Passage From the Text
Portia: The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes. 'Tis the mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown. His scepter shows the force of temporal power, the attribute to awe and majesty wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. But mercy is above this sceptered sway; it is enthroned in the hearts of kings; it is an attribute to God himself and earthly power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, though justice be thy plea, consider this--that in the course of justice none of us should see salvation. We do pray for mercy, and that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much to mitigate the justice of thy plea, which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
Shylock: My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond. (IV.i.188-211)
Shylock: My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond. (IV.i.188-211)
Response to the Text
6) This is an example of situational irony as Portia's monologue on mercy is followed by here severe punishment of Shylock. This irony is juxtaposed to Shylock's strong plea for justice, only to be punished by the law himself. Portia and Shylock have not wronged each other on a personal level, yet through Bassanio and Antonio the two come into conflict. Portia's dialogue on mercy is powerful as she explains how mercy is a stronger force than the mightiest of kings, and is a holy attribute. Portia makes this statement to scold Shylock as his Jewish faith certainly forbids him to comprehend what mercy is. She claims that mercy and justice are opposing forces and that Shylock's cry for justice means that he will be forbade salvation. Shylock also specifically asks for the penalty of his bond, and he does ultimately receive penalty, but towards himself rather than from Antonio. The very laws that are meant to protect the sanctity of the bond are the very same laws that strip Shylock of his fortune. From this section of text, one can predict that Portia is going to eventually use the law to persecute Shylock. Unfortunately for Shylock, he is unaware of his impending sentence.