How Does Our Sympathy Change For Shylock During The Trial Scene?

Before the trial, Shakespeare has built up a good  deal of sympathy for Shylock through devices like his earlier 'Hath not a Jew eyes' speech, the unfair way the Christians treat him, the loss of his daughter etc. However, in the trial scene our sympathy shifts towards Antonio and his friends mainly because Shylock here appears cruel, vindictive and even to take pleasure in causing suffering. All the same, the audience is always aware that he is a victim too - of  prejudice and hatred - and perhaps never quite loses sympathy.

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