Dramatic Tension in the Trial Scene of The Merchant of Venice

How does Shakespeare create dramatic interest for the audience in the trial scene, Act 4 scene 1 in ‘The Merchant of Venice’? In the trial scene (act 4 scene 1), Shakespeare uses many different dramatic techniques to make the tension in the court room rise and build. He also uses dramatic irony and many other techniques to engage an audience in this particular scene in the play. These techniques would work have worked on an Elizabethan audience or a modern day audience. Although, these two eras do not share the same views on some of the things Shakespeare wrote about, the same mood and ideas are given across through Shakespeare’s use of dramatic techniques. The previous knowledge which the audience holds about the previous acts and†¦show more content†¦The Duke, as head of the court is meant to be impartial to the decision, but because of the deed which has been made, and the fact that Shylock is a Jew, he is biased towards Antonio, as would an Edwardian, Christian audience. They would obviously have anti-Semitic feelings towards Shylock because he is a Jew. The Duke is an important character and is against Shylock in the trial and tries to make Shylock spare Antonio’s life, yet when he tries to persuade Shylock into sparing Antonio’s life, Shylock will not listen and insists on receiving his bond. This makes the tension build because the audience soon begins to understand just how severely determined Shylock is to receive his bond from Antonio. 6000 Ducats is offered to Shylock, yet he still will not take the money. Shylock is exceedingly determined to get his flesh off Antonio. Money is an extremely important part of Shylock’s life, yet still does not take the money from Bassanio and Gratiano, which shows that he is deadly serious and will receive his bond. He makes a very clear fact that he will not have the money, but he will have his bond. The audience would soon begin to wonder when Antonio’s death will occur, because it is starting to look like a certainty. Shylock says that the amount is meaningless. If he were offered thirty-sixShow MoreRelatedHow Is Dramatic Tension Created in the Trial Scene of the Merchant of Venice?2045 Words   |  9 PagesHow does Shakespeare create dramatic interest for the audience in the trial scene, Act 4 scene 1 in ‘The Merchant of Venice? In the trial scene (act 4 scene 1), Shakespeare uses many different dramatic techniques to make the tension in the court room rise and build. He also uses dramatic irony and many other techniques to engage an audience in this particular scene in the play. These techniques would work have worked on an Elizabethan audience or a modern day audience. 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