Shylock, showed his hatred for the Christian race in the dealing of this bond by toying with the men. He neither confirmed the bond, nor denied it and just changed the subject, and started recalling the Bible.
While Shylock was toying with the Christians, he also mentioned how he has been treated by them in the past. Shylock said how the Christians had scolded him for his business, called him a ‘misbeliever, cut-throat dog,’ and how they had spat upon his gabardine. He also said how he took all the mistreating ‘with a patient shrug.’ Antonio answered by saying, ‘I am as like to call thee so again, to spit upon thee again, to spurn thee too.’ This gives the impression that the two men are enemies, which as we have already heard, is true. They argue about religion, they mistreat one another, and yet they chose to embark on this bond.
However, the reason for this bond became apparent to me in this first instance. Shylock included a forfeit if the money had not been repaid within the time stated. A pound of flesh was to be given by Antonio to shylock. This forfeit may have been placed in the bond for two reasons; it may be because shylock wanted to ensure the money was paid back on time; or the more likely answer, shylock was seeking revenge for his mistreatment.
Soon after the bond had been agreed, Shylock’s daughter Jessica ran away. She was heard to have spoken ill of her father before her sudden disappearance. She was quoted to have said, ‘our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,’ and ‘what heinous sin is in me to be ashamed to be my father’s child! But though I am a daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners.’ But, I don’t believe that Jessica’s disappearance was what upset Shylock the most. I think that Jessica’s marriage of a Christian was a bigger disappointment, as well as her taking an amount of Shylock’s ducats.
My opinion has got evidence to back it up. Two good men, Solanio and Salerio, were heard to have been discussing Shylock’s reaction to Jessica’s disappearance. They spoke of how Shylock cried, ‘my daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter! Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats!’ He carried on, and said ‘two sealed bags of ducats…Stolen by my daughter! Justice! Find the girl! She hath stones upon her, and the ducats!’
These men also spoke of Antonio. They said, ‘Antonio look he keep his day or shall he pay for this.’ They may have been right when they said this, as Shylock may be seeking revenge on Christians through this bond that he holds with Antonio.
This whole fiasco of Jessica’s elopement may have fuelled Shylock’s intensions for revenge. However, he may just want his ducats back as Jessica drained his profits.
Soon after Salerio and Solanio’s conversation about Shylock, they spoke to Shylock directly about his daughter’s elopement. They also spoke of the bond that Shylock held with Antonio.
Shylock accused Solanio and Salerio of involvement with his daughters escape. He then cursed her rebellion and Salerio said, ‘There is more difference between thy flesh and hers than between jet and ivory.’
Whilst Shylock was grieving for his daughter escape, he had been getting what he considered good news. Word had got to Venice that two ships had come aground. These ships were believed to have been Antonio’s.
When asked if the rumours were true, Shylock spoke of how Antonio would soon be bankrupt and swore to collect his bond. Salerio doubted this, but Shylock replied that if Antonio had to pay the forfeit, ‘if it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge.’ This is the first time that Shylock admitted he made the bond for revenge.
When this conversation had ended, Shylock was joined by Tubal. Tubal is a friend of Shylock and a fellow Jew. He announced that he couldn’t find Jessica, but reported that she had taken a ring that Shylock was given by a lady called Leah, and she had traded this ring for a monkey. Shylock was distraught at this news and wished his daughter dead as he counted his losses. However, Tubal confirmed the rumours of Antonio’s shipwreck, saying that he spoke to some escaped sailors. This news seemed to have brightened Shylocks spirits, especially as Antonio’s creditors are sure that he is ruined.
However, during this time, another important proceeding occurred. The money that was loaned to Antonio in the bond was, as previously discussed, for Bassanio’s use. Bassanio travelled to Belmont and, to his delight was successful in getting Portia’s hand in marriage. When Bassanio heard of the disasters that bestow Antonio’s ships, he informed Portia of the bond. She then agreed to repay two times the money owed to Shylock.
Now that I have recalled all of these events, I am able to come to a conclusion in this court room. I think that there are two courses of action that can be taken. First, justice in Shylock receiving what his owed to him, in this instance meaning that the bond to be followed through and the forfeit paid. The second, in being that Shylock take mercy on the Christians, and accept the money.
Jew’s are treated as if they are not human, like they are a sin. I believe that the majority of people in this courtroom believe that Jew’s should not be welcome, and the religion suspended. In these events, Shylock showed us all how he does have true feelings, and how equal he is to the rest of us. Who can blame him for wanting revenge over this man who has scorned his so deeply? Why shouldn’t he show the earthly power of justice, which should rightfully be his? However, what is stopping him from ending this bitter hatred between the religions? Why can’t he show a heavenly power, of mercy?
This court is not bias to the Christians, or the Jew. I don not rule in favour of either of them. I choose that it should be up to Shylock, he needs to choose if he is going to show the earthly power of justice, or the heavenly power of mercy.
If he chooses to take justice, he can indeed have his pound of flesh, but if a life is lost in the process, all of his belongings shall be awarded to Venice. The bond didn’t include a claim on a life.
If he chooses to take mercy, he can have twice the original amount. The bond didn’t include this but I only think it acceptable.
The hatred between these two religions has been apparent all through these proceedings, so I think today should have encouraged a cease to the fighting. We all have this heavenly gift known as mercy, and more of us should show it. I wish you all to use this gift, as it will help you, not just during life, but after as well.
Shylock, have you come to a decision?
By Georgina hedges