Justice - Merchant of Venice

The idea that justice will prevail is one of the ease up-nigh important beliefs of any society. What is justice is dependent on the companionable and cultural values and attitudes of society where factors such as pietism and politics often provide the foundation on which it is designed and implemented. The belief that justice will be served is essential for the good being of a society; however, while this is a courtly value, the practical application of justice is often flawed by factors such as wealth, race, religion and gender. Shakespeare explores different attitudes to justice in his play The Merchant of Venice (1596) as he contrasts the literal eye-for-an-eye bumble of justice with the Christians in the play who advocate the importance of grace and compassion. However, while technically justice prevails at the end of the play, the Christians prison-breaking to show pity and compassion with the result that Shakespeare shows how justice without mercy and compas sion can often result in more than injustice. Shakespeare highlights the importance of mercy through Shylocks rocking knight of justice with Antonio. Shylocks attitude reflects Old testament values of an eye for any eye, where justice requires penalisation in kind for the crime committed.

This is contrasted with Portias emphasis on mercy and compassion reflected in the New Testament teachings on forgiveness. These conflicting perspectives on justice provide the driving mark and complication within the play. Shylock is depicted as dupe of anti-Semitic prejudice. end-to-end his speeches he regularly quotes Antonios unflattering ( insulting) language and abusive treatment of! him to highlight the injustice of Antonios request to borrow money. Shylock describes how Antonio, Hath disgraced me, and hindered me half a million; laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated up mine enemies; and whats his reason? I am a Jew. throughout the play Antonio uses animal imagery to...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: BestEssayCheap.com

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