Note: Questions & Answers given at the last. Pls, read till the last.
ACT IV
SCENE I. Venice. A court of justice.
Enter the DUKE, the Magnificoes, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, G RATIANO, SALERIO, and others
DUKE
What, is Antonio here?
ANTONIO
Ready, so please your grace.
DUKE
I am sorry for thee: thou art come to answer A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch uncapable of pity, void and empty From any dram of mercy.
ANTONIO
I have heard Your grace hath ta’en great pains to qualify His rigorous course; but since he stands obdurate
And that no lawful means can carry meOut of his envy’s reach, I do oppose My patience to his fury, and am arm’d To suffer, with a quietness of spirit, The very tyranny and rage of his.
DUKE
Go one, and call the Jew into the court.
SALERIO
He is ready at the door: he comes, my lord.
Enter SHYLOCK
DUKE
Make room, and let him stand before our face. Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, That thou but lead’st this fashion of thy malice
To the last hour of act; and then ’tis thought Thou’lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange Than is thy strange apparent cruelty; And where thou now exact’st the penalty, Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh, Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture, But, touch’d with human gentleness and love,
Forgive a moiety of the principal;
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses,
That have of late so huddled on his back, Enow to press a royal merchant down And pluck commiseration of his state From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint, From stubborn Turks and Tartars, never train’d To offices of tender courtesy. We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
SHYLOCK
I have possess’d your grace of what I purpose; And by our holy Sabbath have I swornTo have the due and forfeit of my bond: If you deny it, let the danger lightpon your charter and your city’s freedom. You’ll ask me, why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh than to receiveThree thousand ducats: I’ll not answer that: But, say, it is my humour: is it answer’d? What if my house be troubled with a ratAnd I be pleased to give ten thousand ducatsTo have it baned? What, are you answer’d yet? Some men there are love not a gaping pig; Some, that are mad if they behold a cat; And others, when the bagpipe sings i’ the nose,Cannot contain their urine: for affection,Mistress of passion, sways it to the moodOf what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be render’d,Why he cannot abide a gaping pig; Why he, a harmless necessary cat; Why he, a woollen bagpipe; but of force Must yield to such inevitable shameAs to offend, himself being offended; So can I give no reason, nor I will not,More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio, that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answer’d?
BASSANIO
This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
SHYLOCK
I am not bound to please thee with my answers.
BASSANIO
Do all men kill the things they do not love?
SHYLOCK
Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
BASSANIO
Every offence is not a hate at first.
SHYLOCK
What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
ANTONIO
I pray you, think you question with the Jew:You may as well go stand upon the beachAnd bid the main flood bate his usual height;You may as well use question with the wolf
Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb;You may as well forbid the mountain pinesTo wag their high tops and to make no noise,When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven;You may as well do anything most hard,As seek to soften that–than which what’s harder?–
His Jewish heart: therefore, I do beseech you, Make no more offers, use no farther means, But with all brief and plain conveniency Let me have judgment and the Jew his will.
BASSANIO
For thy three thousand ducats here is six.
SHYLOCK
What judgment shall I dread, doing
Were in six parts and every part a ducat,
I would not draw them; I would have my bond.
DUKE
How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?
SHYLOCK
What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchased slave,Which, like your asses and your dogs and mules,
You use in abject and in slavish parts, Because you bought them: shall I say to you,Let them be free, marry them to your heirs? Why sweat they under burthens? let their bedsBe made as soft as yours and let their palates Be season’d with such viands? You will answer’ The slaves are ours:’ so do I answer you:
The pound of flesh, which I demand of him, Is dearly bought; ’tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law!
There is no force in the decrees of Venice. I stand for judgment: answer; shall I have it?
DUKE
Upon my power I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I have sent for to determine this,Come here to-day.
SALERIO
My lord, here stays without A messenger with letters from the doctor, New come from Padua.
DUKE
Bring us the letter; call the messenger.
BASSANIO
Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet! The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all, Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
ANTONIO
I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death: the weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground; and so let me You cannot better be employ’d, Bassanio, Than to live still and write mine epitaph. Enter NERISSA, dressed like a lawyer’s clerk
DUKE
Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
NERISSA
From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.
Presenting a letter
BASSANIO
Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
SHYLOCK
To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
GRATIANO
Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew,Thou makest thy knife keen; but no metal can, No, not the hangman’s axe, bear half the keenness Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
SHYLOCK
No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
GRATIANO
O, be thou damn’d, inexecrable dog!
And for thy life let justice be accused. Thou almost makest me waver in my faithTo hold opinion with Pythagoras, That souls of animals infuse themselves Into the trunks of men: thy currish spirit
Govern’d a wolf, who, hang’d for human slaughter, Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And, whilst thou lay’st in thy unhallow’d dam, Infused itself in thee; for thy desires Are wolvish, bloody, starved and ravenous.
SHYLOCK
Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond, Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud: Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
DUKE
This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned doctor to our court. Where is he?
NERISSA
He attendeth here hard by,To know your answer, whether you’ll admit him.
DUKE
With all my heart. Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place. Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
Clerk
[Reads]
Your grace shall understand that at the receipt ofyour letter I am very sick: but in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his name is Balthasar. I
acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant: we turned o’ermany books together: he is furnished with my opinion; which, bettered with his own learning, the
greatness where of I cannot enough commend, comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your grace’s
request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation; for I never knew so young a body with soold a head. I leave him to your gracious
acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.
DUKE
You hear the learn’d Bellario, what he writes: And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
Enter PORTIA, dressed like a doctor of laws
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
PORTIA
I did, my lord.
DUKE
You are welcome: take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court?
PORTIA
I am informed thoroughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?
DUKE
Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
PORTIA
Is your name Shylock?
