The Merchant of Venice : Quotations
The Merchant of Venice is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Merchant of Venice.
Quotations
“Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
But just a pound of flesh.”
Explanation: This line is spoken by Portia in Act 4, Scene 1 in “The Merchant of Venice.”
She warns Shylock he can take exactly one pound of flesh from Antonio, not more or less, and without spilling blood.
“All that glisters is not gold.”
Explanation: This is expressed by the Prince of Morocco in Act 2, Scene 7. He learns from the gold casket that not everything shiny is truly valuable inside.
“The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
Explanation: These words are spoken by Portia in Act 4, Scene 1. She explains that mercy is a natural kindness, good for both the giver and the person who receives it.
“Myself, and what is mine, to you and yours
Is now converted.”
Explanation: This is declared by Portia in Act 3, Scene 2. She promises Bassanio that everything she has now belongs to him, too.
“My deeds upon my head! I crave the law.”
Explanation: These words come from Shylock in Act 4, Scene 1. Shylock wants justice and is ready to take the blame for his actions.
“For thy three thousand ducats here is six.”
Explanation: This is offered by Bassanio in Act 4, Scene 1. He tries to settle by giving Shylock double the money he lent, hoping he will show mercy.
“I
may neither choose who I would nor refuse who I
dislike.”
Explanation: Portia states this in Act 1, Scene 2. She explains she cannot pick or reject suitors because of her late father’s will.
“আমি যাকে চাই তাকে বেছে নিতে পারছি না, আর যাকে অপছন্দ করি তাকে ফিরিয়ে দিতেও পারছি
“If I can catch him [Antonio] once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.”
Explanation: This is spoken by Shylock in Act 1, Scene 3. Shylock says he wants revenge on Antonio for old wrongs.
“We all expect a gentle answer, Jew!”
Explanation: The Duke addresses Shylock in Act 4, Scene 1. He hopes Shylock will show kindness to Antonio.
“Which is the merchant here? And which the Jew?”
Explanation: Portia (as the lawyer) asks this in Act 4, Scene 1. She wants to be sure who is Antonio (the merchant) and who is Shylock.
“I hate him for he is a Christian.”
Explanation: Shylock speaks this line in Act 1, Scene 3. He admits that he dislikes Antonio because he is a Christian.
“Who chooseth me shall gain what many men
Desire.”
Explanation: These words appear on the gold casket in Act 2, Scene 9. The casket says the chooser will get what lots of people want.
“Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.”
Explanation: This is written on the silver casket in Act 2, Scene 9. The casket promises only what the chooser truly earns.
“Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.”
Explanation: This is found on the lead casket in Act 2, Scene 9. The casket warns the chooser to risk everything for love.