Act IV

Act IV is the intense climax of the play—the court scene in which Antonio’s fate is decided. Throughout the court scene, Shylock is making an argument for justice in holding Antonio to the bond, saying that it is only lawful and fair that he take a pound of Antonio’s flesh. Antonio seems resigned to his fate. The Duke, Bassanio, and Gratiano passionately argue against Shylock, begging him to be merciful and “human.” Shylock makes the point that the Christians are hypocritical for demanding mercy when they have slaves, and do not treat them as a “human” would. Portia and Nerissa arrive dressed as men—Portia as Balthazar, sent by Bellario, and Nerissa as “his” clerk—to decide the case. Portia declares that justice must be upheld and holds Antonio and Shylock to the bond, and Shylock is thrilled. However, Portia points out that he must take a pound of Antonio’s flesh without spilling “a drop of Christian blood,” as this is against Venetian law and Shylock would be required surrender his land and money to the state. Additionally, Portia declares that because Shylock wanted to kill Antonio he has threatened the life of a Venetian. Shylock, as an alien, is lawfully required to give half his land and money to Antonio and the other half to the state. The Duke has the power to decide whether or not Shylock lives, and, as a merciful Christian man, chooses not to take his life. Antonio says that if Shylock converts to Christianity he will surrender his half of Shylock’s money and will ensure that it passes down to Jessica upon Shylock’s death. Shylock leaves the court overwhelmed and unhappy. Antonio and Bassanio then declare that they are indebted to Balthazar/Portia, and will give “him” anything “he” desires. After some discussion and persuasion, Portia and Nerissa both acquire the rings given to them by their lovers.

Major themes in this act concern that of mercy versus penalty, and how these two ideas correspond to notions of justice. Shylock, the Jew, seems to think that justice concerns sticking to the law and coming down hard on penalties he previously promised, while the Christians all take “justice” as more connected to ideas of mercy. The question of what is “human” and what is also prevalent in this act, as the Christians all consider themselves “human” in their merciful thinking (as opposed to Shylock). It is interesting, however, that Shylock pursues the idea of mercy throughout the arguments and discussions in the court up until the point that Portia/Balthazar declares that he will lose his money and land upon taking Antonio’s flesh—there is a certain point at which he backs down from his purpose. This makes us wonder what Shylock truly wants out of the situation—why is money suddenly more important to him than the repayment in flesh he is due from Antonio?

-Ellie Broadman, James Huang, Caché Jones