Portia's Speech on Mercy

In this scene of The Merchant of Venice, Portia is arguing the case of Antonio vs. Shylock disguised as a man. In her speech, she is explaining why Shylock should have mercy on Antonio even though he is within his right to take a pound of flesh from him, even though it would be fatal to Antonio. She uses similes to get her point across that no one is forced to show mercy and that showing mercy is the right thing to do. In the lines, "The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes." In these lines, Portia is saying that mercy is never given out of compliance; it is given due to good will. Portia says that like a rainstorm, it just happens. She says that mercy not only blesses the recipient of mercy, but it also blesses the giver of mercy. Portia goes on to compare mercy to a king's crown and scepter and saying that mercy is the more powerful of the three. She also says mercy is most powerful when in the hands of the strongest of men. She says mercy is a trait that God himself has and although Shylock demands the flesh in the name of justice, Portia argues that Antonio should be spared in the name of mercy.
   In my research, I found an article on JSTOR by D Van Pelt that stated that the attribution of mercy to Catholicism and maliciousness to Judaism reflects society's thoughts on both groups during Shakespeare's lifetime. It shows the predisposition towards Christianity and the prejudice against Jews that existed during this time period. Van Pelt also states that later on in the play, Shylock is forced to convert to Christianity as one of his punishments. I agree with Van Pelt in that this is a very hypocritical move as it is not very merciful to force someone to denounce their own religion and convert to a religion they do not approve of.