The+Merchant+of+Venice+-+Past+Essay+topics

This is a small selection of the types of essay topics that have been set for The Merchant of Venice in the past.

Note that there are two formats for the essay topics
 * Those that are based on excerpts from the play
 * Those that are based on an idea/theme evident in the play.

1.
===Use the following passages as the starting point for a discussion of justice and mercy in the play as shown by various characters. Your discussion should involve comparison of the passages AND some consideration of the play as a whole. ===

===ACT FOUR, SCENE ONE, lines 181–204 ===

Portia The quality of mercy is not strained. 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 thronèd monarch better than his crown. His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">But mercy is above this sceptred sway. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings; <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">It is an attribute to God himself, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">And earthly power doth then show likest God’s <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Though justice be thy plea, consider this: <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">That in the course of justice none of us <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">And that same prayer doth teach us all to render <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">To mitigate the justice of thy plea, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Must needs give sentence ’gainst the merchant <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">there. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: middle;">Shylock <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The penalty and forfeit of my bond.

===<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">ACT FOUR, SCENE ONE, lines 344–369 ===

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: middle;">Portia <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">The law hath yet another hold on you. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">It is enacted in the laws of Venice, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">If it be proved against an alien <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">That by direct or indirect attempts <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">He seek the life of any citizen, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">The party ’gainst the which he doth contrive <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Shall seize one half his goods; the other half <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Comes to the privy coffer of the state, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">And the offender’s life lies in the mercy <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Of the Duke only, ’gainst all other voice — <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">In which predicament I say thou stand’st, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">For it appears by manifest proceeding <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">That indirectly, and directly too, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Thou hast contrived against the very life <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Of the defendant, and thou hast incurred <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">The danger formerly by me rehearsed. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Down, therefore, and beg the mercy of the Duke. <span style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;"> Gratiano  (to Shylock) <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Be that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself — <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Thou hast not left the value of a cord. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">Therefore thou must be hanged at the state’s <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt; tabstops: 14.15pt 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;">charge. <span style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tabstops: 1.0cm 2.0cm 3.0cm 4.0cm 5.0cm 6.0cm 7.0cm 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt 368.5pt 396.85pt 425.2pt 453.55pt 481.9pt 509.65pt; vertical-align: middle;"> Duke  (to Shylock) <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">That thou shalt see the difference of our spirit, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The other half comes to the general state, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Which humbleness may drive unto a fine.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">2.
===<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Use the two following passages as the starting point for a discussion of the moral issues raised by the play. Your discussion should involve comparison of the passages AND some consideration of the play as a whole. ===

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">SHYLOCK <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Signor Antonio, many a time and oft <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">In the Rialto you have rated me <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">About my moneys and my usances. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">For suff’rance is the badge of all our tribe. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">You call me misbeliever, cut-throat, dog, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">And all for use of that which is mine own. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Well then, it now appears you need my help. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Go to, then. You come to me, and you say <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">‘Shylock, we would have moneys’— you say so, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">You, that did void your rheum on my beard, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Over your threshold. Moneys is your suit. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">What should I say to you? Should I not say <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">‘Hath a dog money? Is it possible <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A cur can lend three thousand ducats?’ Or <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Shall I bend low, and in a bondsman’s key, <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">With bated breath and whisp’ring humbleness <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Say this: ‘Fair sir, you spat on me on Wednesday last; <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">You spurned me such a day; another time <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">You called me dog; and for these courtesies <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">I’ll lend you thus much moneys’?

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt 0cm;">ACT THREE, SCENE THREE
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">ANTONIO <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">Hear me yet, good Shylock. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">SHYLOCK <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">I’ll have my bond. Speak not against my bond. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">Thou called’st me dog before thou had’st a cause, <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">But since I am a dog, beware my fangs <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">The Duke shall grant me justice. I do wonder, <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">Thou naughty jailer, that thou art so fond <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">To come abroad with him at his request. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">ANTONIO <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">I pray thee hear me speak. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">SHYLOCK <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">I’ll have my bond. I will not hear thee speak. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">I’ll have my bond, and therefore speak no more. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">I’ll not be made a soft and dull-eyed fool <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">To shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yield <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">To Christian intercessors. Follow not. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">I’ll have no speaking. I will have my bond. //Exi//t <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">SOLANIO <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">It is the most impenetrable cur <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 3pt -3.8pt 3pt 3.6pt; text-indent: -3.6pt;">That ever kept with men. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">ANTONIO <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Let him alone. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">I’ll follow him no more with bootless prayers. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">He seeks my life.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The Merchant of Venice

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Back to the Beginning