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Source identified
“The quality of mercy is not strained.”

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?

Portia begins by arguing that real mercy cannot be forced; its moral value comes from being freely given rather than mechanically compelled.

Source context

Where does it come from?

The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1; opening of Portia’s mercy speech during the trial.

Primary / edition source ↗

Voice attribution

Who voices the line?

Fictional character · Portia. Portia begins the mercy speech in The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1, while disguised as the learned doctor Balthazar.

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

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