The Merchant of Venice is by far my fave comedie by Old Bill because of the play's moral and possibly his potentially best female character ever, Portia. She is the embodiment of androgynous personality and beauty, possessing a most logical mind atop a most female physique. Well, desirous enough for her suitor, anyway.
But what I love best about The Merchant of Venice is the lesson in it for us all about mercy and wishes and expectations and justice and, well, you get the idea. I give Old Bill credit for wrapping up so much into one three-act. Shylock wants his pound of flesh, which I'm sure it's a phrase you've heard before. Shylock has taken his debtor to court since he has not repaid on time according to the bond. Portia agrees, despite Antonio being able to pay, though late, that Shylock is entitled to the original covenant in its literal sense. But she provides a graceful opportunity:
The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
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 mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre 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 sceptred 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. (IV.i.)
According to more modern standards of racism and bigotry, Jews were horribly treated and villainized in Elizabethan England, and while the conflict's resolution is a clear indication of the cultural bias of the time, the lesson for us all stands through eternity. If true justice were ever done to any of us, we'd really be screwed, and thank GOD for mercy.
The play is a strong testament to Shakespeare's faith, and whether you are faithful or religious, a warning to those of us who cannot extend forgiveness, who follow too closely the letter of any law contrasting with its intent. Karma goes hand-in-hand with this concept, and the Golden Rule which extends beyond religion to foundations of faith: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
And the fact that Portia is sharper than every other barrister in all of Venice yet still desirably feminine is just icing on that sophist's delight for me....
