This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are 'a pound of flesh:' Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate But little. In which predicament I say thou stand’st, Thou hast contrived against the very life. I crave the law,The penalty, and forfeit of my bond. If it pleases my lord the Duke and the rest of the court, I am content to give up the half of his goods owed to me. There is no force in the decrees of Venice. And I say that this law applies to you because it seems clear that you have contrived indirectly and directly against Antonio's life and now must face the danger I just elaborated on. Why sweat they under burdens? A king's scepter is a symbol of his earthly power, a source of awe and majesty, which makes people respect and fear him. ... Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Antonio, I am married to a wife who is as dear to me as life itself. Your wife would give you little thanks for that. Why, that's the lady; all the world desires her; Morocco uses exaggeration to say that the beauty of Portia is so great that men travel from the all over the world, crossing deserts, crossing through the oceans like they were tiny streams, to look upon her beauty and try to woo her. I am like a diseased sheep in a flock, one who ought to die. [He gives GRATIANO the ring] Go, Gratiano, run and catch up with him. The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene I [The quality of mercy is not strained] - The quality of mercy is not strained The quality of mercy is not strained - The Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. This particular foreshadowing technique tends to be rather subtle and hence difficult to notice in an initial viewing or reading of the play. He has refused the money in the open court. Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there. he devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. You might as well ask the wolf why he makes the ewe cry by eating the lamb. His scepter 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 sceptered sway. It is not so expressed, but what of that? Shylock is an arresting presence and although Antonio may be the character for whom the novel is named, it is Shylock who has come to dominate our focus. Go, hurry. Shylock, everyone thinks—and I agree—that you're just putting on a show of such malice until the very last minute, and then you will at last show some mercy and remorse, something maybe even more shocking to see from you than your cruelty. Marry them to your heirs! We all expect a gentle reply to this from you, Jew. Come, get ready. This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,To excuse the current of thy cruelty. The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought. Say how I loved you. Some men dislike pigs, others go crazy if they see a cat, and others can't help but urinate when they hear the. This is what I have to say against your desire to seek justice and make the strict court of Venice carry out the merchant's punishment. That cannot happen. I have heard Your grace hath ta'en great pains to qualify His rigorous course. I have never seen a young man with so much wisdom. I didn't help you out of desire for payment. Nay, take my life and all. Workbook Answers/ Solutions of The Merchant of Venice, Act 4 Scene 1: In this post, we will provide you complete details of the famous play “Merchant of Venice” Act 4 Scene 1 by Shakespeare.You can read the whole act from the images given below. This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood. [NERISSA gives the DUKE a letter], SHYLOCK sharpens a knife on the bottom of his shoe. I have heard that you have tried your hardest to change his rigid mind. And unless your wife is a crazy person, if she knows what I have done to deserve the ring she won't be mad forever at you for giving it to me. If I said that, you'd tell me that the slaves are yours. You should be sharpening your knife not on the sole of your shoe, harsh Jew, but on your hardened soul. Mistress, look out at, window, for all this: There will come a Christian, boy, will be worth a Jewess' eye. Welcome. You have come here to face an adversary as stubborn as a rock, an inhuman wretch incapable of pity, completely empty of a single drop of mercy. What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong? He's just arrived from Padua. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. I will find out what is the best ring in all of Venice and give it to you. Which one of these men is the merchant, and which is the Jew? Good sir, this ring was given to me by my wife and when she put it on my hand she made me swear never to sell it or give it away or lose it. That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it. At the court of law in Venice, the Duke, Antonio, Bassanio, Salerio, Graziano, and various notable personages are gathered for Antonio's trial. But I don't think as highly of life itself, my wife, and all the world as of your life. To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there. I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. together. The intent and purpose of the law relates to the penalty, which has been agreed upon in the contract. Where is this man? My deeds upon my head. This letter from Bellario doth commendA young and learnèd doctor to our court.Where is he? It is a doubly blessed thing: it blesses both the person showing mercy and the person receiving mercy. But no metal can— No, not the hangman’s axe—bear half the keenness Of thy sharp envy. I will have nothing else but only this.And now methinks I have a mind to it. He will do this, or else I will take back the pardon that I just pronounced here. I must humbly beg your pardon, your grace. Instant PDF downloads. Line-by-line modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. His name is Balthazar. Unless you can rip the official seal off my contract, all you're doing by speaking so loudly is hurting your own lungs. Can no prayers pierce thee? I have the power to dismiss this court, unless Bellario, a learned doctor of law, comes here today. You might as well forbid the mountain pines from swaying with their high tops and tell them to make no noise when gusts of wind blow through them. There’s more depends on this than on the value. Salarino tries to comfort Antonio but is unsuccessful. