January 26, 2012- Mercy vs. Justice

Throughout Act IV scene i, mercy and justice appear frequently. In class, we began discussing how justice is associated more with the law than mercy; meanwhile, mercy is more innate and personal. Shylock demands to receive justice, or that the law will allow his bond. Portia explains, “Though justice be thy plea…in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation” (Shakespeare IV.i. 194-196). She explains that although he “pleas” for justice, he will never be accorded “salvation.” Her use of salvation provides a religious connection between God and justice.  “In [his] course of justice,” he will never possess his salvation, or deliverance from sin. By never receiving salvation, Portia connotes that his current demand of a pound of Antonio’s flesh will only bring him damnation. Although his bond is just, she warns him that “We do pray for mercy, And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy” (Shakespeare IV.i.196-198). She communicates that although “we” can pray and plea for both justice and mercy, our prayers for mercy actually "render" us merciful. However, when one pleas for justice, their prayers do not necessarily make them possess justice, or fairness.