Merchant of Venice

Act 4, Scene 1: What is the main point of Portia's comments in her "quality of mercy" speech?

What is the main point of Portia's comments in her "quality of mercy" speech?

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Portia explains that mercy is not a forced trait: it just happens because of a person's innate goodness. Mercy blesses both the person giving it as well as the person receiving it:

The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:

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