SHYLOCK
Shylock is my name.
PORTIA
Of a strange nature is the suit you follow; Yet in such rule that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you as you do proceed. You stand within his danger, do you not?
ANTONIO
Ay, so he says.
PORTIA
Do you confess the bond?
ANTONIO
I do.
PORTIA
Then must the Jew be merciful.
SHYLOCK
On what compulsion must I? tell me that.
PORTIA
The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence ‘gainst the merchant there.
SHYLOCK
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
PORTIA
Is he not able to discharge the money?
BASSANIO
Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times o’er,On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart: If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong, And curb this cruel devil of his will.
PORTIA
It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established: ‘Twill be recorded for a precedent, And many an error by the same example Will rush into the state: it cannot be.
SHYLOCK
A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel! O wise young judge, how I do honour thee!
PORTIA
I pray you, let me look upon the bond.
SHYLOCK
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
PORTIA
Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offer’d thee.
SHYLOCK
An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: Shall I lay perjury upon my soul?
No, not for Venice.
PORTIA
Why, this bond is forfeit; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off Nearest the merchant’s heart. Be merciful: Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond.
SHYLOCK
When it is paid according to the tenor. It doth appear you are a worthy judge; You know the law, your exposition Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar, Proceed to judgment: by my soul I swear There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me: I stay here on my bond.
ANTONIO
Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.
PORTIA
Why then, thus it is: You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
SHYLOCK
O noble judge! O excellent young man!
PORTIA
For the intent and purpose of the law Hath full relation to the penalty,
Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
SHYLOCK
‘Tis very true: O wise and upright judge! How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
PORTIA
Therefore lay bare your bosom.
SHYLOCK
Ay, his breast: So says the bond: doth it not, noble judge? ‘Nearest his heart:’ those are the very words.
PORTIA
It is so. Are there balance here to weigh The flesh?
SHYLOCK
I have them ready.
PORTIA
Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge,To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death.
SHYLOCK
Is it so nominated in the bond?
PORTIA
It is not so express’d: but what of that? ‘Twere good you do so much for charity.
SHYLOCK
I cannot find it; ’tis not in the bond.
PORTIA
You, merchant, have you any thing to say?
ANTONIO
But little: I am arm’d and well prepared. Give me your hand, Bassanio: fare you well! Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you; For herein Fortune shows herself more kind Than is her custom: it is still her use To let the wretched man outlive his wealth, To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow An age of poverty; from which lingering penance Of such misery doth she cut me off. Commend me to your honourable wife: Tell her the process of Antonio’s end; Say how I loved you, speak me fair in death;
And, when the tale is told, bid her be judge Whether Bassanio had not once a love. Repent but you that you shall lose your friend, And he repents not that he pays your debt;
For if the Jew do cut but deep enough, I’ll pay it presently with all my heart.
BASSANIO
Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself;
But life itself, my wife, and all the world, Are not with me esteem’d above thy life: I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all Here to this devil, to deliver you.
PORTIA
Your wife would give you little thanks for that, If she were by, to hear you make the offer.
GRATIANO
I have a wife, whom, I protest, I love:
I would she were in heaven, so she could Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
NERISSA
‘Tis well you offer it behind her back;
The wish would make else an unquiet house.
SHYLOCK
These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter; Would any of the stock of Barrabas Had been her husband rather than a Christian!
Aside
We trifle time: I pray thee, pursue sentence.
PORTIA
A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine: he court awards it, and the law doth give it.
SHYLOCK
Most rightful judge!
PORTIA
And you must cut this flesh from off his breast: The law allows it, and the court awards it.
SHYLOCK
Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, prepare!
PORTIA
Tarry a little; there is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are ‘a pound of flesh: ‘Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice.
GRATIANO
O upright judge! Mark, Jew: O learned judge!
SHYLOCK
Is that the law?
PORTIA
Thyself shalt see the act: For, as thou urgest justice, be assured Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest.
GRATIANO
O learned judge! Mark, Jew: a learned judge!
SHYLOCK
I take this offer, then; pay the bond thrice And let the Christian go.
BASSANIO
Here is the money.
PORTIA
Soft! The Jew shall have all justice; soft! no haste: He shall have nothing but the penalty.
GRATIANO
O Jew! an upright judge, a learned judge!
PORTIA
Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more But just a pound of flesh: if thou cut’st more
Or less than a just pound, be it but so much As makes it light or heavy in the substance, Or the division of the twentieth part Of one poor scruple, nay, if the scale do turn But in the estimation of a hair,Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.
GRATIANO
A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew!
Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
PORTIA
Why doth the Jew pause? take thy forfeiture.
SHYLOCK
Give me my principal, and let me go.
BASSANIO
I have it ready for thee; here it is.
PORTIA
He hath refused it in the open court:
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
GRATIANO
A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel!
I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
SHYLOCK
Shall I not have barely my principal?
PORTIA
Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture,To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
SHYLOCK
Why, then the devil give him good of it! I’ll stay no longer question.
PORTIA
Tarry, Jew: The law hath yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the laws of Venice, If it be proved against an alien That by direct or indirect attempts He seek the life of any citizen, The party ‘gainst the which he doth contrive Shall seize one half his goods; the other half Comes to the privy coffer of the state; And the offender’s life lies in the mercy Of the duke only, ‘gainst all other voice.
In which predicament, I say, thou stand’st; For it appears, by manifest proceeding, That indirectly and directly too Thou hast contrived against the very life Of the defendant; and thou hast incurr’d
The danger formerly by me rehearsed. Down therefore and beg mercy of the duke.
GRATIANO
Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself: And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state, Thou hast not left the value of a cord; Therefore thou must be hang’d at the state’s charge.
