What does this quote mean for the Merchant of Venice.?

Question

The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath.
(4.1.191), Portia

Answer 1

Just as the rain drops softly on the earth below, then true mercy dispenses amicably and unobtrusively on the chosen recipient.

In Mercy I also think that there is an element of non exclusiveness. Rain waters everything under it, so Mercy will also spread its influence on everyone else in the environment.

When Mercy is spoken of as coming from above, to me it infers that it is a superior quality that is being bestowed gratuously on all and sundry below. I think that this would be a fair appraisal of The Merchant of Venice.

Answer 2

If you have to work at it, it isn't mercy. Mercy comes naturally.