Perspective In the trial Shylock represents the Jewish side in contrast to the Christian one in a matter of highest importance Justice Jewish Old Testament is confronted with Mercy Christian New Testament In the Christian view mercy is the decisive step after justice is reached Therefore the Christians in the courtroom urge mercy Beside the fact that Shylock as a Jew is not in duty to give mercy he is not able as well because for this you need love He doesn t find love at all but hate Shakespeare explains this in Shylock s monologue very clearly To be merciful despite the hate nevertheless you have to love your enemy New Testament That means in fact that the Christians in the courtroom urge Shylock to behave like a very true Christian by loving his enemies although they themselves failed even in loving just their neighbours the Jews in the past before Second person much 129 2 18 220