Narrate the trial scene of “The Merchant of Venice.”

Answer

Narrate the trial scene of “The Merchant of Venice.”

The trial scene is the most exciting part of William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) play “The Merchant of Venice.” This scene occurs in Act 4, Scene 1, in the court of Venice. Here, Antonio is on trial beacuse he could not repay the debt in time he took from Shylock. According to the bond (agreement), Shylock wants to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. Then, Shakespeare’s powerful heroine, Portia, comes into the scene. She disguises herself as a young lawyer and saves Antonio’s life. The details of the trial scene are given below. 

The Debt and the Bond: Antonio is on trial because he could not repay the loan of 3000 ducats he took from Shylock. According to their bond (agreement), if Antonio cannot repay the debt on time, Shylock will take a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.

The Duke of Venice is the judge. He feels sorry for Antonio. He hopes that Shylock will show mercy and forgive the debt. Everyone believes Shylock will change his mind and show mercy. The Duke says:

“We all expect a gentle answer Jew!” [Shylock is a Jew]

But Shylock refuses to show mercy. He wants justice. Bassanio, Antonio’s friend, offers Shylock two times that is owed to him. Shylock says he would not accept six times more. He says he hates Antonio and wants the law to be applied. Antonio gives up all hope and prepares to die.

Portia Disguises as a Lawyer: Then, a lawyer is called to the court to help with the case. This “lawyer” is actually Portia in disguise. She comes in as a young male lawyer named Balthazar. Portia acts very wisely and calmly. She asks, “Which is the merchant here? And which the Jew?” Antonio and Shylock step forward. Portia says the law is on Shylock’s side. But she also begs him to show mercy. She gives a beautiful speech about mercy. She says showing mercy is a