What Shylock means by “kindness” becomes evident right away. Shylock informs Antonio that they can immediately go to a notary (a legal official who will serve as their witness) and sign the contract. Shylock will not charge any interest for the loan. Instead, if Antonio fails to pay back the 3000 ducats in three months…
… let the forfeit Be nominated for an equal pound
Of your fair flesh to be cut off and taken In what part of your body pleaseth me.
(144-47)
Shylock intends that thepound of fleshthat he will cut from Antonio will be directly from Antonio’s heart, and Antonio is well aware that Shylock is implying that Shylock intends to kill Antonio if the money is not repaid. Shylock’s intentions are not a secret: an actor portraying Shylock would probably have a sinister smile on his face and might even be rubbing his hands in anticipation of ending the life of his adversary.
Antonio, nevertheless, agrees to the terms of the contract; and he ironically adds that he will “say there is much kindness in the Jew” (149). Of course, Antonio knows that there is no kindness at all in Shylock. But he informs Bassanio that he will have several times more than 3000 ducats in less thantwomonthstime.Thus,Antoniohasnofear