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The Merchant of Venice

Act IV Scene I

Venice. A court of justice

Role Description

Shylock

He is the representative of usury capital, is stingy miser . But money-grubber Shylock was uncharacteristically at the beginning of the play , not several times more than the repayment of borrowings , and to a piece of useless human flesh , showing its petty and vengeful very heavy, a chance encounter would be crazy retaliation against him who can not have to put opponents to death , showing their ruthless . Sherlock retorted abuse of others , calm and confident attitude alive. After losing three times as he wants repayment , greedy and stingy nature of the recovery , the miser 's truth exposed. He is an out demons . Meanwhile , he is also a Christian society bullied Jews . Shylock 's revenge on Antonio has a reasonable and complex motivations. People Shylock , both despise his greed , hatred of his cruelty , but also how much sympathy he suffered racial oppression and humiliation . In many people 's eyes Lixialuoke is a sophistication , greedy , stingy , the vampire 's image , but also a miser , " I make a wonky guarded portal , a little worried ," Shylock can not say it is not the tragedy of this comedy character , the servant ran defected hungry people hate their own , while the daughter is holding their property and lovers eloped , and finally even lost part of his remaining property , he really is , " lost his wife and fold soldiers . " It is a highly vindictive people , in retaliation for the abuse of hatred Antonio can not charge interest to let him step by step drill into a trap , in order is to get his piece of meat , but meat, what can he get ? He says, " bring good fishing ." In fact, Antonio is also a stumbling block to block his way of getting money , in order to make their own sources of revenue must get rid of this stumbling block .

Antonio

He is an emerging bourgeois businessman, he is the author of some landscaping. The author wrote his cherished friendship, in order to borrow money from loan sharks and friends and to this end die without resentment; his generosity in the face of shameless conspiracy Shylock, actually submissive; Faced with the threat of death, the Roman hero, as he has courage, death-defying spirit. In short, his body upright, Emotion, suave and other humanists whom quality Acura.

Bassanio

Antonio's friend .Courageous, Emotion Shigeyoshi, but do not know how to fight the policy, the performance was over the weak.

Duke

An athletic kind man.

Solanio, Bassanio, Gratiano

Antonio’s friend.

Nerissa

Portia's maid. Portia is Bassanio's fiancée.

Housewives

Venetian businessman Antonio for the sake of a friend Bassanio's marriage to the Jewish usurer Shylock to borrow. Do not give due Antonio interest from loans, in addition, often accused Antonio Shylock, the two forged a hatred. Shylock opportunity vindictive revenge, do not make their own interest, but if it fails to do yet, cut a pound of flesh from Antonio's chest. Unfortunately, the merchant Antonio came news of the crash, cash flow problems, inability to repay the loan. Sherlock went to court to sue, according to the legal provisions to Antonio promise. Cruelty to persuade people to give up the contract flesh Shylock, but Shylock insists to fulfill the contract, cut a piece of flesh from Antonio body. To save the life of Antonio, Bassanio's fiancee Portia posing counsel, Thus began the story.

Duke: Go one and call the Jew to the court. Make room and let him stand before our face. Solanio: He is come, my lord.

Duke: Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so, too, that you but lead'st this fashion of your

malice to the last hour of the act and then 'tis thought you'll show your mercy and remorse, more strange than is your strange apparent cruelty. What say you, Jew? We all expect a gentle answer.

Shylock: I have informed your grace of what I purpose and by our holy Sabbath have I sworn

to have the due and forfeit of my bond. If you deny it, let the danger light upon your charter and your city's freedom. You'll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of human flesh than to receive three thousand ducats. I'll not answer that. But, say, it is my humor - is it answered? What if my house be troubled by a rat and I am pleased to give ten thousand ducats to have it killed?

- What, are you answered yet? - (Crowd) No.

Some men don’t love a gaping pig; some are mad if they see a cat and others cannot contain their urine when they hear the bagpipe. - For affection, master of passion, controls one’s likes and dislikes. Now for your answer. As there is no firm reason to be given why he cannot abide a gaping pig, why he, (cannot bear) a harmless, necessary cat, why he (cannot endure) a woolen bagpipe, but of force must yield to such inevitable shame as to offend himself being offended, so can I give no reason, nor will I not. I bear so deep and fixed hate against Antonio that I follow thus

this losing suit against him. - Are you answered? - (All) No!

Bassanio: This is no answer, you unfeeling man, to excuse your cruelty.

Shylock: I am not bound to please you with my answers.

Bassanio: Do all men kill the things they do not love?

Shylock: Does any man hate the thing he would not love?

Bassanio: Every offence is not a hate at first.

Shylock: You would have a serpent sting you twice? (Crowd shout in derision) Antonio: I pray you think, you are questioning with the Jew: You may as well go stand upon

the beach and ask the flood to lower its usual height. (Sighs) You may as well question with the wolf why he has made the ewe bleat for the lamb. You may as well do anything if you can soften his Jewish heart which is harder than anything in the world. Therefore I do pray you, make no

more offers, use no farther means. Let me have judgment and the Jew his will. (All) No! No! Bassanio: You loaned me three thousand ducats. Here is six. (Crowd gasp) Shylock: If every ducat in six thousand ducats were in six parts and every part a ducat I would not take them. I would have my bond.

