Mercy a Virtue of Consciousness in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

Abstract

Antonio is a Christian merchant, who in spite of his hatred for the Jew Shylock asks him to lend him money. Shylock reminds him of how he curses the Jews and yet he asks for his money. To this, Antonio replies that he should give the money out of hatred and not love and that he was ready to return it with interest. Here Antonio shows his relentless pride and power. Unfortunately, he suffers a loss in his business and is unable to pay back the money. Now it is shylocks turn to be merciless.