, regardless of any
emotional or moral objections raised during the trial. Shylock's uncompromising stance would
underscore his unwavering pursuit of retribution and his desire to hold Antonio accountable for
past injustices. His attitude would reflect a rigid adherence to the principles of justice as he
interprets them, emphasising the harsh and vengeful aspect of the law rather than its potential for
compassion and understanding.

Portia initially presents the legal argument that the bond only entitles Shylock to a pound of
Antonio's flesh, without any mention of shedding blood. This nuanced interpretation of the bond
raises a crucial legal question about whether Shylock's demand would involve the shedding of
blood. It's a pivotal point because drawing blood would be tantamount to murder, which goes
against the terms of the bond. The courtroom buzzes with anticipation as Portia navigates this
loophole, subtly challenging Shylock's case.

The second loophole Portia utilises involves emphasising that the bond makes no provision for
the exact measurement of the pound of flesh. This clever argument introduces ambiguity into the
contract, as it doesn't specify who should determine the precise weight of the flesh. Portia
suggests that Shylock, in his zealous pursuit of the bond's strict letter, must be careful not to take
even a fraction more or less than a pound. This legal ambiguity adds tension to the trial, as it
could lead to Shylock inadvertently violating the terms of the bond.

The third and most significant loophole that Portia exploits is the absence of any clause in the
bond permitting mercy or clemency. Portia's eloquent speech on the "quality of mercy" highlights
that the contract's harshness doesn't account for the human quality of compassion. This
argument serves as the linchpin of the trial, revealing that the courtroom's interpretation of
justice should be guided by principles of mercy and fairness. The Duke's ultimate judgment in
favour of Antonio revolves around this loophole, as he upholds the spirit of the law over its strict
letter.

In the play, Shylock is punished through his forced conversion to Christianity and the loss of his
wealth, reflecting a balance between strict legal enforcement and moral values. In contrast, the
imaginary unbiased court refrains from punishing Shylock, recognising the bond's legal validity,
but it prevents the fulfilment of the pound of flesh due to moral and ethical considerations. This
alternative outcome highlights the court's commitment to upholding moral principles and ethical
standards, showcasing the stark contrast between the strictly legalistic approach of the actual
courtroom and the more humane interpretation of justice in the imaginary one.

CONCLUSION
Shylock might feel a sense of frustration and disappointment. While he would retain his legal
entitlement to the pound of Antonio's flesh, the court's refusal to enforce this brutal and
inhumane aspect of the bond could leave him feeling that his pursuit of vengeance has been
thwarted. He might perceive it as a denial of his rightful due and potentially interpret it as an
injustice. Shylock, driven by a deep-seated grudge against Antonio, might have expected to
achieve his vindictive goals within the confines of the legal system.
In my opinion, the court's decision in the unbiased courtroom is a testament to the importance of
the moral and ethical dimensions of justice. While upholding the law is crucial, it should not come
at the expense of basic humanity and compassion. The imagined judgment strikes a balance
between legality and morality, recognizing that there are limits to what the law should permit. It
encourages a more holistic approach to justice, ensuring that the spirit of the law aligns with
broader societal values and principles. Such an interpretation of justice serves as a powerful
reminder that legal systems must adapt to reflect evolving ethical standards and emphasize
fairness and mercy alongside the letter of the law.
 ACKOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly, I would like to thank Ms Manisha Agnihotri for assigning us this project
and for the opportunity to research this topic. I would also like to thank my
parents and brother for their constant support and my friends for their input.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Poets.org
Britannica
Folger Shakespeare Library
SparkNotes
British Library
Royal Shakespeare Company
Vedantu
Smithsonian Magazine
edX
Unacademy
Harvard
BBC
CliffsNotes
No Sweat Shakespeare