The Merchant of Venice: Key Quotes

The Merchant of Venice: Key Quotes

Shylock’s Key Quotes

  • “I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes?”: This passionate monologue is Shylock’s powerful defence against anti-Semitism, appealing to the shared humanity of Jews and Christians.
  • “If you prick us, do we not bleed?”: Here, Shylock symbolically uses the metaphor of blood to represent shared human nature, regardless of religion or race.
  • “The pound of flesh which I demand of him is dearly bought. ‘Tis mine, and I will have it”: Shylock’s insistence on revenge shows his firm resolve, demonstrating unyielding adherence to the law of the bond.

Antonio’s Key Quotes

  • “I am as like to call thee so again, To spet on thee again, to spurn thee too.”: These words show Antonio’s deep-seated prejudice against Shylock and Jews in general. His bluntness depicts disregard for Shylock’s feelings or dignity.
  • “The Duke cannot deny the course of law”: Antonio’s statement emphasises the importance of upholding the law, suggesting his readiness to face the consequences.

Portia’s Key Quotes

  • “The quality of mercy is not strained.”: In her plea to Shylock to show mercy to Antonio, Portia explores the nature and power of mercy, suggesting it’s a divine attribute and rises above the strict implementation of law.
  • “Who chooseth me, must give and hazard all he hath.”: These words, inscribed on the lead casket, symbolise Portia’s perception of true love. Whoever chooses the casket (and by extension, Portia) should be ready to risk everything.

Theme-Related Key Quotes

Appearance vs Reality

  • “All that glisters is not gold”: This phrase is taken from the inscription of the golden casket. It encapsulates the play’s exploration of misleading appearances, a theme that recurrently appears in the characters’ actions and decisions.

Love vs Material Wealth

  • “I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.”: Shylock uses commercial language to express his disdain for the Christian characters, suggesting that he views relationships in terms of profits and losses.

Justice vs Mercy

  • “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven”: Through these words, Portia expresses the view of mercy as a powerful and divine quality, more commendable than revenge or strict adherence to law.

Prejudice and Hatred

  • “Hath a dog money? Is it possible a cur can lend three thousand ducats?”: Shylock’s rhetorical question reflects the discrimination and humiliation he experiences, stirring empathy for his character and accentuating the theme of prejudice.

Character Development Key Quotes

  • Portia: “O me, the word ‘choose!’ I may neither choose whom I would nor refuse whom I dislike; so is the will of a living daughter curb’d by the will of a dead father.”: This quote shows Portia’s initial powerlessness in choosing her husband and her resentment of the constraints upon her.
  • Bassanio: “To you, Antonio, I owe the most, in money and in love”: Bassanio’s statement to Antonio emphasises his indebtedness and gratitude, shaping our understanding of their intimate friendship and Bassanio’s loyalty.

Remember that understanding the context and significance of these quotes will not only help you build character analysis but will also support your exploration of the play’s themes.