He prays to be left alone for the time being and promises to sign the deed later. He curses Shylock and hopes that he lives to get old enough to see poverty. Since this is the central scene of the play and since it turns on our interpretation of Shylock, it follows that the way we see Shylock here determines the way we see the whole play. Moreover, now Shylock’s life was at the mercy of the Duke. Impatient to proceed, Shylock makes ready to begin, but before he can carry out the sentence, Portia stops him. What are some ironies in The Merchant of Venice, Act 4 Scene 1? Merchant of Venice- Act 1 Scene 2 This scene comes after Antonio and his friends have been introduced. She asks if thrice the money would suffice but Shylock says that he had taken an oath and would not break it. Bellario says that he never knew “so young a body with so old a head,” and he asks the duke for his “gracious acceptance” of Balthasar in Bellario’s stead. Thus she, like Shylock, decides to stand on the absolute letter of Venetian law: Shylock may indeed claim “a pound of flesh, to be by him cut off / Nearest the merchant’s heart.” She can declare this, knowing full well that Shylock’s knife will never touch Antonio. Portia’s voice, still calm, cuts through the silence. The Merchant of Venice Act 1 scene 1 clearly explain the readers about the consequences like: 1- Antonio is a rich merchant whose ships are voyaging across the oceans. Shakespeare\'s original The Merchant of Venice text is extremely long, so we\'ve split the text into one Scene per page. The duke welcomes young Balthasar, who is, of course, Portia “dressed like a Doctor of Laws.” Portia acknowledges that she is familiar with this case and its “strange nature,” and she is equally acquainted with the integrity of Venetian law. This admission is important, since it figures later in Portia’s plea, in her powerful “quality of mercy” speech. This is all, and “if the Jew do cut but deep enough,” death will come quickly. This is an ultimate punishment for so orthodox a Jew; he is so stunned that he begs his judges: “I pray you give me leave to go from hence: /1 am not well. 'Tis not in the bond" (4.1.257). Thus, Antonio’s bond is legal, and Shylock can collect the pound of flesh. The Merchant of Venice - Act 4, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis William Shakespeare This Study Guide consists of approximately 167 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Merchant of Venice. Salerio announces that a messenger has come. Bassanio then tries to reason with Shylock’— but without success. When Shylock says, “the pound of flesh … is dearly: bought, is mine, and I will have it,” he is not speaking of “rights” anymore; he is demanding his enemy’s blood. At this point, the dignity which Shylock possessed at the scene’s beginning and the sympathy which Shakespeare evoked for him has now gone, as he exults over Antonio’s approaching death. Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene 1 Critical Commentary. The clerk of the court then reads aloud the letter from Bellario. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The scene is of a court in Venice. Translation. Gratiano again appeals to Shylock to have mercy, which he denies. Shylock replies that it was not mentioned in the bond and he cannot do anything about it. The ring was given to him by Portia and Bassanio had promised that he would never part with it. In each case, his answers are themselves unanswerable; he “stands upon the law”; the law is a creation of those who are now asking him to break it. some surgeon … to stop his wounds,” Shylock is appalled at Portia’s lack of legalese: “Is it so nominated in the bond? 1 Educator answer. The Duke tries to warn him that how would he hope for mercy when he is showing none. Why? The “quality of mercy” speech that follows is a last plea; seemingly, Portia sees no other hope for Antonio. As Bassanio prepares to pay him, Portia stops Bassanio. All Acts and Scenes are listed on the The Merchant of Venice text page, or linked to from the bottom of this page. Act 1 scene 3, introduces Shylock for the first time in 'The Merchant of Venice' as the plays villainous Jew. Antonio persuades Bassanio that they must be rewarded for their help. In this scene, the matter of the “bond” reaches its crisis and its resolution: Shylock is defeated, Antonio is saved, and the lovers are free to return to Belmont; thus, Shakespeare gives us the happy ending which a romantic comedy requires. Shylock replies that he had done nothing wrong. Bassanio then offers Shylock twice the amount. The duke then asks Shylock a question: “How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?” In reply, Shylock cites the mistreatment of many Venetian slaves by the Venetians themselves, justified by the fact that they bought the slaves and can treat them as they please; likewise, the pound of flesh which he has “dearly bought” belongs to him, and he can do with it as he pleases. Bassanio asks him whether men kill all the things that they don’t love. The “judge” and the “clerk” agree that the wives of these two gentlemen would not be happy to hear their husbands exchange such avowals of ready sacrifice of lives for one another. Antonio is brought before the Duke and the magnificoes of Venice to stand trial for failing to pay off his obligation to Shylock. Shakespeare is manipulating, with genius, the sympathy of the audience. Preview. Portia then asks for Antonio’s gloves and Bassanio’s wedding ring. He, an alien Jew, in a Christian community that has spurned him, has triumphed over prejudice and has won in a Venetian court because of the binding integrity of Venetian law. Her question “Do you confess the bond?” emphasizes once more that no avenue of escape is possible for Antonio. In a moment of inspiration, she asks to see the bond; she inspects it, and she discerns a flaw: Antonio’s flesh may be forfeit, but nothing has been stipulated concerning the letting of blood. Shylock is stunned and Gratiano starts praising Portia. Through Shylock’s extreme behavior, Shakespeare dramatizes the way in which the laws of justice and property on which society is based can be, without charity and mercy and humanity, as ferocious as the law of any jungle. He cannot be denied as it will be against the law and it should be followed. Annotated, searchable text of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, Act 4, Scene 1, with summaries and line numbers. Thus she proceeds with methodical legality — until the last moment, when she says, understatedly, “Tarry a little; there is something else,” words which will reverse the whole situation. She then tells him that Shylock must be merciful. Quietly, Shylock agrees to the settlement: “I am content,” he says, and asks permission to leave the court. He was guilty and according to the law, half of his property must go to the state and half to Antonio. The scene is of a court in Venice. It is an almost melodramatic touch, giving Shylock’s inhumanity powerful, visible form. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of The Merchant of Venice and what it means. Shylock cries that his life should be taken instead. Antonio’s seemingly last speech at line 263 has a dignified nobility; he declares once more his love for Bassanio; he asks him neither to grieve nor repent. After Shylock’s exit, the play, which has, at times, come near to tragedy, and which has had, because of Shylock, an element of pathos, reverts completely to the tone of a romantic comedy. Author: Created by TandLGuru. The laws of Venice are such that if any Venetian's blood is shed, all the goods and lands of the perpetrator may be confiscated by the state. When Portia orders Antonio to “lay bare your bosom,” Shylock is able to quote from the bond; “So says the bond. • As Shylock is about to start cutting again, Portia says that the bond does not give him permission to shed Antonio's blood. The Duke is talking to Antonio. And if he takes even “in the estimation of a hair” more than a pound of flesh, he will die and all his goods will be confiscated. He says that Bassanio must not regret his death as he was happy enough to pay his friend’s debt. Following the duke’s merciful example, Antonio says that he will take only half of Shylock’s goods which are due to him (Shylock can have the other half) in trust in order to give them to Lorenzo (Shylock’s son-in-law) upon Shylock’s death, on two conditions: first, Shylock must become a Christian, and second, he must deed everything to Jessica and Lorenzo. . Shylock is called then, and when he enters, the duke says that everyone — “the world thinks, and I think so too” — thinks that he should relent at the last moment and spare Antonio, taking “pity on his losses.” But Shylock is adamant; he prefers the penalty of a pound of flesh to repayment of three thousand ducats. . The audience knows that this doctor is actually the person as this "mad wife." The Merchant of Venice: Act 4, Scene 1 Shylock spends the first half of act 4, scene 1 insisting on obtaining that pound of flesh promised him in the contract. He has shown us, however, how hate breeds hate, and Shakespeare has demonstrated how hate is finally, ultimately, defeated. The barrier to the true fulfillment of love has been removed. This is the scene where Shylock is to take his forfeiture from Antonio. Read Act 4, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, side-by-side with a translation into Modern English. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. Second, Shylock’s money, which he had hoarded for himself, is to go to Lorenzo and Jessica, two of the play’s lovers. At that moment, Nerissa enters the courtroom, dressed like a lawyer’s clerk, and delivers a letter from Bellario to the duke. Antonio tells Bassanio that he is wasting his time. Shylock realizes that he has been foiled. Act 4, scene 2. Portia then says that nothing could be done as laws must be followed. Act 2 : Scene 1 , Scene 2 , Scene 3 , Scene 4 , Scene 5 , Scene 6 , Scene 7 , Scene 8 , Scene 9, Act 3 : Scene 1 , Scene 2 , Scene 3 , Scene 4 , Scene 5, Act 4 : Scene 1 Summary – The Merchant of Venice. While the duke reads the letter, Shylock whets his knife on the sole of his shoe to the horror of Antonio’s friends. We now reach the dramatic high point of the play. Portia sees that the case was very much in favour of Shylock and thus she asks him to have mercy. The trial of Antonio in a Venetian court of justice begins. The Merchant of Venice. Moreover, he is asking what is lawfully his and the Duke must award him accordingly. Now Portia asks if Antonio was ready to show mercy upon Shylock. Summary of Merchant of Venice Act 4, Scene 1 ICSE Class 10, 9 English. He further asks the court to give the judgement. Tension increases further when Nerissa (as the law clerk) is announced, and she presents the letter from Bellario to the duke. Because, Portia answers, “mercy is . . It depicts the victory of … Shylock says that even six times the amount would not satisfy him. The law goes on to condemn him, reversing his position so completely that he himself is threatened with death. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony here for comedic effect. SCENE 1. Shylock is legally entitled to take a pound of Antonio’s flesh — but no more. The trial of Antonio in a Venetian court of justice begins. Featuring commentary, analysis and quotes from the Courtroom Scene and the final acts as Antonio is freed, lovers are re-united and Shylock considers his fate. The Duke pardons him to make him see the difference in their thinking of his. Portia asks if the balance to weight the flesh was ready. 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Modern English Reading Act IV Scene I. DUKE : What, is Antonio here? . She says that Shylock cannot have the money as he himself denied it earlier. The trial scene is known as denouement of the play because it is in this scene that all the complicated events that seem to threaten the happiness of Bassanio, Portia and Antonio are unravelled. At last, Bassanio yields and sends Gratiano after the lawyer to give him the ring. He asks Bassanio to convey his wishes to his newly-wedded wife and tell her his tale. The turning point of this act and of the play occurs at line 304: “Tarry a little; there is something else.” Obviously, Shylock has come toward Antonio and now stands with his knife raised to strike, while the group on stage stands transfixed. However, Shylock still wanted to carry out the terms of the bond. Merchant Of Venice Conclusion Merchant of Venice- Romantic Comedy or notIntroduction A romantic comedy is a play that integrates romantic elements as well as humour. Also, he reminds Shylock that he would gain nothing out of Antonio’s flesh. He answers that hp agreed to the bond. Bassanio cannot believe that his friend is serious. Antonio tells Bassanio to stop arguing for his cause as he was in a quarrel with a Jew. . Shylock thinks that Portia was on his side and when Portia asked for the bond, he readily produced it. However, they ask the two to take something with them. [like] the gentle rain from heaven”; mercy is “twice blest; / It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” She continues and says that mercy is an attribute of God. As an avenger of past wrongs by Antonio, Shylock gained some sympathy from the audience; now, whetting his knife and anticipating with relish the moment when he will be able to use it, he becomes a butcher and loses that sympathy. He is unable to provide … Enter the DUKE, the magnificoes, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, SALERIO, and … Workbook Answers/ Solutions of The Merchant of Venice, Act 4 Scene 1: In this post, we will provide you complete details of the famous play “Merchant of Venice” Act 4 Scene 1 by Shakespeare.You can read the whole act from the images given below. He has been defeated — he, a Jew — in a Venetian, Christian