Duke: How shall you hope for mercy by giving none?

Shylock: What judgment should I fear, doing no wrong? You have among you many a

purchased slave, which like your asses and your dogs and mules, you use in abject and in slavish services because you bought them. Shall I say to you, let them be free? Marry them to your heirs. Why do sweat they under burdens? Let their beds be made as soft as yours, their palates seasoned with your food. You will answer, "The slaves are ours.” So I can also answer you: The pound of flesh that I demand of him is dearly bought. 'Tis mine. 'Tis mine! 'Tis mine. And I will have it. If you deny me, fie upon your law. There is no force in the decrees of Venice. I stand for judgment.

Answer. - Shall I have it? - (Crowd gasp)(Crowd shouting)

Duke: Silence! Silence! Silence! Upon my power I may dismiss this court unless Bellario, a

learned doctor that I have sent for to determine this come here today.

Solanio: My lord! Here stays without (outside) a messenger with letters from the doctor just

come from Padua.

Duke: Call the messenger. (Nerissa comes to the court) Do you come from Padua,

from old Bellario?

Nerissa: From both, my lord. Bellario greets your grace.

Bassanio: Why do you whet (sharpen) your knife so earnestly?

Shylock: To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there.

Gratiano: Can no prayers (moves) pierce you?

Shylock: No. None that you have enough wit to make.

Gratiano: Be you damned, execrable dog and for your life let justice be accused. Shylock: Till you can erase the seal from off my bond, or you are just hurting your lungs to

speak so loud. Prepare your wit, good youth, or it will fall to insanity. I stand here for law. I stand for law!

Duke: Silence! Silence! This letter does commend a young and learned doctor to our court. Well, where is he?

Nerissa: He is waiting here nearby to know your answer, whether you'll admit him. Duke: Go, and give him courteous conduct to this place. Meantime, the court shall hear Bellario's letter.

Clerk: "Your grace shall understand that at the receipt of your letter, I am very sick "but in the

instant your messenger came there was with me a young doctor of Rome "whose name is Balthasar.” He comes at my asking to take my place. "I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment, "for I never knew so young a body with so old a head.” I leave him to your gracious acceptance."

Duke: You heard Bellario, what he writes. Oh, and here, I take it, comes the doctor.(Portia kisses the hand of the Duke) You are welcome. Take your place. Are you acquainted with the difference that this present question in the court holds?

Portia: I am informed thoroughly of the case. Which is the merchant here and which is the Jew? Duke: Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.

Portia: Is your name Shylock?

Shylock: Shylock is my name.

Of a strange nature is the suit you follow, yet in such rule that the Venetian law cannot deny you as you do proceed. (To Antonio) You stand within his power, don’t you?

Antonio: Yes, he says so.

Portia: Do you confess the bond?

Antonio: I do.

Portia: Then the Jew must be merciful.

Shylock: On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.

Portia: The quality of mercy is not strained; it drops as the gentle rain from heaven upon the

place beneath. It is twice blessed: it blesses him that gives and him that takes. 'Tis the mightiest in the mighty. It makes the monarch better than his crown. His scepter shows the force of temporal power, the attribute to awe and majesty wherein does sit the dread and fear of kings. But mercy is above this sceptered sway. It is enthroned in the heart of kings. It is an attribute to God himself and earthly power does then show like of God's when mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, though justice is your plea, consider this. In the course of justice, none of us should see salvation. We do pray for mercy and that same prayer does teach us all to render the deeds of mercy. I have spoken thus much to mitigate the justice of your plea, which if you follow this strict course of Venice must needs give sentence against the merchant there.

Shylock: My deeds upon my head. I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond. Portia: Is he not able to discharge the money?

Bassanio: Yes, here I tender it for him in court, yea, twice the sum. If that is not enough, I will be bound to pay it ten times or more on forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart! If this is not enough it must appear that malice bears down on truth. (Bassanio rushes out and kneels down.) I beseech you, wrest once the law to your authority - to do a great right, do a little wrong and curb this cruel devil of his will.

Portia: It must not be. There is no power in Venice can alter an established decree. 'Twill be

recorded for a precedent and many an error of the same example will rush into the state. It cannot be.

Shylock: A Daniel come to judgment. (Crowd say No) Yea, a Daniel. O wise young judge, how I do honor you.

Portia: I pray you; let me look upon the bond.

Shylock: Most reverend (honorable) doctor, here it is.

Portia: Shylock, there is twice the money offered you.

Shylock: An oath, an oath. I have an oath in heaven. Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No. Not

for Venice.

Portia: Well, this bond is forfeit. And according to the law, the Jew may claim a pound of flesh

to be cut off by him nearest the merchant's heart. Be merciful. Take twice your money, and let me tear the bond.

Shylock: When it is paid, according to the terms.

