At the end of The Merchant of Venice, several key events unfold that resolve the central conflicts of the play. After a dramatic courtroom scene where Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, seeks to claim a pound of flesh from Antonio, the Christian merchant, Portia, disguised as a young lawyer, cleverly argues that Shylock is entitled to his bond of flesh but cannot spill any blood. This legal loophole leads to Shylock’s defeat.
Furthermore, Shylock is stripped of half of his wealth and forced to convert to Christianity, a punishment that reflects the play’s themes of mercy and justice. Antonio, however, shows mercy towards Shylock by allowing him to keep half of his wealth and granting him a life annuity, displaying a spirit of compassion despite personal grievances.
Aside from the courtroom drama, the play concludes with a series of romantic reconciliations. Bassanio and Portia are reunited, along with their friends Gratiano and Nerissa, who also reconnect. In a lighthearted turn, Portia and Nerissa, in their disguises, playfully ask for their husbands’ rings—a test of fidelity. The play ends on a note of celebration and harmony, highlighting the themes of love, mercy, and friendship that permeate the narrative.