DUKE
That thou shalt see the difference of our spirits, I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it: For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s; The other half comes to the general state, Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
PORTIA
Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
SHYLOCK
Nay, take my life and all; pardon not that: You take my house when you do take the prop That doth sustain my house; you take my life When you do take the means whereby I live.
PORTIA
What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
GRATIANO
A halter gratis; nothing else, for God’s sake.
ANTONIO
So please my lord the duke and all the court To quit the fine for one half of his goods, I am content; so he will let me have The other half in use, to render it, Upon his death, unto the gentleman That lately stole his daughter: Two things provided more, that, for this favour, He presently become a Christian; The other, that he do record a gift, Here in the court, of all he dies possess’d,
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
DUKE
He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon that I late pronounced here.
PORTIA
Art thou contented, Jew? what dost thou say?
SHYLOCK
I am content.
PORTIA
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
SHYLOCK
I pray you, give me leave to go from hence; I am not well: send the deed after me, And I will sign it.
DUKE
Get thee gone, but do it.
GRATIANO
In christening shalt thou have two god-fathers: Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more, To bring thee to the gallows, not the font.
Exit SHYLOCK
DUKE
Sir, I entreat you home with me to dinner.
PORTIA
I humbly do desire your grace of pardon: I must away this night toward Padua, And it is meet I presently set forth.
DUKE
I am sorry that your leisure serves you not. Antonio, gratify this gentleman, For, in my mind, you are much bound to him.
Exeunt Duke and his train
BASSANIO
Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquittedOf grievous penalties; in lieu where of, Three thousand ducats, due unto the Jew, We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
ANTONIO
And stand indebted, over and above,
In love and service to you evermore.
PORTIA
He is well paid that is well satisfied;
And I, delivering you, am satisfied
And therein do account myself well paid: My mind was never yet more mercenary. I pray you, know me when we meet again: I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
BASSANIO
Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further: Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute, Not as a fee: grant me two things, I pray you, Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
PORTIA
You press me far, and therefore I will yield.
To ANTONIO
Give me your gloves, I’ll wear them for your sake;
To BASSANIO
And, for your love, I’ll take this ring from you: Do not draw back your hand; I’ll take no more; And you in love shall not deny me this.
BASSANIO
This ring, good sir, alas, it is a trifle!
I will not shame myself to give you this.
PORTIA
I will have nothing else but only this;
And now methinks I have a mind to it.
BASSANIO
There’s more depends on this than on the value.
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you, And find it out by proclamation:
Only for this, I pray you, pardon me.
PORTIA
I see, sir, you are liberal in offers
You taught me first to beg; and now me thinks You teach me how a beggar should be answer’d.
BASSANIO
Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife; And when she put it on, she made me vow That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
PORTIA
That ‘scuse serves many men to save their gifts. An if your wife be not a mad-woman, And know how well I have deserved the ring, She would not hold out enemy for ever, For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you!
Exeunt Portia and Nerissa
ANTONIO
My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring: Let his deservings and my love withal Be valued against your wife’s commandment.
BASSANIO
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him;
Give him the ring, and bring him, if thou canst, Unto Antonio’s house: away! make haste.
Exit Gratiano
Come, you and I will thither presently; And in the morning early will we both Fly toward Belmont: come, Antonio.
Short Summary of The Merchant of Venice:
Bassanio needs 3000 ducats (gold coins used for trade) to go to Belmont so that he can marry Portia. Bassanio approaches his friend Antonio for money. Antonio spent all his money in trade and his ships were not returned yet. Hence he decided to borrow money from Shylock. Shylock doesn’t like Antonio, but agreed to give loan in condition that, Antonio should pay the amount in 3 months or he will take a pound of flesh from Antonio. Antonio agreed, as he thought his ships will return in time. As Bassanio prepares to travel to Belmont, his friend Lorenzo elopes with Shylock’s daughter, Jessica. Shylock was more angered against Christians.
Bassanio marries Portia in Belmont. Antonio’s two ships exhausted. Shylock’s condition of 3 months expired. He now waited to take a pound of flesh from Antonio. Bassanio heard about this and returned to Venice. He said Shylock that, he will pay twice the amount. But Shylock did not accept it as he wanted to take revenge on Christians.
Portia arrives to court in disguise as a male lawyer. She says that, Shylock can take Antonio’s flesh as per law, but not a single drop of blood should come as it is against law. Shylock was not able to do anything. He was charged on attempting to murder a Venetian citizen. Hence, his wealth was forfeited and half of it was given to Venice and the other half to Antonio.
Antonio returned his half wealth to Shylock on condition that, Shylock should bequeath it to his daughter Jessica. Meanwhile, Antonio’s other ships were returned safely.
Summary of Act IV – Court Scene:
NOTE: The Act IV is the court scene. Here is the brief summary of the court scene. The following questions are only from the court scene.
Act 4 opens in a court room in Venice with the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, and others present.
The Duke expresses sympathy for a having an enemy that is as empty of mercy as Shylock. Antonio states that as the law is on Shylocks side he is ready to pay the price. The Duke requests that Shylock enter the court room. The Duke strongly requests Shylock to relent. Shylock refuses and gives no excuse for his unwillingness to bend on the terms of h their agreement. He states that he will not accept payment but wants Antonio’s flesh because he hates him. Bassanio asks if all men are so cruel to kill the things they do not love. Antonio tells Bassanio that it is a waste of time to argue with Shylock, and that no logic will soften his heart. 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. The Duke states he will dismiss the court unless the Doctor Bellario comes to decide the case. Just then a messenger from Bellario arrives. As they wait for the messenger Bassanio attempts to cheer up Antonio saying that he will die before he lets Shylock have Antonio’s flesh.
