Discuss the importance of the trial scene as part of Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice

Shylock believes that he is in the right from the start of the scene. He is waiting for the law to confirm that he is in the right. "I stand here for law." The Christians wan to deny him the "pound of fair flesh." However "no lawful means" can carry Antonio out of the situation. He has givern up as he feels that there is no law that can save him, he is left "to suffer quietness of spirit."

When Portia enters the scene she appears to recognise law and shylock compliments her for this "o wise young judge, how do I honour thee." Shylock is ready to commit the deed and it appears as though the bond is going to go through when Portia asks Antonio to "lay bare his breast." However Portia suddenly "Tary a little there is something else." Portia stands to change the direction of the law. "One drop of Christian blood" and the "laws of Venice will procescute Shylock. The court denies shylock the right to take his money back "he shall have nothing but the penalty" this penalty is the forfeiture. The Court then prosecutes Shylock for attempting to murder Antonio. At the start of the Scene shylock demands that he has justice at the end of the scene he has more justice than he would have wanted.

Shylock has no mercy from the start of the scene. The Duke describes him as a "Stoney adversary, an inhuman wretch, uncapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy." When Shylock enters the Duke asks Shylock for mercy however shylock Shylock does "not answer that." When Bassanio offers Shylock twice the principle sum. Shylock replies he would not have six times the principle Sum he "would have his bond." This suggests that shylock has no mercy as the duke described him.

When Portia enters the scene. She says that "the jew must be merciful." The court offers Shylock a second opportunity to be merciful. He however says that "on what compulsion must I?" and turns down the opportunity. Portia gives Shylock many more opportunities to have mercy upon Antonio