Merchant of Venice
1. Make a logical inference. Why is Shylock so resistant to Portia's remarks in lines 5 through 26? Explain.
2. According to Bassanio, what will confirm whether Shylock's motives are malevolent?
3. Portia has evidence that would incriminate Shylock. Why doesn't she present that evidence early and conclude the trial promptly? Explain.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
1. Shylock is resistant to Portia's remarks in lines 5 through 26 because he feels that Portia is not giving him a fair hearing and is biased against him due to his identity as a Jew. He believes that Portia has already made up her mind and is not willing to listen to his arguments, which makes him defensive and resistant to her remarks. Shylock may also be frustrated and angered by the repeated negative remarks about his Jewish heritage, which further fuels his resistance to Portia's words.
2. According to Bassanio, the confirmation of Shylock's motives being malevolent would be if Shylock refuses to show mercy and insists on exacting the full penalty of the law in the bond, which is a pound of Antonio's flesh. Bassanio believes that if Shylock is unwilling to show any leniency or mercy, it would confirm that his motives are malicious and driven by a desire for revenge rather than just seeking justice.
3. Portia does not present the evidence that would incriminate Shylock early and conclude the trial promptly because she wants to give Shylock every opportunity to show mercy and spare Antonio's life. Portia's intention is to uphold the value of mercy and compassion, and she wants to give Shylock a chance to change his mind and show leniency towards Antonio. By delaying the presentation of the evidence and giving Shylock multiple chances to reconsider, Portia hopes to avoid the tragic outcome of Antonio losing his life and instead encourages Shylock to choose mercy over vengeance
Verified answer
Answer:
1. Shylock is so resistant to Portia's remarks in lines 5 through 26 because he feels that Portia is biased against him and is not giving him a fair trial. He believes that her statement that "the quality of mercy is not strained" is directed at him, implying that he lacks mercy and is a cruel person. Shylock is also aware that Portia is a clever and skilled lawyer who might find a way to turn the law against him and rule in favor of Antonio.
2. According to Bassanio, whether or not Shylock's motives are malevolent will be confirmed by his willingness to accept the money that has been offered to him. If he accepts the money and spares Antonio's life, then his intentions were simply to gain financial advantage. However, if he refuses the money and insists on the bond, then he must be motivated by malice and a desire for revenge.
3. Portia doesn't present the evidence early and conclude the trial promptly because she wants to give Shylock a chance to redeem himself and show mercy. By delaying the case and allowing Shylock to hang himself with his own words, Portia is hoping that he will see the error of his ways and show some kindness to Antonio. She also wants to give Antonio the satisfaction of knowing that he has defeated his enemy on his own terms, without any trickery or deceit. Finally, Portia is playing a strategic game of chess with Shylock, trying to force him into a corner where he has no choice but to give up his legal claim and show mercy.
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