The Role of Justice in The Merchant of Venice


"And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?"
(3.1.66)


In The Merchant of Venice, central themes have been based on the concepts of justice, fairness, and prejudice. Justice plays a fairly large part in The Merchant of Venice, and it decides whether or not a certain consequence will be just. This concept can be used in the context of Antonio and Shylock's contract and how Antonio will pay back the loan in three months with either three thousand ducats or a pound of his flesh as a fair and just 'bond' for the interest-free money Shylock had given him previously, in which justice acts as a way to keep everything fair.

To start, Shylock wants to forget all the rough comments and actions Antonio has done to him by giving him the money with zero percent interest, shown in the line: "I would be friends with you and have your love, forget the shames that you have stained me with, supply your present wants and take no doit of usance for my moneys—and you’ll not hear me! This is kind I offer." (1.3.149-153)

While this might have sounded like a very kind offer, the stakes are even higher if Antonio does not pay Shylock back with three thousand ducats, with Shylock demanding a pound of Antonio's flesh if the money is not paid back, said in the line: 

 "Your single bond, and—in a merry sport—if you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are expressed in the condition, 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." (1.3.175-182)

Shylock, at first, states the bond for the unpaid money in a 'merry sport', where it almost seems like he doesn't think it'll actually come to a point where Antonio's flesh had a right to belong to him since Antonio was very wealthy at that time. However, things take a turn when it is revealed that Antonio's ships have wrecked along with his money has gone away and he can no longer pay back the loan. This leads to the pair going to court to settle the bond for Antonio, with Shylock insisting his bond in the line:

 "I’ll have my bond. I will not hear thee speak. I’ll have my bond, and therefore speak no more. I’ll not be made a soft and dull-eyed fool to shake the head, relent and sigh, and yieldo Christian intercessors. Follow not. I’ll have no speaking. I will have my bond." (3.3.13-18)

Moreover, Shylock had the right to demand a pound of Antonio's flesh because Antonio did not fulfill his side of the contract, serving justice for the both of them fairly. The role of justice can also be interpreted as some kind of revenge planned by Shylock towards Antonio, proven in the line: 

 "Signor Antonio, many a time and oft in the Rialto you have rated me about my moneys and my usances. Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, for sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, and spet upon my Jewish gaberdine—and all for use of that which is mine own." (1.3.104.111)

Furthermore, the act of wanting revenge is shown in the famous "I am a Jew" speech by Shylock and it shows how he feels he has the right to seek revenge/treat Christians the same way they treat him said in the line: 

 "Why, revenge. The villainy you teach me I will execute—and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction." (3.1.70-71)

In conclusion, the contract agreed on by both Shylock and Antonio is a perfect example of how justice has a major role in agreements and how an action has consequences if not met with the same means. The contract was fair and clear - three thousand ducats for the same amount of money or a pound of flesh. It served justice for both individuals; Antonio who couldn't return the money in three months despite his guarantee for the loan and Shylock who was constantly looked down upon by Antonio despite his interest-free loan.


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