Portia's Monologue from The Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene 1 Portia's "The Quality of Mercy" Speech

In Act 4, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Portia, disguised as the young lawyer Balthazar, delivers a profound speech on the nature of mercy, appealing to Shylock to show compassion towards Antonio.

Synopsis:

Portia argues that mercy is a divine attribute, blessing both the giver and the receiver. She emphasizes that true power is demonstrated through compassion, urging Shylock to temper justice with mercy in his dealings with Antonio.

What’s just happened before this moment that’s relevant to the scene?

Antonio has defaulted on a loan from Shylock, who demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as stipulated in their bond. The Duke of Venice has convened a court to hear the case, and Portia arrives, disguised as a lawyer, to defend Antonio.

Original Text:

PORTIA:

The quality of mercy is not strained;

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:

'T is mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes

The throned monarch better than his crown:

His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,

The attribute to awe and majesty,

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;

But mercy is above this sceptred sway;

It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings,

It is an attribute to God himself;

And earthly power doth then show likest God's

When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,

Though justice be thy plea, consider this,

That, in the course of justice, none of us

Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render

The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much

To mitigate the justice of thy plea;

Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice

Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language:

PORTIA:

Mercy isn't something that can be forced; it falls naturally like gentle rain from the sky upon the earth below. Mercy blesses both the giver and the receiver. It's most powerful in the most powerful people; it suits a king more than his crown does. A king's sceptre represents his earthly power, the symbol of awe and majesty, which inspire fear and respect. But mercy is above this power; it resides in the hearts of kings and is an attribute of God Himself. Earthly power resembles God's power most when justice is tempered with mercy. Therefore, Shylock, even though you seek justice, remember this: if we all were judged strictly by justice, none of us would achieve salvation. We pray for mercy, and in doing so, we learn to show mercy to others. I've spoken this to soften your demand for strict justice; if you pursue it, the court has no choice but to rule against Antonio.

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words:

  • Strain'd: Forced or constrained.

  • Droppeth: Drops.

  • Twice blest: Blesses both the giver and the receiver.

  • Sceptre: A staff held by rulers as a symbol of authority.

  • Temporal power: Earthly, secular authority.

  • Sway: Rule or control.

  • Enthronèd: Placed on a throne; exalted.

  • Seasons: Moderates or tempers.

  • Plea: Appeal or request.

  • Mitigate: Lessen or soften.

Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs:

  1. Nature of Mercy:
    The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
    Portia begins by describing mercy as a natural, gentle force that blesses both the giver and the receiver.

  2. Mercy's Supremacy Over Earthly Power:
    'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice.
    She asserts that mercy is more becoming to a king than his crown and that it surpasses earthly power, aligning rulers with divine qualities when they temper justice with mercy.

  3. Appeal to Shylock's Sense of Justice:
    Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this, That, in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy.
    Portia appeals to Shylock by reminding him that strict justice would condemn everyone, as all seek mercy for themselves and thus should show mercy to others.

  4. Conclusion and Warning:
    I have spoke thus much To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
    She concludes by stating that if Shylock insists on strict justice, the court will have no choice but to rule against Antonio.

Journey Keypoints:

  • Hook: The assertion that mercy cannot be forced and blesses both parties.

  • Turning Point: The comparison of mercy to divine attributes, elevating it above earthly power.

  • Climax: The reminder that all seek mercy for themselves, urging Shylock to show mercy.

  • Resolution: The warning that strict adherence to justice will lead to Antonio's condemnation.

This monologue highlights Portia's eloquence and wisdom, as she appeals to Shylock's humanity and sense of justice, emphasizing the importance of mercy as a divine and noble quality.