The Merchant of Venice: “It is twice blest, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
In the rich tapestry of Shakespeare’s *The Merchant of Venice*, the quote “It is twice blest, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes” emerges as a profound reflection on the nature of mercy and generosity. Spoken by Portia in Act IV, Scene 1, this phrase encapsulates the dual nature of giving and receiving, suggesting that both the giver and the receiver experience a blessing when mercy is enacted. This article will explore the meaning of this quote within its context, analyze its literary devices, and examine its relevance both in Shakespeare’s time and today.
Context and Meaning
In *The Merchant of Venice*, the quote arises during the climactic courtroom scene. Portia, disguised as a young lawyer, implores Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, to show mercy towards Antonio, the titular merchant. Shylock, fixated on the strict enforcement of the law, initially resists. However, Portia’s assertion that mercy is a divine quality that blesses both the giver and the receiver highlights the transformative power of compassion. This sentiment is rooted in the Christian ethos of the time, emphasizing forgiveness and kindness, which stand in stark contrast to Shylock’s desire for vengeance.
Literary Devices
Shakespeare employs several literary devices in this quote to enhance its meaning. The repetition of the word “blest” reinforces the idea that mercy is a shared experience that transcends individual motivations. The use of the adjective “twice” emphasizes the reciprocal nature of blessing—suggesting that both parties involved in an act of mercy benefit. This duality is further underscored by the imagery of rain, which connotes nourishment and renewal, reflecting how mercy can rejuvenate relationships and communities.
Historical Context
Written in the late 16th century, *The Merchant of Venice* navigates the complex socio-political landscape of Elizabethan England, where issues of religious intolerance and economic disparity were prominent. The character of Shylock embodies the marginalized Jewish community, often subject to discrimination. The call for mercy in this context not only serves as a moral imperative but also invites reflection on the consequences of rigid adherence to law without compassion. Portia’s plea for mercy thus resonates deeply with the audience, urging a re-evaluation of societal norms and prejudices.
Themes and Larger Reflections
The theme of mercy versus justice is central to *The Merchant of Venice*, and Portia’s quote encapsulates this ideological struggle. By asserting that mercy is “mightiest in the mightiest” and “enthroned in the hearts of kings,” Shakespeare elevates mercy as a virtue that transcends power and authority. This notion aligns with broader themes in Shakespeare’s oeuvre, where the complexities of human nature often reveal the necessity of compassion in a flawed world.
Moreover, this quote speaks to the importance of empathy and understanding in contemporary life. In a society that frequently prioritizes transactional relationships and individual gain, the reminder that mercy enriches both the giver and receiver is particularly poignant. It invites us to consider the impact of our actions on others and to recognize the interconnectedness of human experiences.
Modern Interpretations
In modern contexts, the quote has been invoked in discussions about social justice, charity, and humanitarianism. It serves as a reminder that acts of kindness and generosity create ripples of goodwill, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity. Organizations dedicated to charitable work often embody the spirit of Portia’s words, emphasizing that giving is not merely an act of benevolence but a source of joy and fulfillment for the giver.
Comparative Literature
The concept that giving and receiving mercy is mutually beneficial can be found in other works of literature and philosophy. For example, the biblical principle of “it is more blessed to give than to receive” echoes similar sentiments. Likewise, in the writings of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, the moral imperative to treat others as ends in themselves aligns with the idea that mercy enriches the spirit of both the giver and the receiver.
Conclusion
Portia’s assertion, “It is twice blest, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes,” serves as a timeless reminder of the power of mercy and compassion. Through its rich literary devices and profound thematic implications, this quote encourages us to transcend the rigidity of justice with the warmth of empathy. In a world often divided by self-interest, Shakespeare’s words invite us to embrace the dual blessings of giving and receiving, reminding us that true strength lies not in the enforcement of laws but in the cultivation of mercy. Ultimately, Portia’s call resonates across centuries, urging us to reflect on our own capacity for kindness and the collective impact of our actions in shaping a more compassionate society.
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Selected Text Explanation
Passage Summary
In this passage from William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," we encounter a critical moment in the courtroom scene where themes of justice, mercy, and the complexities of human nature are vividly explored. The dialogue primarily unfolds between Antonio, the merchant, Portia, disguised as a young judge, and Shylock, the Jewish moneylender.
Antonio has acknowledged his bond, which obliges him to forfeit a pound of his flesh if he cannot repay the loan. As Shylock insists on his legal right to claim the bond, Portia interjects with a compelling argument about the nature of mercy, emphasizing its intrinsic value and divine quality. She articulates that mercy is not only a virtue that enhances the powerful but also an essential component of justice. Portia argues that true justice must be tempered with mercy, suggesting that all humans ultimately seek mercy in their lives, which reflects the Christian ideal of compassion.
Shylock, however, remains resolute in his demand for the law to be upheld, symbolizing the tension between rigid legalism and the moral imperatives of mercy and compassion. Bassanio, Antonio's friend, attempts to intervene by offering Shylock double the amount owed, advocating for a resolution that favors mercy over strict adherence to the law. Yet, Portia insists that altering the law would set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the integrity of the legal system must be maintained.
The climax of this exchange is underscored by Shylock's sarcastic praise of Portia as a wise judge, which serves to highlight his bitterness and the deeper societal conflicts at play, including issues of prejudice, justice, and the clash between Christian and Jewish values.
Overall, this passage encapsulates a central theme of the play: the struggle between the demands of justice and the necessity of mercy, raising questions about human dignity, compassion, and the moral implications of law. It ultimately reveals Shakespeare's exploration of the complexity of human motivations and the societal structures that govern them, rendering the courtroom scene a powerful reflection on the nature of justice itself.
Original Passage
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Ay, so he says.
PORTIA.
Do you confess the bond?
ANTONIO.
I do.
PORTIA.
Then must the Jew be merciful.
SHYLOCK.
On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
PORTIA.
The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest,
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown.
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway,
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy,
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea,
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
SHYLOCK.
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
PORTIA.
Is he not able to discharge the money?
BASSANIO.
Yes, here I tender it for him in the court,
Yea, twice the sum, if that will not suffice,
I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart.
If this will not suffice, it must appear
That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you,
Wrest once the law to your authority.
To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will.
PORTIA.
It must not be, there is no power in Venice
Can alter a decree established;
'Twill be recorded for a precedent,
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the state. It cannot be.
SHYLOCK.
A Daniel come to judgment! Yea, a Daniel!
O wise young judge, how I do honour thee!
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