The Merchant of Venice- Act IV Scene I - Summary

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The Merchant of Venice- Act IV Scene I

Summary

The trial of Antonio in a Venetian court of justice begins. The Duke of Venice attempts to convince Shylock to let Antonio pay back Bassanio's debt but realises that this is useless as Shylock is

'A stony adversary... incapable of pity'.

Shylock insists that the bond is legally binding and therefore it is his right to take what was promised him. He continually refuses to give a reason as to why he wants Antonio's flesh, saying

'I am not bound to please thee with my answers.'

The Duke declares that he is wanting for a 'learned doctor' to arrive from Padua before he makes the final decision concerning this case.

By the time Portia enters the courtroom, disguised as the young Lawyer, Balthasar, Antonio's situation seems desperate. When she appeals to his mercy, Shylock brushes it aside by demanding justice and revenge. He believes that the law should be followed to the exact letter. Portia uses this argument to turn the case around, pointing out that although the bond stipulates that a pound of flesh may be removed from Antonio, it bears no