Nerissa enters dressed as a lawyer’s clerk. Nerissa states that she comes from Bellario with a letter from the doctor. The letter requests that the Duke allow a young doctor of law to attend the case. The Duke readily agrees. Portia enters dressed as a doctor of law. She attempts to get Shylock to relent. She portrays mercy as an attribute of a king and God. Shylock still refuses. Bassanio offers money twice more as Shylock states he will only be satisfied with flesh. Portia finally states that Antonio must make ready to have the flesh removed. She asks Shylock to allow a surgeon to come to stop the blood. Shylock refuses this mercy as it is not written in the bond. Antonio asks Bassanio to tell his new wife of him. At the last minute Portia tells Shylock that while he may have the flesh he cannot have a drop of blood as it is not written into the bond. Shylock realizes he cannot have his flesh and so states he will take the money. Portia tells him that because he has already refused it Shylock can only have the flesh. In fact, she states, he cannot even have the principal, and cannot leave because he has attempted to murder a Venetian citizen. The price of Shylock’s crime is death and the loss of his estate. The estate should go half to Antonio and half to the city of Venice. The Duke spares Shylock’s life but he must still forfeit his estate. Antonio states that he should give half his money to his daughter and her Christian husband upon his death. Additionally, Shylock must become a Christian. Shylock agrees but states he is too ill to sign the papers at that time and requests the papers be sent to him. Shylock leaves. The Duke invites the doctor of law to have dinner with him, but Portia states she must return home immediately. The Duke leaves.
Bassanio offers the “judge” the three thousand ducats that were to go to Shylock but is refused. Bassanio insists that the judge should take something and Portia takes Antonio’s gloves and asks Bassanio for his ring. Bassanio refuses stating that it was a gift from his wife. Portia leaves saying that Bassanio’s wife would have said she deserved the ring.
Antonio convinces Bassanio that he should have given the judge the ring and so Bassanio takes it off and asks Gratiano to take the ring to the judge.
Questions and Answers
What is the reaction of Duke on seeing Antonio?
Ans: He shows sympathy on Antonio.
What is the reaction of Antonio on Duke’s sympathy?
Ans: He says let the law can take its course.
Was Antonio ready to give his flesh to Shylock?
Ans: As he obeys laws, he was ready.
What does the duke said to Shylock when he entered the court scene?
Ans: Shylock should show mercy and stop the drama.
What was Shylock’s replay when the duke asked him to show mercy on Antonio?
Ans: He said there is no need to show mercy as everything is by law.
To which act of Christians did Shylock compared to?
Ans: The Christians having slaves.
Did Shylock ask the Christians to free slaves so that he can free Antonio?
Ans: No. He said as he does not ask the Christians to free slaves, they should not ask him to free Antonio.
To which religion did Shylock belong to?
Ans: Jews
What are those some people don’t like which are stated by Shylock?
Ans: some does not like cat, some roasted pig and others bagpipes.
What does Bassanio says on hearing the cruel words of Shylock?
Ans: If all kill what they hate, then there will not be love.
What is the reaction of Shylock on hearing Bassanio’s statement about hatred and love?
Ans: He is not ready to answer for him.
What does Antonio say about the conversation between Bassanio and Shylock?
Ans: Antonio says to Bassanio that, it is no use of arguing with the person who is already full of hatred.
What is offer given by Bassanio for to Shylock for debt?
Ans: He will pay double (6000) the amount.
Did Shylock accepted the offer given by bassanio? What did he say?
Ans: No. He says he won’t if 6 part of it is given also.
To whom does the Duke refer the case to be handled by?
Ans: Bellario, a doctor.
Who entered the court room dressed like a lawyer’s clerk?
Ans: Nerissa, the maid of Portia.
What did Nerissa brought to the court?
Ans: A letter from doctor Bellario.
To which Gratiano compare Shylock to?
Ans: To wolf.
Why did Bellario didn’t come?
Ans: He was sick.
To whom did Bellario asks to handle the case?
Ans: Portia. She entered dressed like a doctor of laws.
What is name given to Portia by Bellario in the letter?
Ans: Balthasar.
What does Portia asks the Shylock to do?
Ans: She asks him to show mercy on Antonio.
To what is the Quality of mercy is compared to?
Ans: To a gentle rain from heaven.
To which attribute is mercy compared to?
Ans: To the God himself.
What all does Shylock have to cut Antonio’s flesh?
Ans: A sharp knife, and a weighing balance.
What Portia asks to Shylock for the preparedness to cut the flesh?
Ans: A doctor, so that he can heal the wound.
What is Shylock’s reply when Portia asks for a doctor?
Ans: There is no doctor as it is not mentioned in bond.
Bassanio compares Portia to?
Ans: As his life himself.
Is Bassanio ready to scarifies all his life to save his friend?
Ans: Yes.
Does Portia offers Shylock to cut Antonio’s flesh?
Ans: Yes. As law allows.
Where did Portia asked Shylock to cut in Antonio’s body?
Ans: In his Chest.
What did the final judgment given by Portia?
Ans: Shylock can cut the pound of flesh. But not a single drop of blood should come as it is not mentioned in the bond.
What will happen if blood falls from Antonio’s heart?
Ans: Shylock will be guilty and punishable.
Did Shylock accepts the judgment? What did he say?
Ans: No. He asks the penalty of 3 times the money offered by Bassanio.
What did Portia says when Shylock asks for penalty?
Ans: She refuses as he already denied it in the court openly.
What was the final say given to Shylock?
Ans: He can cut the flesh or get the mercy of Duke.
Did the Duke gives mercy to him?
Ans: Yes.
What condition was given to Shylock to show mercy on him by the duke?
Ans: He should hand over half his wealth to Antonio and other half to Venetian Atate.
