The Merchant of Venice: Portia's Legal Tactics and Extract Analysis

Lorenzo and Portia are at Belmont at this time.

The 'fair commands' given to Lorenzo are to obey all fair commands from Portia.

Portia speaks about mercy to emphasize the importance of mercy in the administration of justice.

<p>Lorenzo describes Portia as having a heart that is enshrined with the attributes of mercy and as someone who embodies the concept of mercy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The meaning of the line is that mercy holds a higher authority than the power of kings and is deeply embedded in the hearts of rulers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antonio had appealed for mercy earlier, and the outcome of the appeal was that he was granted a reprieve from the penalty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Portia tells Lorenzo that she is going to a monastery, but she is actually planning to disguise herself as a male lawyer and go to Venice to save Antonio, as instructed by her husband Bassanio.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Portia instructs Balthazar to prepare to go to the court disguised as a male lawyer in order to defend Antonio.</p> Signup and view all the answers