At the end of the trial in Merchant of Venice, justice and mercy were achieved.
Justice is fair and reasonable.
Mercy is the forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
Why has justice been achieved? Was it true justice?
Shylock was punished, although it was Portia who manipulated the law to make him look wrong, and not because he had borne evil intentions. Certainly in the law justice has been achieved. But Shylock had sealed the bond legally and in the end had not laid a finger on Antonio. Did he truly deserve to be punished like this? True justice was not achieved! Also, Antonio had some responsibility for taking the bond too. But no punishment was given to him too.
Mercy?
The Duke spared his life and Antonio did not take half of Shylock's wealth for himself. By sparing him of worst things, they showed mercy to him. However, they did not show him it out of pure compassion. They probably wanted Shylock to have a slow painful life. Hence Antonio made Shylock renounce Jewism. Mercy was shown, however this is not exactly true mercy.
