What punishment does antonio negotiate for shlock?

Answer 1

None. She was not the judge (although she is called a "judge" by the Duke, who is the real judge) and did not have the power to sentence Shylock. She did, however, advise the court that in her view Shylock fell under a statute which imposed a sentence of death or such lesser sentence as the court might see fit on an "alien" who made an attempt on the life of a citizen of Venice.

Answer 2

Portia had told the Duke that the punishment due to Shylock should be the death penalty. The Duke decides that he will substitute something a little less Draconian. The original punishment handed down by the Duke was that Antonio should get half of Shylock's money. If Shylock were humble with the court he would also have to pay a fine but be able to keep most of the rest of his money, otherwise the court would take all of the rest of his money.

Antonio persuades the Duke to substitute the following: Antonio still gets half the money but he will hold it in trust for the exclusive benefit of Lorenzo (who has married Jessica). Shylock can use the rest of the money but he must leave everything he has at his death to Lorenzo. Shylock also must convert to Christianity. The Duke likes this proposal so much he says Shylock must take it or die.

First Sentence: 1. Lose half money; 2. Small fine; 3. Humble bearing

Second Sentence: 1. Lose half money; 2. Lose power to make will; 3. Lose religion.

Clearly Antonio's sentence is much harsher than the one originally proposed by the Duke.

Answer 3

He would rather have the opportunity to kill Antonio than interest on the loan.

Answer 4

Shylock accuses him of being rude by calling Shylock a dog and spitting on him, and also of being bad for business by lending money without charging interest.