Write a short note on the role of law in “The Merchant of Venice”. 

Answer

Write a short note on the role of law in “The Merchant of Venice”. 

Law is very important in William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) play “The Merchant of Venice” (1600). In this play, the law can both punish and save lives. Shylock, an evil moneylender, wants to manipulate the law to harm Antonio. However, he himself is punished by the law at the end. Let us discuss the role of law in this play.

Shylock’s Bond: Shylock is a Jewish moneylender in Venice. He hates Antonio and wants to take revenge on him. When Antonio wants to take a loan from Shylock, he gives a strange condition. Shylock says if Antonio fails to repay the loan in time, he will take “a pound of flesh” from Antonio’s body. Antonio agrees to the bond (agreement). When Antonio is unable to repay in time, Shylock wants to exercise his right according to the law.

Shylock Manipulates Law: Antonio is taken to court by Shylock. The Duke leads the trial in Venice. The Duke hopes Shylock will change his mind and show mercy. But Shylock asks for justice. He says:

“My deeds upon my head! I crave the law.”

Shylock only wants to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body as per the bond. Here, Shylock is trying to manipulate the law to kill Antonio.

Portia’s Clever Use of Law: Portia comes to help Antonio, disguised as a young lawyer named Balthazar. She makes a clever point that the bond says “a pound of flesh,” not blood. So, Shylock can cut the pound of flesh but cannot shed blood. Since this is impossible, Shylock loses the case. 

Mercy is the Best Law: Now, Shylock is caught in his own trap. According to the Venetian law, trying to kill a Venetian citizen is punishable by death. Since Shylock has tried to kill Antonio, he can be sentenced to death. However, the Duke shows mercy to him. Portia also declares the quality of mercy:

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