The Trial Scene-Its dramatic significance-The Merchant of Venice

 The Trial Scene & Its dramatic significance (importance).

Ans. The trial scene is the most dramatic scene in The Merchant of Venice. It has several dramatic value points attached to it. The action of the bond story reaches its climax in this scene.

We know that Antonio is unable to repay the loan that he had taken from Shylock for Bassanio on his own guarantee. For this, he had to sign a bond that empowered Shylock to cut one pound of flesh from his body in case the loan is not returned in time.

Unfortunately, Antonio’s ships were destroyed and he could not repay the loan on time. The case reaches the Duke’s court for the hearing. The Duke knows the result and requests the Jew to spare Antonio’s life. Bassanio also offers him several times more to the money given on loan. But he seems to take Antonio’s life. HE does not explain the reason as to why he wants to take one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body.

In the meantime, Portia appears in the court in place of a learned lawyer, Bellario, whom the Duke had sent for. She appears in the court in male dress as a young layer Balthazar sent by Bellario. She is accompanied by Nerissa also as Portia’s assistant in male dress. She reads the bond and tells the court that Shylock has a right to take one pound of flesh from Shylock’s body. The Jew feels very much happy at Portia’s remarks in his favour. But she requests Shylock to show mercy on Antonio, whose ships have got destroyed in the sea. Shylock refuses to do so. Then Portia understands that the Jew is adamant about taking Antonio’s life.

After that, Portia plays her trump card. She tells Shylock to cut one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body, neither less nor more than a pound. She puts another condition on him she says that the bond allows him to take flesh not even a single drop of blood. If a drop of blood from Antonio’s body sheds, then, the law of Venice will punish him for taking the life of a citizen of Venice. The Jew comes on the back foot. He asks for only three thousand ducats.

After some time, he is ready to drop the case and go. But Portia plays the role of a shrewd (smart/astute) lawyer here. She does not let him go unpunished. She tells him about a law of Venice that applies to him. If a foreigner tries to take the life of a citizen of Venice, his half property will be confiscated (taken by law) by the state. Another half of the property will be given to Antonio, the aggrieved party. The life of the culprit (wrongdoer) will be at the mercy of the Duke.

Finally, the Duke spares Shylock’s life and even reduces the penalty regarding the half portion of his property. Antonio is allowed to take the second half of the Jew’s property as a trustee. After Shylock’s death, it would be given to Jessica and Lorenzo. In that case, Shylock will have to become a Christian. In addition, he will have to sign the documents regarding the transfer of his property to Jessica and Lorenzo after his death. Shylock agrees to all the conditions and is allowed to go home.

Dramatic Importance of the Trial Scene:

The trial scene has certain dramatic value points attached to it. First, the bond story reaches its climax in this scene. The problem created due to the signing of the bond is resolved in this scene. Antonio’s life is saved from Shylock’s death trap. Portia’s wisdom and her presence of mind find full expression in this scene. She turns the tables on Shylock with her logic. Her poetic bent of mind is again (after the Casket Scene) revealed when she speaks about the qualities of mercy. It also shows that she is also full of mercy, and thus, is a virtuous lady.

 

Portia’s wit and humour is also shown in this scene. She and Nerissa very tactfully get rings from their husbands, Bassanio and Gratiano just to tease them later on. It shows her sense of humour. The ring episode also gets related to this scene.

Antonio’s pessimism becomes known to all in this scene. He does not defend himself. He just surrenders in front of the adverse situation caused by his misfortune. He just wants to die as he is unable to pay money to Shylock. It reflects his righteousness and honesty also.

 

Bassanio’s true friendship with Antonio is also reflected in this scene. He is greatly grieved (pained) to see his friend Antonio in a death trap. He leaves Belmont at once and reaches Venice to help Antonio. Portia also tells him to reach Venice by suspending all his work. He is ready to pay Shylock several times more money than it was taken on loan. He even wants to give all parts of his body to save Antonio’s life.

We also come to know how the casket and the trial scenes are interrelated. This shows Shakespeare’s skill as the greatest playwright in the world. All the scenes and acts are inter-woven. They have logical unity in them.