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Source identified
“It is twice blest: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”

William Shakespeare · Fictional character · Portia

Source
The Merchant of Venice
Date
c. 1596
Attribution
Source identified
Voice / speaker
Fictional character · Portia
Meaning

What does this quote mean?

Mercy is described as reciprocal in effect: it helps the recipient, but it also changes the moral character of the person who chooses to give it.

Source context

Where does it come from?

The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1; Portia explains why mercy benefits both sides.

Primary / edition source ↗

Voice attribution

Who voices the line?

Fictional character · Portia. Portia says this in the same Act 4 trial speech in The Merchant of Venice.

The source author and the local speaker can be different, especially in fiction, drama, dialogue and poetry.

Attribution

How should this attribution be read?

This wording is connected with the named source shown above. Translations and editions can vary, so consult the source note when exact wording matters.

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Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation