Which Shakespeare character reminds Shylock that 'the quality of mercy is not strain'd'?

Which Shakespeare character reminds Shylock that 'the quality of mercy is not strain'd'?

• A. Rosencrantz
• B. Portia
• C. Antony
• D. Caliban

Answer: (B)

The line is spoken by Portia during the courtroom scene in The Merchant of Venice, when she is disguised as a learned judge. She uses the moment to elevate mercy above strict justice, saying that mercy is freely given and cannot be strained or forced. Its gentle, heavenly nature is meant to temper Shylock’s demand for the bond and remind everyone that mercy blesses both giver and receiver. The other names come from different plays and contexts, so they don’t fit this moment.

The line is spoken by Portia during the courtroom scene in The Merchant of Venice, when she is disguised as a learned judge. She uses the moment to elevate mercy above strict justice, saying that mercy is freely given and cannot be strained or forced. Its gentle, heavenly nature is meant to temper Shylock’s demand for the bond and remind everyone that mercy blesses both giver and receiver. The other names come from different plays and contexts, so they don’t fit this moment.