The Merchant of Venice: Act IV sc i - Portia

Summary: In this scene Portia is pleading to Shylock for the life of Antonio. Antonio is responsible for the debt that Bassanio owes Shylock. Bassanio is Portia's partner and needed money to be with Portia. When Bassanio borrowed the money the punishment for failure to pay back the money on time was 'a pound of flesh' which would cause certain death. Bassanio didn't pay the debt back in time and now Shylock wants his 'pound of flesh' from Antonio. Portia is trying to get Shylock to change his mind and see the virtue of being merciful.


Find and highlight these techniques in the speech:
metaphor
alliteration
repetition

Answer the following questions using quotes where applicable:
How does Portia describe mercy? How important and powerful is it?

It is powerful and from god. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes', 'It is an attribute to God himself'

What can one achieve through mercy?

Justice. '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'

How is religion part of this speech? (You need to do some thinking on this one.)

It talks about how mercy is a godly power. The person believes it is the work of god and is therefore religious.

PORTIA

The quality of mercy is not strain'd, -easy

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven  - similie    religion=christianity

Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;       mercy + God

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:   - Parallel structure

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes    - strongest of the strong  -Repetition

The throned monarch better than his crown;

His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,  -temporary

The attribute to awe and majesty,                      -symbolism

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;      -theme

And earthly power doth then show likest God's          She uses two themes to convince-religion and the law

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.