court of law, and as part of his punishment, he has had to agree to become a Christian. We tend to agree with the nineteenth-century writer Hazlitt, who wrote that “certainly our sympathies are oftener with him than with his enemies. Shylock is called in. Realizing that he is beaten at his own game, Shylock asks for only the amount of the bond — and Bassanio offers it — but Portia points out that all the court was witness to Shylock’s refusing the money. ACT 4. Merchant of Venice: Novel Summary: Act 4 Scene 1 This is the scene where Shylock is to take his forfeiture from Antonio. Both Portia and Nerissa — the Doctor of Law and her clerk of law — comment on this; they doubt that the wives of these loyal friends would “give little thanks” for that offer. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of The Merchant of Venice and what it means. A judgment is a judgment, and nothing in Antonio’s bond mentioned Shylock’s hiring a physician. That seems a harsh judgment; at times, it is difficult to see Shylock as anything but a figure of pathos. Portia announces that in that case the must be allowed to take a pound of flesh off Antonio’s chest as the terms of the bond claimed. The Merchant of Venice: Act 4, scene 1 Summary & Analysis New! He makes some  more statements and then Bassanio calls him an unfeeling man. And third, the court’s judgment that Shylock become a Christian would have pleased the Elizabethan audience immensely. Both Bassanio and Gratiano assure Antonio that they would sacrifice everything they have — even their wives — to save him. In Shakespeare’s romantic comedies, the protagonists live happily ever after, and more often than not, the play ends with the tolling of wedding bells, with more than one couple getting married to create a joyful atmosphere. Shylock and Antonio appear before the Duke of Venice. The Duke calls Portia for dinner which she humbly refuses. The Editor. However Act 4 scene 1 does make it hard to label the Merchant of Venice a comedy because something like this almost seems out of place in a comedy. The Duke tells Shylock to have some mercy, otherwise it would be Antonio’s last hour. Structured Questions from Act 4 Scene 1 of the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. The Duke informs the court that Bellario is not able to come and has instead sent another colleague, Balthasar. Shylock shall have “nothing but the penalty” — “just a pound of flesh” — no more, no less. Antonio had been unfortunate enough and now everyone expects Shylock to have mercy on him. This The Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene 1 Summary Workbook Answers The Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene 1 Summary. This’will be even more striking at the moment of his defeat. But law, when it is not tempered with mercy, is, as Shakespeare vividly s’nov/s us, both inhuman and destructive. Gratiano jeers at the moneylender; now the tables are turned. The doctor is ill, but he has sent in his place “a young doctor of Rome,” named Balthasar, whose wisdom in the law belies his youth. That is, Shylock may not take even a single “jot of blood.” She then gives Shylock leave to begin his surgery, warning him that if “one drop of Christian blood” is shed, Shylock’s “lands and goods” will be confiscated by “the state of Venice.”. Love and hate are thematically opposed in this play, and since Shylock is slowly revealed to be the embodiment of hate, there is a satisfying kind of justice in his riches going to a pair of lovers. What he can have is a pound of flesh, no less and no more, and no drop of Antonio’s blood should be shed. English Maths Physics Chemistry Biology. A court of justice. Latest answer posted July 19, 2020 at 11:12:04 AM Shylock’s last appearance before us, in total defeat, can, in some cases, depending on the actor, win back some of the sympathy lost earlier in this scene. The Duke is upset about the penalty, a pound of Antonio's flesh, but cannot find any lawful way of freeing Antonio from his bond. The Duke is talking to Antonio. Antonio knows that mercy is unlikely from Shylock, and Shakespeare tightens the tension of this scene by having Antonio beseech Bassanio to stop trying to win any sympathy from Shylock. He then turns to Antonio and tells him that early the next morning they will “fly toward Belmont.”