What Antonio says to the court on Shylock’s wealth?
Ans: He wished to give the half given to him as penalty.
What conditions did Antonio put for the half wealth of Shylock?
Ans: He mush covert to Christianity. And he must give them after his death to his son-in-law and daughter Jessica.
Did Shylock accepts Antonio’s condition?
Ans: Yes.
What Portia asks to Bassonio for doing them the favour?
Ans: The Ring.
Did Bassanio give the ring?
Ans: No. He said it was gifted to him by his wife.
What Antonio says to Bassanio about the ring?
Ans: He asks Bassanio to give the Ring.
Did Bassanio gave the Ring?
Ans: Yes. But he gave it to Gratiano to hand over it to the Judge (Portia).
Merchant of Venice
ACT IV
SCENE I. Venice. A court of justice.
Enter the DUKE, the Magnificoes, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, G RATIANO, SALERIO, and others
DUKE
What, is Antonio here?
ANTONIO
Ready, so please your grace.
DUKE
I am sorry for thee: thou art come to answer A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch uncapable of pity, void and empty From any dram of mercy.
ANTONIO
I have heard Your grace hath ta’en great pains to qualify His rigorous course; but since he stands obdurate
And that no lawful means can carry meOut of his envy’s reach, I do oppose My patience to his fury, and am arm’d To suffer, with a quietness of spirit, The very tyranny and rage of his.
DUKE
Go one, and call the Jew into the court.
SALERIO
He is ready at the door: he comes, my lord.
Enter SHYLOCK
DUKE
Make room, and let him stand before our face. Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, That thou but lead’st this fashion of thy malice
To the last hour of act; and then ’tis thought Thou’lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange Than is thy strange apparent cruelty; And where thou now exact’st the penalty, Which is a pound of this poor merchant’s flesh, Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture, But, touch’d with human gentleness and love,
Forgive a moiety of the principal;
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses,
That have of late so huddled on his back, Enow to press a royal merchant down And pluck commiseration of his state From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint, From stubborn Turks and Tartars, never train’d To offices of tender courtesy. We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
SHYLOCK
I have possess’d your grace of what I purpose; And by our holy Sabbath have I swornTo have the due and forfeit of my bond: If you deny it, let the danger lightpon your charter and your city’s freedom. You’ll ask me, why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh than to receiveThree thousand ducats: I’ll not answer that: But, say, it is my humour: is it answer’d? What if my house be troubled with a ratAnd I be pleased to give ten thousand ducatsTo have it baned? What, are you answer’d yet? Some men there are love not a gaping pig; Some, that are mad if they behold a cat; And others, when the bagpipe sings i’ the nose,Cannot contain their urine: for affection,Mistress of passion, sways it to the moodOf what it likes or loathes. Now, for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be render’d,Why he cannot abide a gaping pig; Why he, a harmless necessary cat; Why he, a woollen bagpipe; but of force Must yield to such inevitable shameAs to offend, himself being offended; So can I give no reason, nor I will not,More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio, that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answer’d?
BASSANIO
This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
SHYLOCK
I am not bound to please thee with my answers.
BASSANIO
Do all men kill the things they do not love?
SHYLOCK
Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
BASSANIO
Every offence is not a hate at first.
SHYLOCK
What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?
ANTONIO
I pray you, think you question with the Jew:You may as well go stand upon the beachAnd bid the main flood bate his usual height;You may as well use question with the wolf
Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb;You may as well forbid the mountain pinesTo wag their high tops and to make no noise,When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven;You may as well do anything most hard,As seek to soften that–than which what’s harder?–
His Jewish heart: therefore, I do beseech you, Make no more offers, use no farther means, But with all brief and plain conveniency Let me have judgment and the Jew his will.
BASSANIO
For thy three thousand ducats here is six.
SHYLOCK
What judgment shall I dread, doing
Were in six parts and every part a ducat,
I would not draw them; I would have my bond.
DUKE
How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?
SHYLOCK
What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? You have among you many a purchased slave,Which, like your asses and your dogs and mules,
You use in abject and in slavish parts, Because you bought them: shall I say to you,Let them be free, marry them to your heirs? Why sweat they under burthens? let their bedsBe made as soft as yours and let their palates Be season’d with such viands? You will answer’ The slaves are ours:’ so do I answer you:
The pound of flesh, which I demand of him, Is dearly bought; ’tis mine and I will have it.
If you deny me, fie upon your law!
There is no force in the decrees of Venice. I stand for judgment: answer; shall I have it?
DUKE
Upon my power I may dismiss this court, Unless Bellario, a learned doctor, Whom I have sent for to determine this,Come here to-day.
SALERIO
My lord, here stays without A messenger with letters from the doctor, New come from Padua.
DUKE
Bring us the letter; call the messenger.
BASSANIO
Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet! The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all, Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.
ANTONIO
I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death: the weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground; and so let me You cannot better be employ’d, Bassanio, Than to live still and write mine epitaph. Enter NERISSA, dressed like a lawyer’s clerk
DUKE
Came you from Padua, from Bellario?
NERISSA
From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.
Presenting a letter
BASSANIO
Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
SHYLOCK
To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.
GRATIANO
Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew,Thou makest thy knife keen; but no metal can, No, not the hangman’s axe, bear half the keenness Of thy sharp envy. Can no prayers pierce thee?
SHYLOCK
No, none that thou hast wit enough to make.
GRATIANO
O, be thou damn’d, inexecrable dog!
And for thy life let justice be accused. Thou almost makest me waver in my faithTo hold opinion with Pythagoras, That souls of animals infuse themselves Into the trunks of men: thy currish spirit
Govern’d a wolf, who, hang’d for human slaughter, Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And, whilst thou lay’st in thy unhallow’d dam, Infused itself in thee; for thy desires Are wolvish, bloody, starved and ravenous.
