By the end of the trial scene, do you think true justice and mercy was achieved? Reflect and write on the following questions:
1. Is there true justice? Why?
No, there is never true justice during the trial scene. Why is this so? Firstly, Shylock was supposed to be given 1 pound of Antonio's flesh as Antonio was unable to pay his debt which he had signed with Shylock, but he did not received it in the end. This is because Portia had disguised herself as a lawyer and played with the words and loopholes in the bond between Shylock and Antonio, to her advantage. She managed to prevent the process from happening as she allowed Shylock to take a pound of flesh from Antonio as long as he does not spill a drop of blood. As we all know, it is virtually impossible to cut a pound of flesh without bleeding, thus Shylock has to surrender to his fate and was unable to get what he deserved. As I read, I discovered that Portia's true motive was to side with the Christians and save Antonio from the start.
2. Is there true mercy, as expounded by Portia? Why?
As there was true mercy to a certain extent. Firstly, Portia and the Duke appealed to Shylock's mercy various times but Shylock refused to listen to them even though Antonio could return his debt. Later, Bassanio reveal that he was willing to increase the amount of ducats by 10 times, but Shylock still did not want it as he is determined to give the pound of flesh, which he had rightly deserved. This tells us that Portia and the Duke had gave Shylock true mercy.
However, as Shylock did not listen despite the increase in ducats, Portia was forced to trap Shylock in a situation where he was unable to get his pound of flesh and ducats. This cause Shylock to convert into a Christian against his will and his dignity, riches and friends gone. To Christians, it is said that Portia had done Shylock a favor, but Shylock did not think that way.
3. Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. Comment on this with reference to the text and other real-life cases and examples.
Yes, I believed Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. In the text, Portia had disguised herself into a lawyer and managed to manipulate the court by playing with the words and loop holes in the bond between Shylock and Antonio, causing Antonio of be freed from Shylock getting his 1 pound of flesh. One incident can be seen in real life, which involves Richard F. He earned earned a reputation as one of the nation's wiliest and most powerful plaintiff's attorneys. He had he conspired to bribe a judge to escape from his crimes.
For more info:
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/mar/15/nation/na-scruggs15
Hi Hao Ming ,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with your points about no justice being shown during the trial scene , but I would like to question the second part where you say that there was mercy to a certain extent. In what ways were Portia and the Duke of Venice showing mercy by appealing to Shylock's conscience ? Was Portia really "forced" to push Shylock into a corner , was it not her plan right from the start to trap Shylock ? These are just some questions to ponder about.
Also , I like the part where you said that to the Christians , mercy was shown , but to Shylock , mercy was not shown. I find that very true as perspectives can make interpretations subjective.
Lastly, I would like to maybe ask you to elaborate more on Richard Scruggs case ? What was he convicted of ? Other points may make your examples more convincing .
Overall , good job ! :D
I agree with your first point, but would like you to explain further why the denial of Shylock's bond is considered injustice, considering the context of the novel. You can also talk more about the perception of mercy to Shylock. For the last question, you should also explain how Portia is considered to be in power. In the novel, she is simply a rich heiress who does not dabble in law. In short, you need more elaboration and deeper insight to avoid doubts.
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