Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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.
(i) Name the speaker. Why did the speaker appeal to the Jew for mercy? Earlier who else in the play appealed for mercy? 
(ii) What are the three qualities of mercy which the speaker has stated just before the extract? 
(iii) Give the meaning of‘But mercy is above this sceptred sway’. How does Shylock turn down Portia’s plea for mercy? What does he insist on? 
(iv) What is Bassanio ready to do for Antonio in the court? Why is Bassanio snubbed immediately by the disguised Portia? 
(v) Mention two prominent character traits of Shylock as highlighted through the scene from which the extract has been taken. Substantiate your answer with examples from the text. 

Answer 1

(i) Portia is the speaker in the disguise of Balthazar.
Shylock was rigid to charge the penalty as mentioned in the bond. Thus Portia appeals to the Jew as she wants to save Antonio without resorting to legal actions. Earlier in the play, the Duke himself and noblemen of the highest standing have appealed for mercy to Shylock.
(ii) The quality of Mercy is a divine blessing which benefits both the man who shows Mercy and the man who receives it. Mercy is a nobler quality in a royal king better than the crown he wears. Mercy is far above this world ruled by men with a sceptre.
(iii) The quality of Mercy is more powerful than the king’s rod of authority which sym¬bolizes his power and grandeur on earth and a king who is merciful has the quality of God.
Shylock takes responsibility of all his deeds. He insists to follow the course of law and enforce proper penalty according to the bond for the breech of agreement.
(iv) Bassanio is ready to give twice the stun of the money promised in the bond. If the Jew thinks that it is too little, he will pay it ten times over. He is also ready to forfeit his hands, his head and his heart for Antonio’s life.
Bassanio pleads with Portia to twist the law a little from its original course. To do a great act of justice, do a little wrong. He begs her to prevent the cruel Jew from succeeding in his cruel design. But Portia immediately snubs him.
(v) Shylock portrays himself as a strict follower of religion. When Duke appeals to him to show pity on Antonio he tells him that he has sworn by the holy Sabbath to take the penalty.
Shylock is firm and adamant in his decision to take nothing but the penalty. His motive is to take revenge from his enemy and show the strength of his character that nothing can prevent him from his purpose.