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Portia's Speech on Mercy and Justice in The Merchant of Venice, Study notes of English Literature

A passage from portia's famous speech in shakespeare's play the merchant of venice, where she discusses the importance of mercy and its relationship to justice. Portia argues that mercy is a divine attribute that surpasses earthly power and is essential for salvation. She urges the jew to consider the role of mercy in the legal system and the consequences of relying solely on justice.

What you will learn

  • What is the significance of Portia's speech in the context of The Merchant of Venice?
  • How does Portia's speech contrast justice and mercy?
  • What does Portia's speech reveal about the nature of mercy?

Typology: Study notes

2021/2022

Uploaded on 09/12/2022

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The Merchant of Venice
Portia’s Speech about Mercy
The quality of mercy is not strained;
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.
Instructions
Match the original lines with the modern version.
What does this speech tell us about mercy?
What do we learn about the character of Portia?
What do we learn about justice?
pf3

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The Merchant of Venice

Portia’s Speech about Mercy

The quality of mercy is not strained; 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.

Instructions Match the original lines with the modern version.

What does this speech tell us about mercy? What do we learn about the character of Portia? What do we learn about justice?

You cannot force someone to be merciful

It drops like the gentle rain from heaven

On the place below; it is blessed twice

It blesses him that gives and him that takes

It is the greatest of all qualities; it suits

The king better than his crown.

His staff of office symbolizes his earthly power,

And the respect that is due to a king,

And this is where we fear kings;

But mercy is above this power;

It sits in the hearts of kings;

It is something God has;

And we become like God

When mercy softens justice. Therefore, Jew,

Though you want justice, think about this:

If we just had to depend upon justice

None of us would be saved from damnation; we pray for

mercy,

And that prayer teaches us all to be

Merciful. I have spoken so much

To soften that part of your suit which asks for pure justice,

If you follow this strict court of Venice

We have to give a sentence that condemns the merchant over

there.