Discuss two ways in which dramatic tension is built during the trial.

The merchant of Venice trial scene, Shakespear used different dramatic tensions.

In the case of shylock and Antonio. Shylock persisted to get his bond from Antonio which makes him more evil and villainous than how audience thought. Antonio calls Bossanio to give him his last words because audience thought he will be killed by the shylock. The tension build here, is the audience are unsure if shylock will have mercy on Antonio and spare his life or if he will kill him.

Duke who is against Shylock in the trial persuades shylock to spare the life of Antonio then shylock insists on getting his bond. The tension build is the audience understands how shylock is determined to receive his bond from Antonio. Shylock is offered 6000 Ducats and he refuses to take the money.