In act four of The Merchant of Venice, we watch as Shylock tries, to no avail, to pursue his case against Antonio. Man, it's almost too hard to watch. Portia, dressed as a male lawyer, is merciless and brilliant in her pursuit of justice for Antonio. In the end, Shylock is not only sent away without payment (flesh or otherwise) but without his entire fortune.
What do you think about Shylock's sentence?
How do you feel about Portia after this scene?
How do you think Shakespeare's audience would view this scene?
