forfeit “And the offender’s life lies in the mercy/ Of the Duke only…” (IV.i.351-352). She finishes by saying “Down therefore, and beg mercy of the duke” (IV.i.359). Both the Duke and Antonio appear to be merciful when they spare his life and some of his wealth, but in light of Shylock’s position in Venetian society, it would appear that they are trying to completely crush him, especially when he is required to become a Christian. Shylock feels he might as well be dead:Nay, take my life and all, pardon not that,You take my house, when you do that take the propThat doth sustain my house: you take my lifeWhen you do take the means whereby I live (IV.i.370-373).To Christians, then, mercy has different meanings and uses in this trail scene. It is used to try to tempt Shylock to recognize Christian values as superior to his own, to tempt him with the delusion of power if he accepts them, and when he refuses, to crush and take away all his economic, religious and racial power. This abuse of mercy also reveals Venetian society to be greedy for power, hypocritical in its use if Christian values for secular aims and vengeful. Mercy, and its uses and misuses, is revealed as having power far greater than is at first apparent....
