Merchant of Venice - Mercy vs. Justice

In Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice,” the theme of mercy vs. justice was used effectively to clearly display the different attitudes amongst the central characters. Shylock “stands for the law”, for justice at all costs. The Christian characters balance this; they seem to value love and mercy above material wealth, although they have no conscience when it comes to the treatment of Jews and their families. Prejudice is a core theme in this play and is present in many aspects of Venetian society of the times. The characters’ different attitudes towards the giving and taking of mercy and justice provide a great deal of conflict throughout this skilfully crafted story.

Shylock accepts Antonio’s bond in the hope that he may fail in repaying him, therefore forfeiting a “pound of flesh, to be by him cut off nearest the merchant’s heart”, a penalty that would surely kill Antonio - an opportunity for revenge that is too tempting to overlook. He shows no compassion for ...