The idea of ​​mercy is important in The Merchant of Venice because it provides a focus on the contrast between the Christian Venetian society and the alien invader, represented by Shylock. Mercy occupies a "central" position in the trial scene (IV.i.), where the power struggle between aristocratic Venetian society and the menacing force Shylock comes to a head. My thesis is that the contrast between (and the equation of) mercy and revenge in the trial scene reveals the true nature of Venetian society as insecure, hypocritical, and vindictive. Mercy is clearly of utmost importance to Christians in this text. He is mentioned in the trial scene by only two characters: the Duke (3 times) and Portia, in her guise as lawyer Balthazar, (10 times). Significantly mercy is never mentioned by Shylock, implying either that he does not believe in it, or that he sees a hidden motive behind the Christians' insistence that he should be merciful to Antony. By looking at what mercy means to Christians and how they use it in the trial scene, I will try to show how it acts as a mirror of their true value system. Mercy can be defined as "the kind and thoughtful treatment you show someone, especially when you forgive them or don't punish them." It is a Christian value associated with the New Testament, in contrast to Shylock's Old Testament religion and his image of a more severe and vengeful God. In the first half of the trial, mercy and revenge are contrasted. The Duke appeals to Shylock to be merciful as if he shares their Christian values ​​- Shylock the world thinks, and so do I, that you do nothing but lead this fashion of your mischief to... means of paper ... ..is necessary to become a Christian. Shylock feels he might as well be dead - No, take my life and all, don't forgive him, - You take my house, when you take the support That holds my house: you take my life When you take the means by which I live. IV.i.370-373.For Christians, then, mercy has different meanings and uses in this scene of trial. It is used to try to get Shylock to recognize Christian values ​​as superior to his own, to tempt him with the illusion of power if he accepts them, and when he refuses, to crush him and deprive him of all his economic, religious and racial power. . This abuse of mercy also reveals that Venetian society is greedy for power, hypocritical in the use of Christian values ​​for secular purposes, and vindictive. Mercy, and its uses and abuses, turn out to have much greater power than it seemed at first glance.