Theme of Justice Versus Mercy in The Merchant of Venice

Abstract

In this paper, the most dramatic scene of The Merchant of Venice is discussed. It examines the use of language, structure and the thematic elements of justice and mercy used by Shakespeare. It can be used to show how similar conflicts can arise in other plays (Hamlet and Othello) and to give an example of how Shakespeare's ideas of the interaction between divine grace and human judgement evolve. The research, through comparative analysis, attempts to demonstrate that, for Shakespeare, justice without mercy is insufficient, mercy without justice is idiotic and justice and mercy must continually interact with each other. The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most profound works exploring the concepts of justice and mercy in the Western literary canon. All of these important conflicts above hinge upon the relationship between these ideas, particularly the dramatic courtroom scene. Shakespeare explores the boundaries of human law, the moral dilemmas of mercy and the ever-present social prejudices that obscure the pathway to justice through his characters, particularly Shylock, Antonio and Portia.