In Act 4, Scene 1 (pp. 78-79) Portia gives a speech about the mercy vs. justice ("The quality of mercy is not strained..."). Explain what Portia is saying about justice and mercy, and why is this important in the play?

In Portia's speech about justice and mercy she reveals a lot about her religious beliefs. Portia is saying in her speech that god is merciful to humans so we should be merciful to each other. She says, "Though justice be thy plea, consider this: that in the course of justice none of us should see salvation." When Portia says that she is saying that even though Shylock is wanting justice he will not be free of sin because what he is wanting is wrong. Portia clearly ties in a lot of things about god and how mercy is a characteristic of god. That means that if Shylock was to get justice he is breaking the rules of god. Portia also says, "We do pray for mercy, and that same prayer doth teaches all to render the deeds of mercy." I read that as she was saying we all pray for mercy which will teach us all how to have mercy for others.