“And if you wrong us, shall we not take revenge? » (3, 1, 59). In William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Antonio, a Christian, and Shylock, a Jew, hate each other and both have the opportunity to use the law to take revenge. While Shylock seeks revenge, Antonio demonstrates his capacity for mercy. Through their contrasting actions at court, Shakespeare shows that hatred and the quest for revenge lead to defeat. Due to religious and business conflicts, Shylock and Antonio hate each other. Shylock is angry with Antonio. When Bassanio has to borrow money on Antonio's credit, Shylock recognizes that Antonio is financially strong. However, he also sees the risks associated with Antonio's activities abroad. He asks to speak with Antonio, but maliciously refuses Bassanio's invitation to dine with them. His resentment toward Christians runs deep; he will do business with them, but nothing else. Once they meet, Shylock bitterly recounts Antonio's cruelty. Antonio limits his activity by lending money without interest; he even verbally insults him in front of other traders. Because Shylock is unable to openly defend himself against Antonio in a Christian society, his anger turns into hatred. He sees the loan as an opportunity to ruin Antonio. Shylock takes advantage of Antonio's confidence in his overseas business by demanding that he sign an unusual bond. If the loan is not repaid on time, Shylock can cut off a pound of Antonio's flesh as forfeiture. When Bassanio protests, Shylock insists that the connection is a joke. Under this guise of friendship, Shylock manipulates Antonio's life into his hands, revealing the true extent of his hatred. Antonio hates Shylock because he goes against Christian values. Antonio calls Shylock his... middle of paper ... who became a respectable member of Venetian society. Antonio's mercy toward Shylock reveals his ability to put aside his hatred and show humanity toward an enemy, thus proving his loyalty to Christian values. Both Shylock and Antonio have opportunities for revenge, but while Shylock pursues his vengeance until his downfall, Antonio's display of mercy reveals that he has matured emotionally. Through the contrasting fates of Shylock and Antonio, Shakespeare reveals that hatred and revenge can lead to downfall. Shylock and Antonio's mutual hatred causes them to antagonize each other. However, as Shylock's quest for revenge leads to his defeat, Antonio reasserts his moral superiority by giving Shylock an opportunity for redemption. Antonio's acts of mercy allow him to break away from the destructive cycles of hatred and revenge that once held him captive.: 1000