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. If you take more or less than a pound, even if it's just a twentieth lighter or heavier than the tiniest measure—. Featuring commentary, analysis and quotes from the Courtroom Scene and the final acts as Antonio is freed, lovers are re-united and Shylock considers his fate. So take what is yours, take your pound of flesh, but if in cutting it off you shed one drop of Christian blood, your lands and goods will be confiscated by the state of Venice by the city's laws. Literary Devices Mini Character Profiles Details Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. I won't give you any answer other than to say I just feel like it. You'll see for yourself. What do you say to this? A second Daniel!—A Daniel, Jew!Now, infidel, I have you on the hip. Bid me tear the bond. How much more elder art thou than thy looks! If you deny me this rightful penalty, it will reflect poorly upon your city and its freedom. Instant PDF downloads. If the Jew cuts deeply enough, I'll gladly pay the debt with my own heart. The Jew may lawfully claim a pound of flesh to be cut off from near the merchant's heart. Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb. Portia is saying that she will remain unmarried for the rest of her life, until a man chooses the right casket and gains the right to marry her. People's likes and dislikes are fickle and depend on a person's mood. It becomes. By taking the means by which I live, you'd be taking my life. He shall do this, or else I do recantThe pardon that I late pronouncèd here. Take care of your mind, young man, or it wall fall apart with time. You might as well ask the wolf why he makes the ewe cry by eating the lamb. Your wife wouldn't be too happy to hear that, if she were around to hear you make that offer. Commend me to your honorable wife. You may as well forbid the mountain pines To wag their high tops and to make no noise When they are fretten with the gusts of heaven. Will I not be given back even the original amount I lent? Your interpretation has been correct. And know how well I have deserved the ring. Wouldn't everyone like to kill the things they hate? This ring, good sir—alas, it is a trifle.I will not shame myself to give you this. He is well paid that is well satisfied. Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond, Thou but offend’st thy lungs to speak so loud. Away, make haste. Why do you make them sweat doing work? Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? “Your grace shall understand that at the receipt of, your letter I am very sick, but in the instant that your, messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a, acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the. [to SHYLOCK] Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly? Answer, shall I have it? Tell me to tear up the agreement. Solanio is comparing Jessica to a bird that is ready to leave its mother and fly. Don't pardon me. I take this offer then: pay the bond thrice And let the Christian go. She usually makes a wretched man outlive his wealth, so that when he is old and has a wrinkled brow he looks on his own poverty. Hates any man the thing he would not kill? This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. And I say that this law applies to you because it seems clear that you have contrived indirectly and directly against Antonio's life and now must face the danger I just elaborated on. It cannot be. Such a wish would upset her. unless Bellario, a learned doctor of law, comes here today. And after you tell her, let her be the judge as to whether you have ever had a loving friend. She at least cuts me off from this lingering misery. Make room, so that he can stand right in front of me. Pardon not that. But since he remains stubborn and there's nothing I can do legally to escape him. The other half comes to the general state, Which humbleness may drive unto a fine. I am like a diseased sheep in a flock, one who ought to die. “Nearest his heart”—those are the very words. And as a token of your gratitude I'll take your ring. Tell her how I met my end. Than to live still and write mine epitaph. And I am satisfied to have rescued you, so I feel rewarded enough. No, at least no prayers that you are smart enough to make. Support the development of close reading skills with this set of analysis questions on Act 4, scene 2, of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The DUKE, the noblemen, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, SALERIO, and others enter. No, take my life and everything. Fare you well. So get ready to cut off the flesh. I pray you, think you question with the Jew? I’ll not answer that, And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats. All Acts and Scenes are listed on the The Merchant of Venice text page, or linked to from the bottom of this page.. ACT 4. That's what many men say as an excuse not to give gifts away. Merchant of Venice, Act 1 scene 3, Act 2 scene 5 Essay 901 Words | 4 Pages. I won't stay here any longer to argue. Wait, Jew. Not every act of wrongdoing must lead to hate. