There are many famous sayings that originate in the Merchant of Venice. Choose one of the sayings listed below and write a brief essay (2-3 paragraphs) explaining what the quote means in the context of the play and what relevance it has to today's life, or why it is so often repeated even now.
"The quality of mercy is not strained./It droppeth as gentle rain from heaven/upon the place beneath." (Portia, Act IV, Scene 1, Lines 190-193)
"Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?" (Shylock, Act III, Scene 1, Lines 58-60)
"Yes, truly, for look you, the sins of the father are to be laid upon the children." (Lancelet, Act III, Scene 5, lines 1-2)
"How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a naughty world." (Portia, Act V, Scene 1, Lines 118-119)