You take my life when you do take the means whereby I live

You take my life when you do take the means whereby I live

The line "You take my life when you do take the means whereby I live" is spoken by Portia in William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice". In this scene, Portia is disguised as a male lawyer and is trying to save Antonio from the cruel and vengeful Shylock, who demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as payment for a loan.

This line is a powerful statement that reflects the deep emotional and moral conflict that Portia is facing in this moment. By saying that taking the means whereby she lives is equivalent to taking her life, Portia is highlighting the importance of justice and mercy over strict adherence to the law. She is arguing that if Shylock takes Antonio's flesh, he is essentially taking away his livelihood and therefore his life.

This line also speaks to the larger themes of the play, such as the nature of justice, mercy, and the consequences of greed and revenge. Throughout the play, Shakespeare explores the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas that arise when individuals are faced with difficult choices.