The idea of ​​mercy is important in The Merchant of Venice because it highlights the contrast between the Venetian Christian society and the alien invader, depicted 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 reaches its climax. My thesis is that the contrast between (and the equation of) mercy and vengeance in the trial scene reveals the true nature of Venetian society: uncertain, hypocritical and vengeful. Mercy is clearly of the greatest importance to Christians in this text. He is only mentioned in the trial scene by two characters: the Duke (3 times) and Portia, in the guise of the lawyer Balthazar, (10 times). Mercy is never mentioned by Shylock, implying that he either does not believe in it or that he sees a hidden motive behind the Christians' insistence that he be merciful to Antonio. By examining 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 to their true value system. Mercy can be defined as “kind, caring treatment that you show to someone, especially when you forgive them or do not punish them.” This is a Christian value associated with the New Testament, thus contrasting with the Old Testament religion of Shylock and its image of a more severe and vengeful God. In the first half of the trial, mercy and revenge oppose each other. The Duke appeals to Shylock to be merciful as if he shares their Christian values ​​- Shylock, the world thinks, and I think it too, that you are only directing this fashion of your wickedness towards... in the middle paper.... ...is necessary to become a Christian. Shylock thinks he might as well be dead. No, take my life and everything, don't forgive me. You take my house, when you take the accessory that supports my house: you take my life, when you take the means by which I am. live. IV.i.370-373.For Christians, therefore, mercy has different meanings and uses in this scene of trial. It is used to try to tempt Shylock into recognizing 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 take away all his economic power , religious and racial. . This abuse of mercy also reveals that Venetian society is power-hungry, hypocritical in its use of Christian values ​​for secular purposes, and vengeful. Mercy, and its uses and misuses, turn out to have far greater power than it appears at first glance..