Shylock, realizing that he has been defeated and will get nothing, starts to leave. But Portia tells him to wait. She then explains that Shylock has broken alawof Venice. According to that law, if an alien (someone who is not a citizen) attempts either directly or indirectly to take “the life of any citizen” of Venice, the citizen shall then receive half of the goods of that alien and the state of Venice shall seize the other half (lines 344-49). In addition, the life of the offending alien shall lie “in the mercy of the Duke” (350-51). Since Shylock did attempt to take the life of Antonio, he has broken this law. And now the moneylender, who offered nomercyto Antonio, must depend upon the mercy of the Duke in order to spare his life. In theater this situation is an example ofdramatic irony. The effect is far different from what Shylock had hoped andexpected.
The Duke does not even ask Shylock to beg for mercy but instead informs him that his life will be spared. However, half of Shylock’s wealth now belongs to Antonio, and the other half belongs to the state of Venice. The Duke even adds that he will be even more merciful and allow Shylock to keep some of his money if Shylock repents and shows some humility(367).
Shylock complains that without his house and property, he will not have the ability to make a living. So, he would rather be put to death than to live a life of poverty (lines 369-72).
Portia asks Antonio if he wishes to show any mercy to Shylock. Graziano interrupts and says that