Antonio: Most heartily I do beseech the court to give the judgment.

(The Duke signals Portia to come near and then the two whisper) Portia: Then thus it is. You must prepare your bosom for his knife.

Shylock: O noble judge, excellent young man.

Portia: For the intent and purpose of the law fully recognize the validity of penalty which here appears due upon the bond.

Shylock: 'Tis very true. O wise and upright judge. How much older you are than you look.

Portia: Therefore, lay bare your bosom.

Shylock: Yes, his breast. So says the bond, does it not, noble judge? Nearest the heart. Those are the very words.

Portia: It is so. Are there balances here to weigh the flesh?

Shylock: I have them here. (Crowd gasp) (Antonio faints and then is set on the chair)

Portia: Find a surgeon, Shylock, on your charge to stop his wounds lest he should bleed to death.

Shylock: Is it so mentioned in the bond?

Portia: It is not so expressed but what of that? 'Twere good you do so much for charity.

Shylock: I cannot find it. 'Tis not in the bond.

Portia: You, merchant, have you anything to say?

Antonio: But little. (make a sign of cross) I am armed and well prepared. Give

me your hand, Bassanio. Fare you well. Don’t grieve that I am fallen to this for you, for herein Fortune shows herself kinder than usual. Commend me to your honorable wife. Tell her the process of Antonio's end. Say how I loved you, speak me fair in death. And when the tale is told, let her judge whether Bassanio had once been loved or not. You shall repent that you lose your friend rather than that he pays your debt. For if the Jew does cut but deep enough, I'll pay it instantly with all my heart.

Bassanio: Antonio, I am married to a wife which is as dear to me as life itself.

But life itself, my wife and all the world are not with me esteemed above your life.

I would lose all, yes, sacrifice them all, here to this devil to deliver you.

Gratiano: I have a wife, whom, I protest, I love –I’d would that she were in heaven,

so she could entreat some power to change this cursed Jew!

Shylock: I have a daughter! I’d rather marry her to any of the stock of a thief than to

a Christian. We are wasting time. I pray you, pursue sentence.

Portia: You may proceed. A pound of that merchant's flesh is yours. The court

awards it and the law does give it.

Shylock: Most rightful judge.

Portia: You must cut this flesh from off his breast. The court awards it and the law allows it. Shylock: Most learned judge. A sentence. Come. Prepare.

Portia: Tarry a little! There is something else. This bond does not give you here a drop of blood.

The words obviously are a pound of flesh. Take then your bond, take then your pound of flesh, but in the cutting of it, if you do shed one drop of Christian blood, your lands and goods are by the laws of Venice confiscate to the state of Venice.

Gratiano: O upright judge! Mark, Jew. Learned judge!

Shylock: Is that the law?

Portia: Yourself shall see the act. For as you urge on justice, be assured you shall have justice

more than you desire.

Shylock: Well. I take the offer, then. Pay the bond twice and let the Christian go.

Bassanio: Here is the money.

Portia: Soft. The Jew shall have all justice. No haste. He shall have nothing but the penalty.

(Crowd murmurs) Therefore, prepare to cut off the flesh. Shed then no blood nor cut less nor more but just a pound of flesh. If you take more or less than a pound, if the scale does turn in the estimation of a hair, you die and all your goods are confiscate.

Gratiano: A second Daniel! (Laughter) Now, infidel, I have you on the hip!

Portia: Why does the Jew pause?

Shylock: Shall I not even have my principal?

Portia: You shall have nothing but your forfeiture, so take it at your peril, Jew.

Shylock: Then let the devil give him good of it. I'll stay no longer.

Portia: Tarry, Jew. The law has yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the laws of V enice,

if it is proved against an alien that by direct or indirect attempts he seek the life of any citizen,

the party against which he does contrive shall seize one half of his goods. The other half comes to the privy coffer of the state and the offender's life lies in the mercy of the Duke only, against all

other voice. (Antonio is released and begins to cry) In which predicament, I say you stand. Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.

Gratiano: (goes near to Shylock) Beg that you may have leave to hang yourself. Duke: That you shall see the difference in our spirit, I pardon you your life before you ask it. For half your wealth, it is Antonio's, the other half shall come to the general state. Shylock: No, take my life and all. You take my house when you take the wealth that does sustain my house. You take my life when you take the means whereby I live.

Portia: What mercy can you render him, Antonio?

Gratiano: A free halter, nothing else, for God's sake.

Antonio: So please my lord the Duke and all the court, I give up the fine of one half of his

goods. I am content if he will let me use the other half in trust and upon his death give it to the gentleman that lately stole his daughter. One thing provided more, that, for this favor, he shall

presently become a Christian. (Shylock: contained sobbing)

Duke: He shall do this or I’ll recant the pardon. I pronounced here.

Portia: Are you contented, Jew? What do you say?

Shylock: Oh... I am contented.

Duke: Clerk, prepare a deed of gift.

Shylock: I pray you; let me leave and go from hence. I... I am not well. Send a deed after me and I will sign it.

Duke: Get you gone, then, but do it. Court dismissed.