Law and justice are two aspects of the same coin. While one cannot be without the other, "The Merchant of Venice" by Shakespeare is a play where a conflict between the two is observed and eventually resolved. In the paragraphs to follow, we will compare and contrast the sense of law and judgement as felt by the various protagonists of the play and understand how "Christian sense of justice weighed more than Venetian law in Merchant of Venice." We will be focussing majorly on the court scene, which is calibrated in Act IV of the play.
- Shylock and his sense of judgement
Even though Shylock is shown in a negative light in the play, we feel a little sympathy for him. It is true that Shylock was not being merciful towards Antonio; however, one has to agree that what Shylock was asking for was also legitimate as Antonio himself had agreed to forsake a pound of his flesh if Bassanio or he were unable to return back the money lent from Shylock. Thus, we cannot really blame Shylock and tout him as being the villain here. According to his sense of justice, law abides before all. This is evident in the Scene I of Act IV, when he explains to the Duke:
"so do I answer you:
The pound of flesh, which I demand of him,
Is dearly bought; '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?" (98-103)
Shylock, here, makes it evident that what he is asking for is completely legal and abides by the laws of the city. If, though, the Duke is not able to render him justice, the laws of the city will forfeit themselves. It is quite evident that Shylock firmly believes in his stance and beholds the Duke for rendering him justice in aiding him in retrieving the "pound of flesh".
- Portia's sense of justice and law
Portia's entry into the scene is given an unprejudiced predilection. As Portia enters the scene, she tells Shylock:
"Of a strange nature is the suit you follow;
Yet in such rule that the Venetian law
Cannot impugn you as you do proceed." (177-179)
It is evident from the above lines that she is here to follow the Venetian law and accurately. However, she then implores shylock that even though law be on his side, Shylock should be merciful as "it blesseth him that gives and him that takes" (187). She further explains and urges shylock to consider,
"But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;" (193-195)
In the above lines again, she explains Shylock that mercy is above all laws. She agrees that even though Shylock is right in his demand for a pound of Antonio's flesh, in a situation as being discussed, mercy would be the right course of action.
As the scene proceeds, we see Portia as adept in law. As she takes a look at the bond signed between Shylock and Antonio she agrees as the bond is forfeit and that
"And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off
Nearest the merchant's heart." (231-233)
She however, again asks Shylock to be merciful and instead take the money thrice the amount that he lent. In further proceeding, Portia showcases herself as an excellent advocate for the laws of Venice as she proclaims that Shylock can only take a pound of flesh and not a drop of Christian blood should be shed, in accordance to the bond signed. If the blood is shed, the Venetian laws will abide and forfeit all of Shylock's property. Further, since Shylock has openly denied taking the money, he can now only take the forfeiture as asked by him or risk the law.
One can understand that Portia and the Christian views on justice establish the fact that justice is way above the law. While the law is on Shylock's side, on behalf of humanity, justice should be ushered in and hence mercy should be granted to Antonio. However, law too holds importance, as can be established as the scene grows.
- Comparing the Sense of Justice and Law
While Antonio walks free on the account that Shylock cannot have anything more than a pound of flesh (meaning no blood could be shed), Shylock gets nothing at all in exchange for the usurped bond. He is instead beguiled into giving up his entire property for wrongly putting Antonio's life in jeopardy (in accordance to the Venetian laws). This comes as a hypocritical rendition of the Venetian laws and Christian sense of justice. It really brings a conflicting perspective to the play with respect to law and justice. While justice is given in Christian sense, the Venetian law stands unfulfilled (from Shylock's perspective).
Nevertheless, being a typical Shakespearean play, Shylock too gets a little mercy showered upon him by Antonio, as he lets Shylock keep half of his wealth on the condition that this half would be bequeathed upon Shylock's son and daughter upon Shylock's death. Thus, towards the end of it all, a sense of balance prevails as the Christian sense of justice over-powers the Venetian Laws, thus leaving all the characters and readers of the play satisfied.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. "The Merchant of Venice". Vol I, Book VI. Print.
