Shylock is a notorious moneylender and a great enemy of Antonio due to racial, religious and professional causes. He was always in search of a chance of taking revenge from Antonio. Shylock gets a moment of triumph when Bassanio comes to borrow money from him for three months on the credit of Antonio. Hence as per condition put by Shylock, Antonio signs a bond authorising Shylock to take one pound flesh from his body if he fails to repay the debt in three months.

By chance Antonio’s ships do not return and the time of bond has expired. Thus Shylock gets a chance to take revenge.

In the court Shylock is adamant on the condition of the bond and nothing could soften his heart. Antonio also has no hope and boldly prepares to meet his doom. But at the same time Portia ía disguised advocate) pleads the case on behalf of Antonio. All her appeals and even the appeal of mercy failed.

Then Portia allows Shylock to take one pound of flesh from Antonio’s body but without shedding even a single drop of blood as per bond. At this Shylock is perplexed. So he leaves his adamancy and goes on to be softer and softer. When the advocate grants him nothing against the bond, he bows down and he himself appeals for mercy.

In the light of above description we can say that in reality it was the trial of Antonio. But in the end it proved to be the trial of Shylock. Thus Shylock who was most cruel and adamant person before the execution of bond, has become very forgiving and soft man ready to do anything he is asked.