By the end of the trial scene, do you think true justice and mercy was achieved? Reflect and write on the following questions:
‍1. Is there true justice? Why?
‍2. Is there true mercy, as expounded by Portia? Why?
‍3. Justice and Law can be manipulated by people in power. Comment on this with reference to the text and other real-life cases and examples.

1. I feel that there is definitely no true justice being meted out in the Merchant of Venice. Firstly, I feel that that pound of flesh Antonio "owes" Shylock should be paid and given to Shylock and that Antonio should die, with respect to the fact that Antonio knows that he is going to die when he sign the bond with Shylock, if he is not able to return the money in time. However, Shylock did not get what he should get but instead got forced to change his religion, and share his fortune. This is definitely not justice as Shylock had indeed lent the 3000 ducats to Antonio, stating in the bond that he will take a pound of flesh from Antonio if he could not repay, but instead of that, Shylock becomes a victim to his bond and loses more than 3000 ducats.

2. I feel that there is no true mercy expounded by Portia. In the case of Merchant of Venice, even if there should be mercy to be given, it should and could only be from Shylock as he is the person who lent out the 3000 ducats and mercy, in this case, could be given if Shylock forgave Antonio. However, even if he did not, it is justified. In the case of Portia giving Shylock "mercy", I feel that it is just a play of words on Portia's part, as she twists the fact in the text, making Shylock guilty instead. This is definitely mercy as Shylock should not even be punished in this case and forcing him to change his religion and share his fortune can never be justified, in my eyes.

3. I agree to this statement to a certain extent. In the third world country where the pay of people in power is not that high, it is often seen that these people do illegal things like embezzlement to earn more money and not get caught just because they are the ones who set the law in the country. This is definitely not justified as their people work extremely hard to earn meagre sums of money while they just embezzle, to get the money, without even working hard.

Also, in the text, justice and law is obviously manipulated by people in power, or should we say, educated people. As Portia imitates as a scholar, the Duke and the people naturally believes that what she says is true, and thus, she is able to twist the fact that that Antonio should die, with a pound of flesh given to Shylock, to the fact that Shylock is guilty.

However, in developed countries like Singapore, law and justice is definitely not manipulated by people in power as the citizens are all diplomatic and educated and would definitely voice out their displessures, leaving no chance for the people in power to twist and turn facts.