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony here for comedic effect. Oh, damn you, you relentless dog! You can tear it up after the debt has been paid. You take my house when you do take the prop. This is not a sufficient answer, you unfeeling man, to excuse your cruelty. Refine any search. No, take my life and everything. Yes, his breast. He hath refused it in the open court.He shall have merely justice and his bond. Well, peace be with you. I humbly do desire your grace of pardon.I must away this night toward Padua, And it is meet I presently set forth. Why not let their beds be as soft as yours and let them eat the same fine foods as you? Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Speak me fair in death. This ring is worth more than its monetary value. I am sorry you don't have more free time to spend here. Send the deed after me,And I will sign it. I have a daughter and I wish a descendant of. In return for this, we gladly offer you the three thousand ducats we were going to pay to the Jew, for all your troubles. It looks better on a king than his crown. Now, as for your answer: just as a man who dislikes pigs, or who dislikes a harmless cat, or who can't help but embarrassingly urinate at the sound of bagpipes, has no real reason for this. [To SHYLOCK] When you are Christened, you'll have two godfathers. Antonio knows that one of the chief reasons why Shylock hates him so much is that Antonio often saved people who were in debt to Shylock by paying their debts for them. You have come here to face an adversary as stubborn as a rock. dangerous flat and fatal, where the carcasses of many, a tall ship lie buried, as they say, if my gossip, Report be an honest woman of her word. Our Price: $8.33. Take what's owed to you. What, are you answered yet? Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew, No, not the hangman’s axe—bear half the keenness. The other half goes to the state, and this may be reduced to a simple fine if you show humility. I wish she were dead and in heaven so that she could beg some holy power to come change this beastly Jew's mind. If you take the prop that holds up my house, you take my house, too. I hope you will welcome him graciously, and you will see how worthy of my recommendation he is. Yes, here I tender it for him in the court— Yea, twice the sum. Give me your hand, Bassanio. On your knees, then, and beg for the Duke's mercy. Give me your hand, Bassanio. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.”, With all my heart, I'll let him in. If none of this is enough, then Shylock's malice overwhelms his honesty. You have among you many purchased slaves that you use horribly like donkeys, dogs, or mules because you bought them. Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself, And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state, Thou hast not left the value of a cord. Unless you can rip the official seal off my contract, all you're doing by speaking so loudly is hurting your own lungs. Wait, Jew. I am ready and well prepared. Shall I say to you, “Let them be free! The audience knows that Portia and Nerrisa going to a monastery is to trick other characters of the play into thinking that they are going to remain in Belmont. Tell her how I met my end. Take your place here. He shall have merely justice and his bond. [gives DUKE a letter], Yes, from both, my lord. The main objective Shakespeare has fulfilled in this scene is exposition of plot and characters. The literal words are "a pound of flesh." Instant PDF downloads. You might as well do anything impossible as try to soften his Jewish heart—is there anything harder than his heart? Is it answered? The court awards it, and the law doth give it. My lord, here stays withoutA messenger with letters from the doctor,New come from Padua. twelve judges to send you to the gallows instead of the baptismal fountain, I am sorry that your leisure serves you not.—. That's very true. Beg that you can have permission to hang yourself. Can no prayers pierce your stubborn heart? I wish you well, and so I take my leave. If it were up to me, you'd have ten more, to make twelve judges to send you to the gallows instead of the baptismal fountain. I’ll take no more, And you in love shall not deny me this. With all my heart I ask the court to issue its judgment. And for your love, I’ll take this ring from you. Therefore, Jew, although you are seeking justice, consider this: if God sought justice against all of us with no mercy, we would all go to hell. I’ll not answer that But say it is my humour. In the meantime, the court will hear Bellario's letter. [to SHYLOCK] For thy three thousand ducats here is six. Why, this bond is forfeit! Therefore you must be hanged at the state's expense. The Duke is upset about the penalty, a pound of Antonio's flesh, but cannot find any lawful way of freeing Antonio from his bond. I will not shame myself to give you this. With all my heart.—Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place.— Meantime the court shall hear Bellario’s letter. [to ANTONIO] Therefore lay bare your bosom. You have among you many a purchased slave, Which—like your asses and your dogs and mules— You use in abject and in slavish parts Because you bought them. Merchant of Venice Literary Devices. From both, my lord. You take my house when you do take the prop That doth sustain my house. You must prepare your bosom for his knife. Well then, I hope the devil gets him for this! so I can give no reason, and won't give one (aside from my long-standing hate and loathing for Antonio), for following through on our agreement. Shylock, you are being offered three times the money you are owed. 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