Often have you heard that told:
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold:
Gilded tombs do worms enfold,” (2.7.68-71).
This quote is taken from the scene about the courtship of Portia, however it's meaning goes beyond that of choosing the proper casket in order to obtain her hand in marriage. The quote summarizes the deception of vanity and materialism, which is as real now as it was during the Elizabethan period. Many are fooled by the attractive appearance of certain people and lifestyles. People assume that achieving this denotes happiness and success, not looking past the appearance at the reality of the situation. Now, with the advent of mass media, people buy into what is portrayed and become obsessed with achieving that portrayal. During the time in which this play was written, the nobility were regarded as the height of society. However, many of the nobility and "high society" citizens lead pretty miserable lives. An example would be Mary I and other kings and queens around this time period, for all the power of the nobility, it did not seem to make their lives any better.
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world,” (5.1.88-89).
Every action results in a reaction of some sort. This quote explains how one action can have an affect and multiply in the world. Even the smallest and seemingly insignificant actions affect another person in some way. The people in this world are all interconnected, thus even in a world full of darkness, one person's good deed can aid in the alleviation of the "darkness," and allow for more light to shine through.
“The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
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,” (4.1.182-195).
Mercy is incredibly important. Even with all of the evil in the world, a prevailing human quality seems to be mercy. In Christianity, God is the giver of mercy, He forgives for what we do not deserve to be forgiven for, and even more He blesses us with more than we warrant for our actions. By being merciful, one is exhibiting characteristics of being like God, under the idea that to be close to God is to try to be like Him, which is what Portia is explaining in this quote. This concept of mercy is an act of incredible kindness and an aspect of humanity. Humans are often inconsistent in their actions, and do unexpected things. In Shylock's case, he was expected to show mercy, but he did not. However, Antonio in turn showed Shylock mercy when he was not expected to. This compassion is what makes Antonio such a lovable and human character, and Shylock's acceptance of Antonio's mercy shows that he too is human.
Sources:
Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. No Fear Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice. New
York: Spark Publishing, 2003.
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