Description of The Trial Scene: The Merchant of Venice

Q4. Description of The Trial Scene 

Ans. The trial scene is the most dramatic scene in The Merchant of Venice. It has several dramatic value points attached to it. The action of the bond story reaches its climax in this scene.

We know that Antonio is unable to repay the loan that he had taken from Shylock for Bassanio on his own guarantee. For this, he had to sign a bond that empowered Shylock to cut one pound of flesh from his body in case the loan is not returned in time.

Unfortunately Antonio’s ships were destroyed and he could not repay the loan on time. The case reaches the Duke’s court for hearing. The Duke knows the result and requests the Jew to spare Antonio’s life. Bassanio also offers him several times more to the money given on loan. But he seems to take Antonio’s life. HE does not explain the reason as to why he wants to take one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.

In the meantime, Portia appears in the court in place of a learned lawyer, Bellario, whom the Duke had sent for. She appears in the court in male dress as a young layer Balthazar sent by Bellario. She is accompanied by Nerissa also as Portia’s assistant in male dress. She reads the bond and tells the court that Shylock has a right to take one pound of flesh from Shylock’s body. The Jew feels very much happy at Portia’s remarks in his favour. But she requests Shylock to show mercy on Antonio, whose ships have got destroyed in sea. Shylock refuses to do so. Then Portia understands that the Jew is adamant on taking Antonio’s life.

After that, Portia plays her trump card. She tells Shylock to cut one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body, neither less nor more than a pound. She puts another condition on him she says that the bond allows him to take flesh not even a single drop of blood. If a drop of blood from Antonio’s body sheds, then, the law of Venice will punish him for taking the life of a citizen of Venice. The Jew comes on the back foot. He asks for only three thousand ducats.

After some time, he is ready to drop the case and go. But Portia plays the role of a shrewd (smart/astute) lawyer here. She does not let him go unpunished. She tells him about a law of Venice that applies on him. If a foreigner tries to take life of a citizen of Venice, his half property will be confiscated (taken by law) by the state. Another half of the property will be given to Antonio, the aggrieved party. The life of the culprit (wrong doer) will be at the mercy of the Duke.

Finally, the Duke spares Shylock’s life and even reduces the penalty regarding the half portion of his property. Antonio is allowed to take the second half of the Jew’s property as a trustee. After Shylock’s death, it would be given to Jessica and Lorenzo. In that case, Shylock will have to become a Christian. In addition, he will have to sign the documents regarding transfer of his property to Jessica and Lorezo after his death. Shylock agrees to all the conditions and is allowed to go home.