Can Mercy and Justice Coexist?

As we’ve discussed in class, one of the central themes of The Merchant of Venice is the concept of “mercy.” From Shylock’s resistance to grant mercy to Antonio, to Portia’s speech of the qualities of mercy in the courtroom, we receive different messages about when and where mercy is deserved. On the seemingly opposite side of mercy, there lies justice. While Shylock is motivated by his underlying desire for revenge upon Antonio, he argues for justice in court for the bond that Antonio has broken. Both Shylock and Antonio seem to have differing perspectives on how mercy should be given. Although they belong to different religions, there seems to be one common theme that the both the Christian and Hebrew Bibles teach about justice and mercy, and here’s the catch. Both men, who claim to be acting in alignment with the teachings of their religions, are disregarding the main message about mercy that is evident in both texts.

What does the Bible actually say about justice? The book of Deuteronomy, a book included in both the Christian and Hebrew Bibles, contains a set of sermons preached by Moses. In chapter 16, Moses gives directions to Israel about how to uphold justice within their towns. Deuteronomy 16:18 commands the Israelites to “appoint judges and officers” that will “judge the people with righteous judgment." He emphasizes the importance of justice a few lines later: “Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Deut. 16.20). Clearly, justice is important to God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were only able to be reconciled to God if they slaughtered a sacrificial lamb to cover their sins. There was no righteousness without justice. However, in Zechariah (another book that is included in both religious texts), mercy is used to describe justice: “‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another” (Zech. 7.9).

So how does the attribute of mercy exist within a God who so highly values justice, and how can mercy be a part of the definition of justice?

The importance of justice to God is what makes his mercy so much more compelling when it is given. We know that justice is what we deserve in our wrongdoings, but God’s radical, incomprehensible love is given to even the most undeserving. In Exodus, we see a prime example of the loving mercy of God towards a people who deserved justice. The Israelites disobey God’s commands only months after He helps them escape their enslavement in Egypt. Although their sins warrant justice through death, God grants them mercy: “The Lord relented from the disaster that He had spoken on bringing His people” (Ex. 32.14).

In analyzing The Merchant of Venice, Shylock’s desire for justice is often explained by his Jewish religion. However, it is clear that the God of the Jews also places great importance mercy. While Shylock had many valid reasons to resent Antonio, his lack of mercy is not acceptable just because it is disguised by a desire for justice.

Now, to Antonio. Although he shows partial mercy to Shylock by pardoning his life, he seeks revenge by forcing him convert to Christianity. Not to mention, by making him leave his inheritance to a daughter who betrayed him. His lack of mercy is not only counter to the teachings of Christianity, but hypocritical in the given situation.

After all of the hypocrisy and irony, what message about mercy and justice is The Merchant of Venice trying to convey? Well... this is why it is a problematic play on so many levels.