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Questions and Answers
What is the main reason Shylock insists on taking a pound of flesh from Antonio?
What pivotal role does Balthazar (Portia) play in the trial?
Why does Shylock ultimately lose half of his wealth and convert to Christianity?
What is the significance of Balthazar (Portia) declining rewards at the end of the trial?
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How does Balthazar (Portia) help save Antonio from losing his life during the trial?
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Why does Antonio request Shylock's wealth to be given to Lorenzo and Jessica under certain conditions?
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What motivates Bassanio to finally agree to part with his wedding ring at the end of the trial?
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In the context of the text, what does the cold nature of the law contrast with?
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Study Notes
- The Duke presides over a trial where Shylock demands a pound of flesh from Antonio as per their bond.
- Shylock is determined to follow the bond to the letter and insists on taking the flesh, rejecting any offers of money.
- A young lawyer named Balthazar (who is actually Portia in disguise) arrives and argues for mercy over strict adherence to the law.
- Balthazar points out that mercy is divine and should be mirrored by humans, contrasting it with the cold nature of the law.
- Despite attempts to negotiate, Shylock is adamant about taking the pound of flesh until Balthazar reveals the law forbids shedding any blood.
- Antonio is saved from losing his life by Balthazar's clever interpretation of the law, which leads to Shylock losing half his wealth and converting to Christianity.
- Antonio asks for his portion of Shylock's wealth to go to Lorenzo and Jessica under certain conditions, which the Duke approves.
- Balthazar (Portia) declines rewards and insists on doing the job well as his reward, showing his integrity.
- Bassanio struggles with giving up his wedding ring but eventually agrees to part with it as a token of appreciation for Balthazar's help.
- The trial concludes with Shylock losing his case, Antonio being saved, and Balthazar (Portia) leaving after resolving the conflict.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the trial scene in Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice', where Shylock demands a pound of flesh from Antonio, leading to a dramatic legal dispute with unexpected twists and turns.
