Monday, March 12, 2012

Does Shylock takes a pound of flesh from Antonio?

Fortunately, no. In act 4, scene 1, Shylock's vindictive plan to take revenge on the Christian is thwarted by the beautiful and rich heiress Portia (Bassanio's wife). She, disguised as a male lawyer, intervenes during the trial in which Shylock seeks restitution for a loan that he gave Antonio, which the unfortunate sea-merchant could not repay within the specified time. Portia informs the Jew that although he has the law on his side and can claim compensation, he may only do so if he takes only what the bond states: "a pound of flesh" and not even a drop of Antonio's blood. As she says, "This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood ..." She furthermore informs Shylock that if he should spill even one drop of Antonio's blood, all his land and goods will, by law, be confiscated by the state of Venice.
Obviously, it is impossible for Shylock to guarantee that he won't spill any of Antonio's blood. When he realizes this, he withdraws his claim and says that he will settle for thrice the amount on the bond and have Antonio set free. Portia, however, uses the law against Shylock and states that Shylock should cut Antonio's flesh, but if he removes even an iota more or less than a pound, he will die and his goods will be confiscated. Shylock then retracts his previous offer and asks for only the original loan amount.
At this point, Portia mentions, furthermore, that the law has an extra hold on Shylock. Since he had attempted to take the life of a Venetian citizen, such an individual (in this instance, Antonio) can seize half of his goods, and the other half will be forfeited to the state. In addition, the duke may then decide if the perpetrator (Shylock) should live or die, without considering anyone's plea.
The duke extends mercy to Shylock and spares his life. He then instructs that half of Shylock's goods be given to Antonio and that the other half go to the state in lieu of a fine. Antonio then requests that instead of paying the fine, Shylock should rather leave that half of his wealth to his new son-in-law, Lorenzo, and his daughter, Jessica, who will be the beneficiaries of his deceased estate. In addition, Shylock should become a Christian.
Shylock, who is obviously humiliated, is asked if he agrees to the terms. He has no choice but to do so, since the duke has promised to withdraw his pardon if he doesn't. Portia instructs the clerk to draw up a deed to legalize the arrangement. Shylock, who has been overwhelmed by the shocking turn of events, asks to leave since he is not well. He asks for the deed to be brought to his house, where he will sign it. Shylock then leaves the scene.

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