The Last Scene in The Merchant Of Venice Essay

Prompt: In what ways does the last scene draw together the central concerns of the play?

Shakespeares Merchant of Venice has long been revered for its clever and witty use of language but it is Shakespeares handling of the central concerns of the play that earn him the highest regard. The play delves somewhat playfully into issues of friendship, fortune, faithfulness, and family, while weaving in weightier matters such as hatred, greed and vengeance. While these issues are largely resolved in the trial scene, the contrasting values of love, generosity, and keeping ones word become the final messages of the play.

The final scene set in serene Belmont, opens with Lorenzo and Jessicas playful banter. Their references reflect the harmonious nature of love (Troilus climbs a wall longing for Cressida, Dido summons her lover, and Medea gathers enchanted herbs for Aeson). But, while their shared repetitions of In such a night reflect balance and unity they also hint at tragedy and loss. The audience would have understood the dark side of their allusions (Cressida betrays Troilus, Aenas deserts Dido, and Medea leaves Aeson). Thus, although Shakespeare has left room for his audience to come to their own conclusions, the love and harmony exhibited in the final scene does remain in stark contrast to the racial hatred displayed in the trial scene.

As Lorenzo continues his discussion with Jessica he turns to the subject of music (Let the sounds of music creep in our ears.the touches of sweet harmony). He reminds the audience that mortals are merely imperfect humans (this muddy vesture of clay) and urges Jessica to appreciate music more saying that any man who does not value it must be villainous and untrustworthy. This may have been a slight against Shylock who had previously dismissed music as shallow foppery but it also plays a larger role of contrasting human discord with heavenly harmony.

Likewise, Portias first words in the final scene compare the relative value of things that appear equal outwardly. She contrasts a substitute king to a true king and an inland river to the sea noting so doth the greater glory dim the less. This serves to remind the audience of the differences between men; that some have true inner worth while others do not and true value will rise to the fore. Yet, even here there is a caution; Portia notes that it is in mans mind that value is determined Nothing is good, I see, without respect. She may be reflecting upon the fact that Bassanio was not what he originally portrayed himself to be when courting her or that he gave up his ring too easily to the young lawyer. Regardless, Portias words reflect Shakespeares belief in the fickleness of human thinking and the audience is left to ponder if absolute value is knowable or even possible. This central doubt is left unanswered.

The issue of greed is contrasted in the final scene when Portia instructs Nerissa to hand over the letter to Lorenzo which gives him half of Shylocks wealth; she does so without a fee. This is a small gesture, of course, but in contrast to Shylocks usury, it serves to reinforce the value of giving all things freely. The restoration of Antonios fortune is also seen as a reward from heaven for his life-long habit of giving generously to others.

The final scene also highlights forgiveness. After playing a bit with the men, Portia and Nerissa forgive their husbands for giving away the rings they swore they wouldnt, and Portia even extracts an even stricter promise of fidelity from Bassanio (with Antonios soul as bond). Portia shows Bassanio the very mercy she spoke of during the trial and is likewise blessed as the giver as she looks forward to her future with her true love.

The Merchant of Venices tragic scenes explore base human vices. But tragedy gives way to comedy in the final scene in the lovely city of Belmont underscoring the opposite values. Hatred has given way to harmony, greed to generosity, and punishment to pardon. Indeed, the final word of the play uttered by Nerissa is ring which symbolizes the protection of what truly matters, ones word.