Mini Essay on Portia’s Speech about Mercy Rough Draft

Actual Document

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O-SbLXZZmUFW-I-CpVvilHLuTtiAIFHbQxJQM0Q-qUs/edit?usp=sharing

During lines 184 to 194, Portia makes a speech about mercy in an attempt to persuade Shylock to show mercy towards Antonio. First, she claims that the act of showing mercy is a blessing for both the one shown mercy and the merciful. Secondly, she mentions mercy as the strongest trait amongst the strongest. Lastly, she regards mercy as more important than the scepter and power of a King. Portia compares the two, identifying a King’s scepter as his earthly power, whereas mercy is considered a Godly attribute greater than a King’s materialistic influence. She continues, explaining how a King is most like God when he acts with both justice and mercy. Portia concludes her speech stating that justice won’t save our souls. We pray to God for mercy who in turn teaches us to show mercy. Based on this concluding point, Portia explains that mercy is important because it is what allows us to experience eternal life with God. When she says “That in the course of justice none of us should see salvation”, Portia explains that if the fate of our afterlife depends on justice, none of us will receive salvation. Therefore it is only through mercy from God are we able to accept the gift of salvation. However, in Shylock’s case, mercy is important because you are shown the mercy you give. When Portia asks for Shylock’s mercy against Antonio, he refuses to show Antonio any. Thus when Shylock’s plan backfired and he was accused for attempted murder, Portia showed him no mercy. Not only did she reject Shylock his 3000 ducats, she also sentenced him to the forfeiture of his job, possessions, and life. It was the duke, a Christian, who showed Shylock a final bit of mercy and allow for Shylock to live if he converted into Christianity and gifted his possessions to Antonio and Lorenzo.

Brainstorm:

• Three points about mercy
  • It blesses those who are shown mercy and those who show mercy
  • It is the strongest feature of the strongest
  • It looks better on a King than a King’s crown looks on a King
    • The King’s scepter is his earthly power, but mercy is higher than the power. It is engraved in the heart’s of a King, it is a Godly attribute
    • King’s power is most like God’s power when a king acts with both justice and mercy
    • Justice won’t save our souls. We ask for mercy by the man who teaches us to practice mercy
• Purpose of this speech is perceived by the audience to persuade Shylock into being merciful by regarding him as higher than kings and strong if he shows mercy. 
• Mercy is so important because it is our ticket to heaven. If everything is decided by justice, we won’t receive eternal life. However, as Portia mentions, we pray for mercy. In Shylock’s case, it is important because you are shown mercy by those who you show mercy towards. Since Shylock decided against showing mercy to Antonio, when he failed in his plan to kill Antonio, Portia showed him no mercy.