ENGLISH-1ST PAPER- POETRY(XI) POEM-1

Poem-1

                                                                       Mercy                     -William Shakespeare

                                                                                                                        (1564 - 1616)

Central idea

“To error is human

To forgiver is divine

Mercy is the noblest

From of justice.”

            The poem Mercy is taken from Shakespeare play the Merchant Of Venice. In it Portia is trying to change the mind of shylock . She requests him to be merciful on Antonio. She says that Mercy is noble and natural quality of man. It can’t be forced. It flows freely from the heart of the man as the rain falls freely from the sky upon the earth.

            It has double blessing-given and taken. Both are benefited by it. It makes a king better than his crown. The rod of kings shows worldly power but Mercy shows moral power. It is also a special quality of God.

The decision of a king becomes divine and popular when mercy is mixed in to justice.

Explanation

1.The quality ……………………………………………………………………………….mightiest.

Reference: These lines have been taken from the poem Mercy composed by William Shakespeare, A Great Dramatist of his time.

Context: Here Portia appeals Shylock to show mercy on Antonio. She also tells him the importance of mercy highly.

Explanation: In this poem Portia tells Shylock that Mercy is noble and natural quality of man’s life. So he should be merciful and show it on Antonio.

            She reminds that no one can be forced to be merciful in the world. It is like gentle rain which comes from sky on the earth slowly. In the same way mercy also flows freely from the heart of the man. It has double blessing in it self. As giver and taker both gets benefits from it.

It is also the most important quality of a powerful person. His power became a boon for the people if he is kind hearted and humble in life.

Note: There is a fine use of simile in the line-‘It dropped as the gentle rain from haven upon the place beneath.’

2.But Mercy………………………………………………………………………………..justice.

Reference-context: Previous.

Explanation: In these last lines Portia says that the place of mercy is greater than the rule of king. It is also superior to the crown or the royal rod of authority. It is found in the heart of king. It is a special virtue of God.

            Justice is very hard but when a king or any judge deeds any matter and mercifully his decision becomes very popular and acceptable. People remember such a man for a long time in the world.

Note: There is a fine use of simile in the line-‘And earthly power doth then shows likest God.’