SHYLOCK
Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond, Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud: Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
DUKE
This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned doctor to our court. Where is he?
NERISSA
He attendeth here hard by,To know your answer, whether you’ll admit him.
DUKE
With all my heart. Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place. Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter.
Clerk
[Reads]
Your grace shall understand that at the receipt ofyour letter I am very sick: but in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his name is Balthasar. I
acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant: we turned o’ermany books together: he is furnished with my opinion; which, bettered with his own learning, the
greatness where of I cannot enough commend, comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your grace’s
request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation; for I never knew so young a body with soold a head. I leave him to your gracious
acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.
DUKE
You hear the learn’d Bellario, what he writes: And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
Enter PORTIA, dressed like a doctor of laws
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario?
PORTIA
I did, my lord.
DUKE
You are welcome: take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the court?
PORTIA
I am informed thoroughly of the cause. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew?
DUKE
Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
PORTIA
Is your name Shylock?
SHYLOCK
Shylock is my name.
PORTIA
Of a strange nature is the suit you follow; Yet in such rule that the Venetian law Cannot impugn you as you do proceed. You stand within his danger, do you not?
ANTONIO
Ay, so he says.
PORTIA
Do you confess the bond?
ANTONIO
I do.
PORTIA
Then must the Jew be merciful.
SHYLOCK
On what compulsion must I? tell me that.
PORTIA
The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence ‘gainst the merchant there.
SHYLOCK
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
PORTIA
Is he not able to discharge the money?
BASSANIO
Yes, here I tender it for him in the court; Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times o’er,On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart: If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong, And curb this cruel devil of his will.
PORTIA
It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established: ‘Twill be recorded for a precedent, And many an error by the same example Will rush into the state: it cannot be.
SHYLOCK
A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel! O wise young judge, how I do honour thee!
PORTIA
I pray you, let me look upon the bond.
SHYLOCK
Here ’tis, most reverend doctor, here it is.
PORTIA
Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offer’d thee.
SHYLOCK
An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: Shall I lay perjury upon my soul?
No, not for Venice.
PORTIA
Why, this bond is forfeit; And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off Nearest the merchant’s heart. Be merciful: Take thrice thy money; bid me tear the bond.
SHYLOCK
When it is paid according to the tenor. It doth appear you are a worthy judge; You know the law, your exposition Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar, Proceed to judgment: by my soul I swear There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me: I stay here on my bond.
ANTONIO
Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.
PORTIA
Why then, thus it is: You must prepare your bosom for his knife.
SHYLOCK
O noble judge! O excellent young man!
PORTIA
For the intent and purpose of the law Hath full relation to the penalty,
Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
SHYLOCK
‘Tis very true: O wise and upright judge! How much more elder art thou than thy looks!
PORTIA
Therefore lay bare your bosom.
SHYLOCK
Ay, his breast: So says the bond: doth it not, noble judge? ‘Nearest his heart:’ those are the very words.
PORTIA
It is so. Are there balance here to weigh The flesh?
SHYLOCK
I have them ready.
PORTIA
Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge,To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death.
SHYLOCK
Is it so nominated in the bond?
PORTIA
It is not so express’d: but what of that? ‘Twere good you do so much for charity.
SHYLOCK
I cannot find it; ’tis not in the bond.
PORTIA
You, merchant, have you any thing to say?
ANTONIO
But little: I am arm’d and well prepared. Give me your hand, Bassanio: fare you well! Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you; For herein Fortune shows herself more kind Than is her custom: it is still her use To let the wretched man outlive his wealth, To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow An age of poverty; from which lingering penance Of such misery doth she cut me off. Commend me to your honourable wife: Tell her the process of Antonio’s end; Say how I loved you, speak me fair in death;
And, when the tale is told, bid her be judge Whether Bassanio had not once a love. Repent but you that you shall lose your friend, And he repents not that he pays your debt;
For if the Jew do cut but deep enough, I’ll pay it presently with all my heart.
BASSANIO
Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself;
But life itself, my wife, and all the world, Are not with me esteem’d above thy life: I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all Here to this devil, to deliver you.
PORTIA
Your wife would give you little thanks for that, If she were by, to hear you make the offer.
GRATIANO
I have a wife, whom, I protest, I love:
I would she were in heaven, so she could Entreat some power to change this currish Jew.
NERISSA
‘Tis well you offer it behind her back;
The wish would make else an unquiet house.
SHYLOCK
These be the Christian husbands. I have a daughter; Would any of the stock of Barrabas Had been her husband rather than a Christian!
Aside
We trifle time: I pray thee, pursue sentence.
PORTIA
A pound of that same merchant’s flesh is thine: he court awards it, and the law doth give it.
SHYLOCK
Most rightful judge!
PORTIA
And you must cut this flesh from off his breast: The law allows it, and the court awards it.
SHYLOCK
Most learned judge! A sentence! Come, prepare!
PORTIA
Tarry a little; there is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are ‘a pound of flesh: ‘Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice.
GRATIANO
O upright judge! Mark, Jew: O learned judge!
SHYLOCK
Is that the law?
PORTIA
Thyself shalt see the act: For, as thou urgest justice, be assured Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest.
GRATIANO
O learned judge! Mark, Jew: a learned judge!
SHYLOCK
I take this offer, then; pay the bond thrice And let the Christian go.
BASSANIO
Here is the money.
PORTIA
Soft! The Jew shall have all justice; soft! no haste: He shall have nothing but the penalty.
GRATIANO
O Jew! an upright judge, a learned judge!
