“The Quality of Mercy: Question and Answers pdf” from The Merchant of Venice is a powerful and moving plea for mercy. The speech is delivered by Portia, who is disguised as a male lawyer, in defense of Antonio, who has been accused of failing to repay a loan to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Read More Class 10 English Question and Answers.
Quality of Mercy Question and Answers
Question 1.
Why does the speaker say, ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’?
Answer:
The speaker says the quality of mercy is not strained because he is of the opinion that mercy is a natural attribute of human beings. That is why he compares mercy with the gentle rain from heaven.
Question 2.
What is meant by ‘mercy seasons justice’?
OR
What happens when mercy is tempered with justice?
Answer:
The phrase ‘mercy seasons justice’ can be interpreted in different ways as the word ‘seasons’ has different meanings. It can mean flavours, tempers, enhances, etc. Interestingly all meanings fit the context. It can be said that justice gets enhanced and becomes more attractive if it goes hand-in-hand with mercy. If the judgement, even if it is the right one, is too harsh, it should be made more moderate or temperate with mercy.
Question 3.
‘Mercy is the mightiest of the mightiest’. How does the poet justify this?
Answer:
Mercy is the mightiest of the mightiest because its power is mightier than all the other powers that a king can boast of. The throne, the crown and the scepter are all symbols of power of the king. But all these signs of power lose their importance as they speak of merely earthly power. The earthly power is short-lived. Mercy should have its place of prominence in the heart of the king as it makes the king God-like.
“The Quality of Mercy” is a beautiful and inspiring speech that has much to teach us about ourselves and the world around us. It is a reminder that we should all strive to be merciful in our own lives, even when it is difficult.