Table of Contents
This is the opening of my paper.
The Merchant of Venice is a prime example of mercy
In conclusion
Here is an introduction
Canada does away with the death penalty. Our justice system spares the lives of even the most serious criminals and shows mercy. Even today, death penalty is still an option in certain cases in countries such as the USA. It is shocking to see that even though we have been taught mercy for many years, we still don’t show it. Even Shakespeare knew that mercy was a virtue. This is illustrated by Shakespeare’s great play The Merchant of Venice. The play’s main theme is mercy. His characters repeatedly remind us that mercy is the only way to get mercy. This is illustrated with Lancelot asking for forgiveness from his father, Portia and Nerissa forgiving their husbands after they have given away their rings and Shylock forgiving Antonio but not receiving mercy.
The Merchant of Venice is a play that shows mercy. Lancelot asks his father forgiveness. Gobbo, the father of Lancelot, is sandblind, and cannot recognize his son when they cross each other in Venice. Lancelot realizes this and decides that he will play with his father. Gobbo attempts to ask Lancelot where his son lives. Lancelot tricks his father by telling him that he’s dead. This creates a negative impression on Gobbo. Lancelot then kneels before his father and asks for his blessing …”. (Shakespeare, 82). Lancelot’s father may have been laughing at him, but he still feels the need for forgiveness. Gobbo continues to help his son obtain a job with Bassanio. The relationship between them is strong again because Gobbo showed mercy. He clearly demonstrated that mercy is essential. Both gave their husbands Bassanio Gratiano and Nerissa rings, and made sure they never lost them. They are then given the rings to save Antonio when they arrive in Venice disguised for work. Bassanio, Gratiano and their wives don’t realize that the lawyers they are bringing to Venice disguised as lawyers. But they do give them those rings. Their wives await them when they return home to Belmont. Portia tells Nerissa that she will give him the rings and ask him to keep them better than the others (Shakespeare 46). This shows that men are not obligated to keep their rings. However, they can forgive the men and give them back the rings. Portia, Nerissa and their wonderful marriages are rewarded in the end.
Shylock is not kind to Antonio and does not offer mercy, but expects his mercy when he finds himself in a difficult position. Shylock is the central conflict in this play. He owes Antonio one pound. The Jew is refused by Venice’s people. He refuses to accept any money offered. After Portia arrives and explains to Shylock why he cannot forfeit his forfeiture to him, Antonio is ultimately the one who decides the fate of the antagonist. He has two options. He can let him go as though nothing ever happened or he can take half of his fortune to give to the city. He chooses to take the money and kill Shylock, which is evident because he was willing to die for it. Antonio then asks for mercy. He begs Antonio to give him at least a fraction his fortune. Antonio responds that he will pray for mercy even if he renders none (Shakespeare 135). Shylock is told by Antonio that he could have shown mercy to Antonio and given him the money from Bassanio. He would probably spare Antonio and allow him to keep at minimum a small portion of his Fortune. Shylock knew that Antonio was going to be hurt and that he would not allow him to go. Antonio is therefore free to show mercy. We also know that Antonio isn’t a bad person and is not going to take revenge on anyone who has wronged him. But in this case, the foe was prepared to do anything to get him killed. The merchant forgets his mercy and takes Shylock’s belongings with him. Shakespeare’s play demonstrates the importance and value of mercy. It shows that Antonio would have been able to receive mercy from Shylock if he had shown mercy.
These arguments are clear evidence that mercy is an important theme in The Merchant of Venice. First, Lancelot asks for forgiveness from his father and later they work together on Bassanio. Portia & Nerissa both forgive the husbands they gave away their rings. This makes it possible for them to maintain their marriage through all of their difficulties. Shylock refuses to show mercy when Antonio is offered the money several times. Antonio accepts half the money and the remainder goes to Venice. All three cases showed that those who were kind and generous received mercy and lived prosperous lives. Those who refused to show mercy suffered the same fate. Abraham Lincoln once said that mercy has more fruits than strict law.