PORTIA
Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more But just a pound of flesh: if thou cut’st more
Or less than a just pound, be it but so much As makes it light or heavy in the substance, Or the division of the twentieth part Of one poor scruple, nay, if the scale do turn But in the estimation of a hair,Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.
GRATIANO
A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew!
Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.
PORTIA
Why doth the Jew pause? take thy forfeiture.
SHYLOCK
Give me my principal, and let me go.
BASSANIO
I have it ready for thee; here it is.
PORTIA
He hath refused it in the open court:
He shall have merely justice and his bond.
GRATIANO
A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel!
I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.
SHYLOCK
Shall I not have barely my principal?
PORTIA
Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture,To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
SHYLOCK
Why, then the devil give him good of it! I’ll stay no longer question.
PORTIA
Tarry, Jew: The law hath yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the laws of Venice, If it be proved against an alien That by direct or indirect attempts He seek the life of any citizen, The party ‘gainst the which he doth contrive Shall seize one half his goods; the other half Comes to the privy coffer of the state; And the offender’s life lies in the mercy Of the duke only, ‘gainst all other voice.
In which predicament, I say, thou stand’st; For it appears, by manifest proceeding, That indirectly and directly too Thou hast contrived against the very life Of the defendant; and thou hast incurr’d
The danger formerly by me rehearsed. Down therefore and beg mercy of the duke.
GRATIANO
Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself: And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state, Thou hast not left the value of a cord; Therefore thou must be hang’d at the state’s charge.
DUKE
That thou shalt see the difference of our spirits, I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it: For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s; The other half comes to the general state, Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.
PORTIA
Ay, for the state, not for Antonio.
SHYLOCK
Nay, take my life and all; pardon not that: You take my house when you do take the prop That doth sustain my house; you take my life When you do take the means whereby I live.
PORTIA
What mercy can you render him, Antonio?
GRATIANO
A halter gratis; nothing else, for God’s sake.
ANTONIO
So please my lord the duke and all the court To quit the fine for one half of his goods, I am content; so he will let me have The other half in use, to render it, Upon his death, unto the gentleman That lately stole his daughter: Two things provided more, that, for this favour, He presently become a Christian; The other, that he do record a gift, Here in the court, of all he dies possess’d,
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
DUKE
He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon that I late pronounced here.
PORTIA
Art thou contented, Jew? what dost thou say?
SHYLOCK
I am content.
PORTIA
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
SHYLOCK
I pray you, give me leave to go from hence; I am not well: send the deed after me, And I will sign it.
DUKE
Get thee gone, but do it.
GRATIANO
In christening shalt thou have two god-fathers: Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more, To bring thee to the gallows, not the font.
Exit SHYLOCK
DUKE
Sir, I entreat you home with me to dinner.
PORTIA
I humbly do desire your grace of pardon: I must away this night toward Padua, And it is meet I presently set forth.
DUKE
I am sorry that your leisure serves you not. Antonio, gratify this gentleman, For, in my mind, you are much bound to him.
Exeunt Duke and his train
BASSANIO
Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquittedOf grievous penalties; in lieu where of, Three thousand ducats, due unto the Jew, We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
ANTONIO
And stand indebted, over and above,
In love and service to you evermore.
PORTIA
He is well paid that is well satisfied;
And I, delivering you, am satisfied
And therein do account myself well paid: My mind was never yet more mercenary. I pray you, know me when we meet again: I wish you well, and so I take my leave.
BASSANIO
Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further: Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute, Not as a fee: grant me two things, I pray you, Not to deny me, and to pardon me.
PORTIA
You press me far, and therefore I will yield.
To ANTONIO
Give me your gloves, I’ll wear them for your sake;
To BASSANIO
And, for your love, I’ll take this ring from you: Do not draw back your hand; I’ll take no more; And you in love shall not deny me this.
BASSANIO
This ring, good sir, alas, it is a trifle!
I will not shame myself to give you this.
PORTIA
I will have nothing else but only this;
And now methinks I have a mind to it.
BASSANIO
There’s more depends on this than on the value.
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you, And find it out by proclamation:
Only for this, I pray you, pardon me.
PORTIA
I see, sir, you are liberal in offers
You taught me first to beg; and now me thinks You teach me how a beggar should be answer’d.
BASSANIO
Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife; And when she put it on, she made me vow That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
PORTIA
That ‘scuse serves many men to save their gifts. An if your wife be not a mad-woman, And know how well I have deserved the ring, She would not hold out enemy for ever, For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you!
Exeunt Portia and Nerissa
ANTONIO
My Lord Bassanio, let him have the ring: Let his deservings and my love withal Be valued against your wife’s commandment.
BASSANIO
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him;
Give him the ring, and bring him, if thou canst, Unto Antonio’s house: away! make haste.
Exit Gratiano
Come, you and I will thither presently; And in the morning early will we both Fly toward Belmont: come, Antonio.
Short Summary of The Merchant of Venice:
Bassanio needs 3000 ducats (gold coins used for trade) to go to Belmont so that he can marry Portia. Bassanio approaches his friend Antonio for money. Antonio spent all his money in trade and his ships were not returned yet. Hence he decided to borrow money from Shylock. Shylock doesn’t like Antonio, but agreed to give loan in condition that, Antonio should pay the amount in 3 months or he will take a pound of flesh from Antonio. Antonio agreed, as he thought his ships will return in time. As Bassanio prepares to travel to Belmont, his friend Lorenzo elopes with Shylock’s daughter, Jessica. Shylock was more angered against Christians.
Bassanio marries Portia in Belmont. Antonio’s two ships exhausted. Shylock’s condition of 3 months expired. He now waited to take a pound of flesh from Antonio. Bassanio heard about this and returned to Venice. He said Shylock that, he will pay twice the amount. But Shylock did not accept it as he wanted to take revenge on Christians.
