figure with a tremendously strong and vital spirit who opposes both Shylock and what Antonio believes is a verdict of fate. In Act IV Portia becomes theprotagonistof the main plot.
Before Portia arrives in Venice, the Duke asks Shylock to reconsider his determination to take the pound of flesh. He asks Shylock for a show of “mercy” (19).
Shylock, though, remains stubborn. He realizes that he is being illogical and tells the Duke that he is motivated by his “humour” (42). During the Middle Ages people in England believed that erratic behavior in humans was causedbyan excess of one of four bodily fluids calledhumours: sanguine, choler, melancholy, and phlegm. Shylock specifically is suggesting the first of these: asanguinaryperson is often depicted as violent and being eager for bloodshed. Shakespeare depicts Shylock, then, as a person who is overwhelmed by his passions and emotions.Innearly every play Shakespeare reveals that in theconflict of Reason vs. Emotion, if the emotion is extraordinarily intense, then it will defeat any and all reason. Since Shylock is beyond reason, the words of the Duke are wasted onhim.
Shakespeare, through the character of Shylock, explains that many men often act irrationally for what seems to be very slight or insubstantial causes: