Tara Guleri
Portfolio B
When the Duke questions Shylock about his lack of mercy, Shakespeare shows Shylock using both logical and descriptive language in order to make his argument that demanding a pound of flesh is just as lawful as keeping a slave in Venetian society. During his speech, Shylock compares his bond to slavery in order to justify his actions. He argues that if he were to tell a Christian to free his slave, they would “answer/ ‘The slaves are ours,” therefore, “the pound of flesh which [he demands] of him is dearly bought” and he too will answer “tis’ mine, and I shall have it.” (4.1.97-99) By saying the flesh was “dearly bought,” Shylock equates ownership of a slave with his ownership of a pound of flesh, because it too was purchased lawfully. Shylock builds logically to a compelling argument to point out the hypocrisy in Venetian law and society, in that, when Christians act immorally, their morality is not disputed. However, because Jews are seen as “dogs” or “the devil,” their intentions are always held in question. Shylock also uses descriptive language to further his argument. He questions whether Venetians would “let [their slaves’] beds/ be made as soft as [theirs]” or “let [their slaves’] palates/ be seasoned with such viands.” (4.1.94-96) The images of feeling the “soft” beds and tasting the “season[ed]” viands help to make Shylock’s argument that much more persuasive to the people of the courtroom. Shylock’s use of both sensory language as well as logical and measured language allow him to make his argument that the law has no meaning here. Towards the end of the speech, Shylock concludes that “if [they] deny [him], fie upon [their] law!/ There is no force in the decrees of Venice.” (4.1.100-101) In these last few lines, Shylock’s mention of “no force in decrees” suggests that legal documents have no value in Venice and, in his case, that morality counts more for Christians than for Jews and other minorities. Shakespeare shows that the law is unjust towards Through the use of Shylock’s reasoned and illustrative language, Shakespeare points out the arbitrary nature of Venetian law, and shows that it doesn't uphold moral standards as much as it upholds the interests of Christians.
