An analysis of Portias speech with regards to the essential differences between mercy and justice in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

An analysis of Portias speech with regards to the essential differences between mercy and justice in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. Mercy is compassionate treatment, while justice is the administration of law. Justice may not necessary include mercy.Mercy is natural. Portia says that the "quality of mercy is not strained", it is not a forced effort but something that one already possesses. Mercy cannot be forced by anyone; it is something that one must come up within himself. Like how "gentle rain" cannot be created artificially, it is sincere.Mercy also benefits the merciful. Portia says that "earth power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons justice", implying that man can only become like God when he is merciful.Mercy is something that is powerful. Portia says, "scepter[s] shows the force of temporal power...but mercy is above this sceptered sway", symbolizing that mercy is more powerful than mere symbols of earthly power, i.e. the crown and the scepter.Mercy is forgiving. Portia points out that God is merciful, and forgives us for our sins, and "in the course of justice none of us should see salvatio n".Antonio reproaching Shylock (characters from Willi...Only with the mercy of God would they be delivered.Mercy is reciprocal, and "twice blest", bringing good tidings to both "him that gives and him that takes".Portia says that mercy is divine, as it "droppeth...from heaven" and "an attribute to God himself". Mercy is a heavenly quality, a sacred virtue and he who has this characteristic becomes "likest God". It is like "gentle rain from heaven".Mercy is fair treatment to others. For example, the Duke asks Shylock to "forgive a moiety of the principal", sympathising with Antonio as he has lost money in his wrecked investments.Justice is strict and condemning, as the place where justice is practised is described as the "strict court of Venice". Portia asks Shylock to "mitigate...thy plea", exemplifying how justice is indeed harsh.Justice is...

A Little Fox Never Hurt Anyone

A Little Fox Never Hurt Anyone A Little Fox Never Hurt Anyone A Little Fox Never Hurt Anyone By Kate Evans We all know that good looking women are described as foxy. But foxes, with their rusty color and reputation for craftiness, can be used in many other colorful, unique, and descriptive expressions. For example, A foxs sleep is when one feigns indifference while keeping a close eye on someone. A wise fox will never rob his neighbors hen-roost, meaning a thief should steal from people far from home so as not to get caught. Theres my personal favorite, I gave him a flap with a fox-tail, which means that I made a fool of someone. To set a fox to keep the geese would be someone who trusts those who should clearly not be trusted with important tasks. If its a case of the fox and the grapes, then someone really wants something, cant obtain it, so they pretend they never wanted it in the first place. And of course, theres the often relevant when a fox preaches, take care of your geese. So, go off and flap someone with a fox-tail or just try and work one of these expressions into your next short story! Apollo Theater, Ms. Brown had the limo pull to a stop before a 100-foot-long Chyna Doll billboard, featuring a very foxy Foxy, clad only in a blue feather bikini. (www.nytimes.com) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:45 Synonyms for â€Å"Food†Awoken or Awakened?Ulterior and Alterior