Act III Scene 3
Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers – Act III, Scene 3
In Act III, Scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice, the intensity of the play escalates as Shylock remains resolute in his demand for Antonio’s pound of flesh. This scene highlights Shylock’s unyielding pursuit of justice, or rather revenge, as he refuses to show mercy despite repeated pleas. Antonio’s helplessness is laid bare as he acknowledges the inevitability of his fate, convinced that Shylock’s hatred for him overrides any hope for compassion. The Duke’s attempts to reason with Shylock prove futile, revealing the limitations of the law when it is wielded without humanity.
This part of the play underscores themes of mercy versus justice and the consequences of prejudice and vengeance. Antonio’s resigned attitude not only builds sympathy for his character but also sets the stage for the dramatic courtroom confrontation to come. Shylock, on the other hand, is portrayed with a cold, almost mechanical insistence on legal rights, which emphasizes the tension between strict justice and ethical morality. The scene prepares the audience for the legal and emotional battles ahead while reinforcing the tragic undercurrents of the narrative.
