The Merchant of Venice

1) I am sorry for you; You’ve come to answer a stony adversary, an inhuman wretch, uncapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy.(Duke)

Note: The Duck’s statement reflects that Shylock is a greedy and cruel merchant.

2) You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of (carrion) flesh than to receive three thousand ducats(货币单位), what if my house be troubled with a rat, and I be pleased to give ten ducats to have it banned.(Shylock)(P40)

Note: The figure of speech in this statement is analogy.

3) Not on the sole, but on the soul.(P43)

Note: The figure of speech in this sentence is pun.

4) The quality of mercy is not strained. It drops as the gentle rain from heaven…It blesses him that gives and him that takes. It is mightiest of the mightiest. (Portia: P46)

Note: Portia persuades Shylock to show his mercy to Antonio. The figure of speech in this statement is simile.

5) A Daniel come to judgment. (Shylock P47)

Note: The word Daniel frequents in the excerpt. It means a wise man full of wisdom.

6) But little, I am armed and well prepared. … fare you well (farewell). Don’t grieve that I am fallen to this for you. (Antonio: P48) / Antonio, I am married to a wife which is as dear to me as life itself. But life itself, my wife, and all the world are not with me esteemed above your life. (P49 Bassanio)

Note: Antonio is trying to comfort Bassanio. The statement above reflects the true friendship between them.

7) Your wife would give you little thanks for that.(P49 Portia)

Note: The figure of speech here is irony.

8) Two things provided more: He presently become a Christian; The other, of all he dies possessed upon his son and his daughter. (P53 Antonio)

Note: The statement above is the end of judgment: Shylock has to change his religion.

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