True Cristian Kindness- Mercha

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religion and its image of a more stern and vengeful God. In the first half of the trial mercy and revenge are contrasted. The Duke appeals to Shylock to be merciful as if he shared their Christian values--
Shylock the world thinks, and I think so too,
That thou but leadest this fashion of thy malice
To the last hour of act, and then 'tis thought
Thou'll show thy mercy... (IV.i.18-21)
The implication is that demanding Antonio's death for forfeiting a bond is "strange apparent cruelty" (IV.i.22), unnatural and that "the world" (Venetian aristocratic society) agrees with him. Shylock demands his bond with no other justification than "a lodg'd hate, and a certain loathing / I bear Antonio" (IV.i.61-62). He tries to justify taking a pound of Antonio's flesh by appealing to the Venetian's sense of ownership, equating it to their slaves--"The pound of flesh which I demand of him / Is dearly bought, 'tis mine and I will have it" (IV.i.100-101). Shylock's use of strange language and images ...

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