Act 4, Scene 1

1.) What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do? Showing mercy

2.) What does Shylock intend to do, and what reasons does he give for his decision? He wants to kill Antonio 

3.) Why must the law be allowed to stand ( why can't the judge dismiss this case)?
       Cause they have to follow the law. 
4.) Shylock is very clear about restrictions on the wording of the deed, how does Portia use these loopholes? She said the contract doesn't give any blood at all, the words expressly specify " a pound of flesh" if there's one drop of blood he'll be punished.

5.) What penalties does Shylock now have to pay? Are they fair? Why/why not.
       He wants the flesh not blood if there's one drop of blood he'll be punished, and he must follow the rules. I think it's fair, I don't know why.
6.) How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain the result?
     Shylock has forced his right for his will. Then they gain money. 
7.) What rewards have Portia claimed and why is this significant?
     A ring 8.) Portia tells Shylock 'The quality of mercy is not strained'. How does she try to persuade Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to show him ( line 345-362)
  Quote: The laws of Venice state that if a foreign resident directly or indirectly attempts to kill any citizen, the person he tried to kill will receive one-half of the foreigner’s goods. The other half goes to the state. Whether the offending person lives or dies is up to the duke—there’s no one else to appeal to. In your predicament, you’ve earned that punishment, because you’ve clearly contrived indirectly—and directly too—to take the life of the defendant. So get down on your knees and beg mercy from the duke.