The notions of mercy, repentance and forgiveness in shakespearean plays, measure for measure, the tempest, and the merchant 0 venice and in Joseph s story in the Bible and the Holy Qur 'an

Abstract EN

The present study endeavoured to identify situational similarities in the above-cited Shakespearean plays, in Genesis' Joseph and in the Chapter of Joseph in the Holy Qur'an with special reference to some diametrical notions, such as good and evil; mercy and justice; reason and passion.

The focal point of discussion encompassed the commission of a sin and its repercussion.

In fact, the discussion revolves around two-dimensional concepts of.

mercy, i.e.

"God-like mercy" and "devilish mercy" and their impact on sinners.

[f a sinner repents over the commission of a sin and the wronged party forgives him, it is called "God-like mercy".

On the other hand, if the harmed party makes some conditional bargaining with the wrongdoer to grant mercy, it is called "devilish mercy".

Several instances of similarities in the Genesis' Joseph, in the Chapter of Joseph in the Holy Qur'an and in the Shakespearean three plays are identified in terms of the main plot, the committing of sins succeeded by repentance, having feelings of mercy and finally granting forgiveness