What is the most famous line from The Merchant of Venice?
“Let me play the fool.” “If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches, and poor men’s cottages princes’ palaces.” “God made him, and therefore let him pass for a man.” “How like a fawning publican he looks!
What does Portia say in court?
Portia, disguised as a male lawyer, advocates for mercy towards Antonio. Porita says that the quality of mercy is not strained. By this she means that mercy is not overworked, for many people are cruel, not merciful.
What does Shylock say in court?
When Shylock says, “the pound of flesh . . . is dearly bought, is mine, and I will have it,” he is not speaking of “rights” anymore; he is demanding his enemy’s blood. Tension increases further when Nerissa (as the law clerk) is announced, and she presents the letter from Bellario to the duke.
Who is described as a devil in The Merchant of Venice?
In ‘The Merchant of Venice’ in Act 1 Scene 3, Shylock is described as being ‘the devil’ by Antonio.
Do we not bleed Shylock?
If you prick us do we not bleed? Before this speech Salerio asks Shylock why he wants a pound of Antonio’s flesh as he doesn’t understand what it’s ‘good for’. Shylock then explains that it will ‘feed’ his ‘revenge’. He wants revenge on Antonio for treating him so inhumanely in the past.
Why then the devil give him good of it meaning?
The phrase “why then the devil give him good of it” is a phrase that wishes someone ill luck. Explanation: The phrase is from Shakespeare’s play titled “The Mechant of Venice” and is said by Shylock. Shylock is a Jewish merchant who has now come upon times.
How does Shylock enter the court?
The duke summons Shylock into the courtroom and addresses him, saying that he believes that Shylock means only to frighten Antonio by extending this drama to the brink of performance.
Why is Launcelot called Merry devil?
Jessica called LAUNCELOT merry devil. LAUNCELOT was called merry devil by Jessica because he rob the some taste of tediousness from his house and devil because his father didn’t like Shylock and that’s why she was sad when LAUNCELOT was leaving Jessica house.
Why does Launcelot call Shylock the devil?
Why is the Jew called a ‘devil’s incarnation? Answer: Launcelot says that the very devil has taken the form of Shylock who is a Jew, a miser and a bad master. This marks the racial discrimination the Christians had for the Jews, they consider them as the monsters of cruelty.
Who Said Better the devil you know?
It first appeared in print in 1857 in the novel Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope: “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know’ is an old saying, and perhaps a true one, but the bishop had not yet realized the truth of it.”
How does the trial scene in Merchant of Venice reveal the conflict between justice and mercy?
The Trial Scene (Act IV, Scene 1) of Shakespeare’s play ‘The Merchant of Venice’ reveals a conflict between justice and mercy. While Shylock pleads for justice, Portia, disguised as Balthazar pitches for mercy. There is no force in the decrees of Venice. I stand for judgment.
What is the first scene of the Merchant of Venice?
SCENE I. Venice. A court of justice. The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare homepage| Merchant of Venice| Act 4, Scene 1 Previous scene| Next scene SCENE I. Venice. A court of justice. Enter the DUKE, the Magnificoes, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, SALERIO, and others
What does the Duke of Venice say at Antonio’s trial?
In Venice, the Court convenes for Antonio ’s trial. The duke of Venice greets Antonio and expresses pity for him, calling Shylock an inhuman monster who can summon neither pity nor mercy.
Why does Antonio feel sad in the Merchant of Venice?
The play opens with Antonio, a Venetian merchant, sharing with his friends Salerio and Solanio that he feels ‘sad’, but does not know why. His friends suggest that he is either worried about his ships, which are ‘tossing on the ocean’ and full of valuable goods, or that he is ‘in love’.
What does the Duke of Venice say about Shylock?
The duke of Venice greets Antonio and expresses pity for him, calling Shylock an inhuman monster who can summon neither pity nor mercy.