Both Uses of
attribute
in
The Merchant of Venice
- His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,Scene 4.1 *attribute = characteristiceditor's notes: This is part of Portia's famous monologue that begins, "The quality of mercy is not strained." Here Portia is explaining that a king's sceptre (stick decorated with precious metal and gems) represents his earthly power of which others are in awe. Portia goes on in the monologue to say that mercy is even greater than such kingly power because it is like Godly power. He finished by telling Shylock that people with early power can exhibit Godly power by mixing mercy with justice.
- But mercy is above this sceptred sway,
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.Scene 4.1attribute = characteristic
Definitions:
-
(1)
(attribute as in: It is an attribute of...) a characteristic (of something or someone)
-
(2)
(attribute as in: I attribute it to...) to credit (a source for something)in two typical senses:
- "I attribute it to her work." -- to say who or what made something happen
- "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." -- indicate the source of a quotation or idea