Merchant of Venice
Discuss how the trial scene reveals a conflict between justice and mercy. Is the conflict resolved? If so, how?
should consist of 3 paragraphs
should consist of 3 paragraphs
The trial scene deal with justice in that Shylock expects to enforce the contract that he has made with Antonio. He thinks that would be "just." (Paragraph 1)
Mercy is discussed in the speech by Portia when she begins "The quality of mercy is not strained" and then goes on to logically show how mercy "droppeth from heaven like a gentle rain" (quote change is mine). Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3 would be a discussion of the end of the trial when Antonio is freed and Shylock is sent on his way. No one dies so this is not a tragedy, and it ends with Portia able to marry the one she loves.