. William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice explained with scene summaries in just a few minutes! Shylock says, "I cannot find it. She asks Antonio if his bond is a valid one, and he admits that it is. Bassanio says that he was ready to give twice the sum but Shylock was not ready to accept it. If he is played as a near- tragic figure, the conflict between mercy and justice is to some extent obscured. The Court Hearing Starts. Portia enters dressed as a doctor of law. Shylock is devastated. Duke: I am sorry for thee : thou art come to answer A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch At this point, the situation is a potentially tragic one, and once more Shakespeare needs to remind his audience that this play is not, finally, tragic. He was absolutely certain that his trust in the law was inviolate. Turning, she leaves. Shylock hails the wisdom of this young judge, calling him “noble,” “excellent,” “wise and upright.” He then produces the scales on which he will weigh the flesh, but he balks at Portia’s suggestion that he himself personally pay a physician to attend Antonio to see that he does not bleed to death. . Portia pretends indignation: She wants “nothing else” but the ring; “methinks I have a mind to it.” She tells Bassanio that he is only “liberal in offers.” He is, in effect, asking her to beg for the ring — an insult. Read our modern English translation of this scene. 5 3 customer reviews. This matter is too weighty for one man to render a single opinion on; therefore, Shylock’s demand for judgment will have to wait, and he will have to cease his demand — or else the duke “may dismiss this court.”, Bassanio meanwhile tries to cheer up Antonio, vowing that he himself shall give Shylock his own life in place of Antonio’s “ere [Antonio] shalt loose for me one drop of blood.” Antonio, however, is without hope. Shylock asks for his principal amount of three thousand ducats but even that is denied to him by Portia. Merchant of Venice, Act 1 scene 3, Act 2 scene 5 Essay 901 Words | 4 Pages. … I cannot find it; ’tis not in the bond.” Clearly, Portia is leading Shylock slowly into a trap which he has prepared for himself with his reply to her plea for mercy, “My deeds upon my head! Meanwhile, Bassanio asks Antonio to have courage but Antonio replies that he is ready to accept his fate. Gratiano also makes such a statement and Nerissa is also quick to show contempt. Both Antonio and Bassanio press Portia to take something; they are both exceedingly grateful for all she has done, and Portia finally agrees to take two tokens as a “remembrance.” She asks for Bassanio’s gloves, and she also asks for his ring. She tells Shylock that mercy was the greatest thing that he could have at such a time. Antonio says that he must keep half of Shylock’s property and after Shylock’s death, give it to his son-in-law. It was a present from his wife, who made him promise never to part with it. Share. Shylock tells him that his reaction does not have to please Bassanio. The last item one might note about Act IV, Scene 1 is the continuance of the subplot of Portia’s ring. The Merchant of Venice | Act 4, Scene 1 | Summary Share. Portia then asks for a surgeon lest Antonio bleed to death. By asking Shylock to show mercy toward Antonio, the duke provides Shylock with a final opportunity to restate his position and, dramatically, Shakespeare prolongs the suspense of whether or not Shylock will actually demand Antonio’s life. We, as the audience, have seen both sides of the story and understand his unwavering need for that pound of flesh. The main objective Shakespeare has fulfilled in this scene is exposition of plot and characters. Here, silence is the most powerful kind of eloquence, One can hardly imagine his next-to-the-last line, “I am content,” uttered in any other way than in almost a’ whisper. Shylock is an arresting presence and although Antonio may be the character for whom the novel is named, it is Shylock who has come to dominate our focus. They all genuinely believed that only a Christian could achieve salvation; they would see the court’s decision as a chance for Shylock to achieve salvation. With Portia’s pronouncement that the law allows “no jot of blood,” Shylock’s case is lost. While the doctor claims that only a mad woman would be upset about giving a ring to the man who saved Bassanio's best friend, Portia is actually testing Bassanio's fidelity. It is hard to tell whether the audience were supposed to find Shylocks fate at the end of act 4 scene 1 amusing. Questions and Answers from The Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene 1 by William Shakespeare. However, Shylock replies that he has already informed the court what he wants and according to the law, he should not be denied. Sympathy surrounds Antonio, but dramatic sympathy is also structured around the solitary figure of Shylock. He says that it was bad luck that Antonio fell into the clutches of