Discuss how the trial scene reveals and resolves the conflict between justice and
mercy
in merchant
of venice.

The conflict was only partially resolved

Explanation:

The Trial Scene (Act IV, Scene 1) of Shakespeare’s play ‘The Merchant of Venice‘ disclosed a dispute between justice and mercy. While Shylock beg for justice, Portia, pretend to be as Balthazar pitches for mercy.

Antonio and Bassanio had made an agreement with Shylock while taking a loan for Bassanio’s visit to Belmont. If Antonio would defult the repayment the three thousand ducats in time, Shylock would get the money back by all means from Antonio. Antonio couldn't pay Shylock in time because of the announcement of shipwrecks in the midst of seas. This situation was an opportunity for Shylock to get back at Antonio for all the insult and hatred he and his race had witnessed for so long in the hands of the Christians and especially the one he witnessed and suffered in the hands of Antonio.

The disagreement was only partially settled by the clever judgement of Portia. Shylock was allowed to get his bond, his justice. But, since “a pound of flesh” was mentioned in the bond, Portia granted him to cut one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body though without shedding a drop of blood. This caused Shylock not to be able to proceed further and gets bound by the complications of laws.