Question Constellation Sign up for free OCR · GCSE · English Literature · Higher
Mercy as more important than justice
Section B: Shakespeare. The Merchant of Venice. Choose ONE question. You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section. In this extract, Portia, disguised as a lawyer, explains why Shylock should not demand the forfeit for his bond.
Explore the ways in which Shakespeare presents mercy as more important than justice. Refer to this extract from Act 4 Scene 1 and elsewhere in the play.
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Marking points
- 1 Explores mercy and justice in the extract and elsewhere in the play.
- 2 Uses textual references from the extract and wider play.
- 3 Analyses imagery, dramatic control of the trial scene and structural contrasts.
- 4 Uses relevant context about religion, justice, authority or anti-Semitism.
- 5 Writes accurately enough for SPaG credit.
Why this answer loses marks
Portia says mercy is good and Shylock wants justice.
This catches the basic contrast but does not analyse the speech, trial structure, wider play links or relevant religious context.