Portia arrives to court in disguise as a male lawyer. She says that, Shylock can take Antonio’s flesh as per law, but not a single drop of blood should come as it is against law. Shylock was not able to do anything. He was charged on attempting to murder a Venetian citizen. Hence, his wealth was forfeited and half of it was given to Venice and the other half to Antonio.
Antonio returned his half wealth to Shylock on condition that, Shylock should bequeath it to his daughter Jessica. Meanwhile, Antonio’s other ships were returned safely.
Summary of Act IV – Court Scene:
NOTE: The Act IV is the court scene. Here is the brief summary of the court scene. The following questions are only from the court scene.
Act 4 opens in a court room in Venice with the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, and others present.
The Duke expresses sympathy for a having an enemy that is as empty of mercy as Shylock. Antonio states that as the law is on Shylocks side he is ready to pay the price. The Duke requests that Shylock enter the court room. The Duke strongly requests Shylock to relent. Shylock refuses and gives no excuse for his unwillingness to bend on the terms of h their agreement. He states that he will not accept payment but wants Antonio’s flesh because he hates him. Bassanio asks if all men are so cruel to kill the things they do not love. Antonio tells Bassanio that it is a waste of time to argue with Shylock, and that no logic will soften his heart. 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. The Duke states he will dismiss the court unless the Doctor Bellario comes to decide the case. Just then a messenger from Bellario arrives. As they wait for the messenger Bassanio attempts to cheer up Antonio saying that he will die before he lets Shylock have Antonio’s flesh.
Nerissa enters dressed as a lawyer’s clerk. Nerissa states that she comes from Bellario with a letter from the doctor. The letter requests that the Duke allow a young doctor of law to attend the case. The Duke readily agrees. Portia enters dressed as a doctor of law. She attempts to get Shylock to relent. She portrays mercy as an attribute of a king and God. Shylock still refuses. Bassanio offers money twice more as Shylock states he will only be satisfied with flesh. Portia finally states that Antonio must make ready to have the flesh removed. She asks Shylock to allow a surgeon to come to stop the blood. Shylock refuses this mercy as it is not written in the bond. Antonio asks Bassanio to tell his new wife of him. At the last minute Portia tells Shylock that while he may have the flesh he cannot have a drop of blood as it is not written into the bond. Shylock realizes he cannot have his flesh and so states he will take the money. Portia tells him that because he has already refused it Shylock can only have the flesh. In fact, she states, he cannot even have the principal, and cannot leave because he has attempted to murder a Venetian citizen. The price of Shylock’s crime is death and the loss of his estate. The estate should go half to Antonio and half to the city of Venice. The Duke spares Shylock’s life but he must still forfeit his estate. Antonio states that he should give half his money to his daughter and her Christian husband upon his death. Additionally, Shylock must become a Christian. Shylock agrees but states he is too ill to sign the papers at that time and requests the papers be sent to him. Shylock leaves. The Duke invites the doctor of law to have dinner with him, but Portia states she must return home immediately. The Duke leaves.
Bassanio offers the “judge” the three thousand ducats that were to go to Shylock but is refused. Bassanio insists that the judge should take something and Portia takes Antonio’s gloves and asks Bassanio for his ring. Bassanio refuses stating that it was a gift from his wife. Portia leaves saying that Bassanio’s wife would have said she deserved the ring.
Antonio convinces Bassanio that he should have given the judge the ring and so Bassanio takes it off and asks Gratiano to take the ring to the judge.
Questions and Answers
Ans: He shows sympathy on Antonio.
Ans: He says let the law can take its course.
Ans: As he obeys laws, he was ready.
Ans: Shylock should show mercy and stop the drama.
Ans: He said there is no need to show mercy as everything is by law.
Ans: The Christians having slaves.
Ans: No. He said as he does not ask the Christians to free slaves, they should not ask him to free Antonio.
Ans: Jews
Ans: some does not like cat, some roasted pig and others bagpipes.
Ans: If all kill what they hate, then there will not be love.
Ans: He is not ready to answer for him.
Ans: Antonio says to Bassanio that, it is no use of arguing with the person who is already full of hatred.
Ans: He will pay double (6000) the amount.
Ans: No. He says he won’t if 6 part of it is given also.
Ans: Bellario, a doctor.
Ans: Nerissa, the maid of Portia.
Ans: A letter from doctor Bellario.
Ans: To wolf.
Ans: He was sick.
Ans: Portia. She entered dressed like a doctor of laws.
Ans: Balthasar.
Ans: She asks him to show mercy on Antonio.
Ans: To a gentle rain from heaven.
Ans: To the God himself.
Ans: A sharp knife, and a weighing balance.
Ans: A doctor, so that he can heal the wound.
Ans: There is no doctor as it is not mentioned in bond.
Ans: As his life himself.
Ans: Yes.
Ans: Yes. As law allows.
Ans: In his Chest.
Ans: Shylock can cut the pound of flesh. But not a single drop of blood should come as it is not mentioned in the bond.
Ans: Shylock will be guilty and punishable.
Ans: No. He asks the penalty of 3 times the money offered by Bassanio.
Ans: She refuses as he already denied it in the court openly.
Ans: He can cut the flesh or get the mercy of Duke.
Ans: Yes.
Ans: He should hand over half his wealth to Antonio and other half to Venetian Atate.
Ans: He wished to give the half given to him as penalty.
Ans: He mush covert to Christianity. And he must give them after his death to his son-in-law and daughter Jessica.
Ans: Yes.
Ans: The Ring.
Ans: No. He said it was gifted to him by his wife.
Ans: He asks Bassanio to give the Ring.
Ans: Yes. But he gave it to Gratiano to hand over it to the Judge (Portia).
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