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The Merchant of Venice in Modern Terms

Activity: Have the students translate the speech below into their own words, encouraging the use of slang, colloquialisms, or regional jargon.

 

Portia: “The quality of mercy is not strain’d, 
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless’d; 
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: 
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown; 
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, 
The attribute to awe and majesty, 
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; 
But mercy is above this sceptred sway; 
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, 
It is an attribute to God himself; 
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, 
Though justice be thy plea, consider this, 
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; 
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea; 
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence ‘gainst the merchant there” (4.1.184–205)

 

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What's On

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The Taming of the Shrew

June 19 - September 7, 2024

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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The 39 Steps

June 22 - October 5, 2024

Randall L. Jones Theatre

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Henry VIII

June 17 - September 5, 2024

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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The Winter's Tale

June 18 - September 6, 2024

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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RADA 2024 Production

July 30-August 3, 2024

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

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The Mountaintop

July 13 - October 5, 2024

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

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Silent Sky

July 12 - October 5, 2024

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

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Much Ado About Nothing

June 21 - October 5, 2024

Randall L. Jones Theatre

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