such an enemy who doesn’t even have an ounce of mercy. Created: Oct 11, 2018 | Updated: Oct 20, 2018. At this point, however, the audience doesn’t, and this, of course, adds to the tension of the scene. Bassanio says that he was willing to lose all, even his wife, if he could save his beloved friend’s life. Act 4 : Scene 1 Summary – The Merchant of Venice. Therefore, he can have “nothing but the forfeiture,” which he can still take, but at his own peril. However, he grants half his estate to Antonio and half to the state. Mercy was above everything. Antonio was ready to get slaughtered. Thus he says that he is now willing to take Bassanio’s offer of three times the amount of the bond. Now, Shylock has lost everything. A summary of Part X (Section9) in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. He himself asks for no further pleas; he begs that judgment be quickly given. The Duke then asks Antonio to reward them. ‘Nearest his heart’; those are the very words.” And when Portia humanely asks Shylock to “have . English Maths Physics Chemistry Biology. The duke declares that he is waiting for a certain “Bellario, a learned doctor,” to arrive from Padua before he makes a final decision concerning this case. Summary Act 4 Scene 1. . He knows that “no lawful means” can save him now. Portia pronounces that Venetian law is indeed binding, and whenever decrees are established, alterations set a precedent and “many an error” has been the result. He knows that he will not have mercy on him. Merchant of Venice Act 4, Scene 1 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English. Bassanio tries to pay them the ducats that they had but Portia rejects the offer. Shylock replies that he has already sworn by his Sabbath that he will take his pound of flesh from Antonio. Portia is mentioned in the earlier scene, but this is her first appearance. Shylock’s principles are as good, and better, than his inquisitors; it is under their law that he has “sworn / To have the due and forfeit of my bond.” However, Shylock goes beyond this and, in effect, he admits that his desire for revenge lies in the “lodged hate” that he bears toward Antonio. Antonio pleads with his friend; surely the lawyer deserves the ring. Bassanio pales; she can ask for anything, he says, but ask not for his ring. He therefore demands an immediate judgment confirming this right. ICSE Solutions Selina ICSE Solutions ML Aggarwal Solutions. Portia tells Shylock that he can have a pound of Antonio’s flesh off his chest. I crave the law.”. In the introductory speeches by the duke and Antonio, we are reminded of the antithetical positions of the two adversaries. Venice. The trial scene of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ is the most famous and powerful scene of the play in the whole of English dramas. In The Merchant of Venice, Act 4 Scene 1 is the climax of the play and is one of longest dramatic scene to ever been written by Shakespeare; it is filled with tension, suspense, irony, sarcasm and power. Click to copy Summary. Portia decides otherwise. Shylock praises the ‘lawyer’ (Portia) for saying, ‘A Daniel come to judgement!’. Although he professes to stand on the letter of the law, Shylock reveals quite clearly that his real motive has nothing to do with right or wrong, justice or injustice, but with his desire to destroy another human being — a Christian who has publicly scorned and spit upon him. At this, Shylock is shocked: Why should he be merciful? Her speech is lost on Shylock. Antonio then turns to Bassanio, bids him farewell, and asks to be commended to Bassanio’s “honorable wife,” for whose cause the loan was arranged in the first place. All of this is necessary for the total effect of the play; this is why Shakespeare wisely makes Portia delay final pronouncements and then ingeniously begin to reveal new interpretations of absolute justice. But he is given little to say in comment upon the judgment passed upon him. Shylock now seems in complete command, secure in the knowledge that, legally, he has bested everyone in the courtroom. Tension increases almost unbearably as the duke reads the letter and Shylock pulls out his knife and begins to sharpen it on the sole of his shoe. Bassanio, at last, sends Gratiano after the two with his ring and tells Antonio that they very next day they would leave for Belmont. Throughout this scene, Shylock is asked, both by the court and by his opponents, why he refuses to relent toward Antonio. He wants it only because of “a lodged hate and a certain loathing” for Antonio. Portia asks if he could be given money. 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