Act IV, Scene 1 - Study Questions

1. What do the Duke and the others expect of Shylock?
2. What reason does Shylock give for not showing mercy to Antonio?
3. What is the point Shylock makes about the Venetian slaves?
4. Why has the Duke sent to Padua for an opinion, and what answer does he receive?
5. What is the main point of Portia's comments in her "quality of mercy" speech?
6. Why does Portia say she cannot, as Bassanio suggests, "do a great right [by doing] a little wrong"?
7. Shylock rejoices by saying of Portia, "a Daniel! O wise young judge." If you know the biblical story of Daniel and Susanna, how could this have a bitter irony?
8. After Shylock once again demands justice, the court prepares the knife and the scales. What comment does Bassanio make that Portia hears? What does Portia say in response?
9. As Shylock prepares to get his pound of flesh, what condition does Portia put on him?
10. How does Portia defend this decision?
11. What does Portia mean by this line: "Soft./The Jew shall have all justice;.../He shall have nothing but penalty."
12. As Shylock prepares to leave court with nothing, Portia stops him. Why does she say that Shylock must beg mercy from the Duke?
13. What prompts Shylock to say, "You take my house, when you do take the prop/that doth sustain my house"?
14. When Antonio and Shylock's positions are reversed, what mercy does Antonio show?
15. At the end of this scene, what happens regarding the rings of Bassanio and Gratiano?
16. Throughout this scene, the Christians ask Shylock to be merciful toward Antonio. When the situation is reversed, how merciful do you think the Venetians are toward Shylock?