Merchant of Venice. - Repositories

182 NOTES [ACT IV
Professor Moulton shows how the trial scene is an instance
of *'the Nemesis of Measure for Measure." (1) Shylock
appeals to the law of Venice and the charter. With what response
corresponding to this is he finally answered ? (2) He
explains his actions as mere humor. With what answer is
this well met ? (3") He demands the bond rather than any
amount of money. What at last is the corresponding verdict ?
(4) He feels perfectly secure, ''doing no wrong, and dreading
no judgment." What is the exactly opposite condition in
which finally he finds himself? (5) He exults in the downfall
of his victim, and cries "A Daniel come to judgment!"
What is the cry that greets him as the sentence falls heavily
upon his own shoulders ?
Debate this question: Was Portia justified by law in her
decision against Shylo*k ? (Remember that the accusation has
been made that Shylock was defeated by a quibble such as no
court would entertain.) Take up the points one by one, fox
the case is complex. Consider this also: Why did Portia so
long delay the sentence, and keep Antonio and Bassanio in
such agonizing suspense ?
Dr. Furness notes one point in this scene where the play
wavers for a moment between comedy and tragedy. Consider
what is meant by comedy, and what by tragedy; then where
this point is ; then how the play would have ended as a tragedy ;
and finally how differently you would have regarded Shylock if
such had been the end.
In this scene which passage do you consider contains the
most pathos ? which the most humor ? which the most spite ?
which the most beauty ?