Merchant of Venice Essay The True Nature of Venetian...

The idea of mercy is important in The Merchant of Venice because it provides a focus for the contrast between Venetian Christian society and the alien invader, represented by Shylock. Mercy occupies a central position in the trial scene (IV.i.), where the power struggle between aristocratic Venetian society and the threatening force Shylock comes to a climax. My thesis is that the contrast between (and equation of) mercy and revenge in the trial scene reveals the true nature of Venetian society as insecure , hypocritical and vengeful. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Mercy is clearly of greatest importance to the Christians in this text. It is only mentioned in the trial scene by two†¦show more content†¦Shylock demands his bond with no other justification than a lodgd hate, and a certain loathing / I bear Antonio (IV.i.60-61). He tries to justify taking a pound of Antonios flesh by appealing to the Venetians sense of ownership, equating it to their slaves--The pound of flesh which I demand of him / Is dearly bought, tis mine and I will have it (IV.i.99-100). Shylocks use of strange language and images (lines 44-58) makes him appear uncivilized in contrast with the Christians talk of gentleness and mercy. Portias speech on mercy brings in the aspect of power, painting a grandiose picture to tempt Shylock to believe he can share this power by being merciful (and thus accepting Christian values)-- It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes, Tis mightiest in the mightiest, it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown. IV.i.183-185 Shylocks reply - My deeds upon my head! I crave the law (IV.i.202) - makes him appear totally without mercy, at least superficially. However, we know that Shylock has little reason to trust Christian Venetian society because he has been abused and reviled by Antonio and others. It seems more likely that by being merciful, he would be accepting their value system and be taking the first step towards assimilation within ChristianShow MoreRelatedZen and the Art of William Shakespeare Essay2389 Words   |  10 PagesZen and the Art of Shakespeare      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like all Buddhism, Zen is a means by which one can achieve Buddha-consciousness, or in effect total-consciousness. Total-consciousness means being aware of the true self and its role in regard to the infinite cosmos of all existence. This awareness allows one insight into or perhaps understanding of the Tao, the essential singularity to which all things belong. Understanding the Tao, for Taoists and Zen Buddhists alike, is the equivalent of Nirvana