In Act III scene iii, Antonio is captured and arrested because he fails to pay Shylock back, which authorizes Shylock to execute the consequences as they agreed in the bond. Shylock conveys a strong hate towards Antonio, and he publicizes that he has not forgiven Antonio for all his past slander. In fact, Shylock reveals that he has become obsessed with the bond by constantly repeating, “bond” throughout his “conversation” with Antonio (Shakespeare. III.iii.4-5). His repetition of “bond” throughout his passages purposefully reminds him of Antonio’s past slander towards him. Thus, Shylock reveals that he must keep himself motivated to enact the bond’s decrees. Shakespeare ultimately exposes Shylock is not as inhumane as he previously is portrayed to be. Shylock says, “I will not hear thee speak” to Antonio as a way to tune out Antonio’s pleas (Shakespeare III.iii.12). Shylock acknowledges that if he were to listen to Antonio or let him speak at all, he would be made into a “soft and dull-eyed fool” (Shakespeare III.iii.14). Thus, Shakespeare divulges that Shylock does feel sorry for Antonio; however, his hatred is more influential than his compassion. His abhorrence towards Antonio and anti-Semitism outweighs his humane feelings because he relishes his moments of power over Antonio.
Jacky--You pick up on a subtle aspect of the interchanges here between Antonio and Shylock; I'm intrigued by your persuasive point that Shylock betrays a degree of compassion in his refusal to listen--compassion, that is, in the potential for compassion he denies in himself.
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