Its a drama

1. Trial scene Of The Marchant Of Venice.
The long trial scene which occupies all of the act IV has often been judged to be the heart of the
play. It is the best-known episode in The Merchant of Venice climatic turning point of drama.
The tables are turned on Shylock, his thirst for revenge is confounded and he is utterly
humiliated. It is in this scene that destructive will of Shylock has been paid in his own coin. It is
also significant because that the two parallel stories of the bond and caskets blend in exquisite
harmony. The bond story is the direct consequence of the existence of the casket story. To
participate in the casket lottery Bassanio required money which was provided by Antonio.
Antonio borrowed three thousand ducats from shylock on unusual and most cruel terms. When
Antonio failed to pay off the loan, he had to appear before the court settling the case.
A.R. Humphreys points out that “trial is the dramatic narrative and moral crisis of the play. When
Shylock files a case against Antonio when he failed to pay the loan and shylock demands the
execution of the bond, the crisis occurs. It was provided in the bond that incase the Antonio’s
failure to refund the loan, Shylock would have the privilege to cut one pound of flesh from the
body of the Antonio. He cannot refuse the permission. He is venerable and pious Christian of
Venice and moreover, Venice is a state where law is executed to every letter. The reputation of
Venice depends upon how law is maintained. So, the Duke cannot take the risk of losing the
long-established tradition for the honest treatment of law. So, Antonio is ready to suffer the pain
for the cutting of flesh from his body. On the other hand, Shylock insist on the carrying out of the
terms of the bond. He will not move even a one inch from his condition. He is happy that at last
he he has got the chance to satisfy his revengeful lust upon Antonio.
To the earnest play of the duke for mercy Shylock remain unmoved. He includes:
So, can I give no reason, nor I will not,
More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio.
Bassanio offers the twice of the bond but Shylock replies that he will have his bond. He fears no
retribution from the court. At this critical situation Portia in the guise of young lawyer, enters the
court. He offers no hope. She agrees that no power in the Venice Can change the bond.
Shylock is exultant. He praises Portia’s wisdom honoring her as Daniel. She permits the Jew to
cut off flesh from Antonio’s body. There is an intense tension In the court. As Antonio stands, his
bare chest exposed and Shylock’s knife is poised over his heart. Just at that moment, the
decisive word comes out from her mouth.
Tarry a little, there is something else.
Shylock is confounded as Portia insists on the point that there is no condition to shed blood. So,
he will have to cut off flesh without dropping any drop of blood. Then Shylock feels the situation.
You want to go away. His own life now lies at the mercy of the Duke.
Thus, ends the trial, Shylock loses his property and saves his life by consenting to be a
Christian.