How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Norton Shakespeare edition.
Quote #10
SHYLOCK
I pray you, give me leave to go from hence;
I am not well; send the deed after me
And I will sign it. (4.1.23)
Shylock has been stripped of absolutely everything, and he leaves the court to return to a life of lonely isolation. Depending on one's view of justice, and Shylock's original intentions, this is a fitting end. But if the play is about mercy, then Shylock's resolution is a note missing from the final chord. To simply cast Shylock out of the play is a dissatisfying ending for this central character.