How Does Shakespeare Present Portia In Julius Caesar

How Does Shakespeare Present Portia In Julius Caesar
In Act II Scene I of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Portia became irritated with Brutus' impatient and
ill–tempered attitude toward her in the event of Brutus' internal conflicts over Caesar's rise to power.
Finally, after multiple incidents involving Brutus' actions, Portia snapped and delivered a speech in
an attempt to convince her husband to reveal his troubles. While it is Portia who delivered the
speech, she portrays that persona of someone who is exasperated and disappointed with her husband
in order to coerce him into confiding in her; she speaks in a harsher manner than normally would a
wife at this time in history due to her goal. She has a very specific audience: Brutus, her husband;
there are no other individuals to whom she is ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Firstly, Portia connects her speaker with her audience––her husband––by speaking in an assertive
tone that catches his attention. She brings up the instances in which he acted in an unmannerly way
towards her in the same tone, thus further convincing him to disclose his thoughts. Furthermore, the
relationship between her audience and the subject is balanced properly; her husband, or the
audience, perpetrated the deeds that compose the subject. There is an equivalency between her usage
of examples of her husband's discourteous recent actions to prove her claim and her direct
addressing of her husband, thus creating the relationship between subject and audience. Finally, the
connection between the speaker and the subject is, once again, efficaciously done. The persona that
Portia portrays, one speaking in a manner of direct assertiveness, speaks emotionally regarding the
subject of the possible intrinsic dissension of her husband. Overall, the elements of the Aristotelian
triangle are connected both properly and effectively in the speech Portia delivered to her
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Analysis Of Shylock : The Vulture
1
Cardona
Antonio Cardona
Professor Patricia Patrick
English 315
20 October 2017
Shylock: the vulture
Through the foreshadowing of capitalism, William Shakespeare not only saw but also denounced in
his comedy the usury, the rigidity, and the threat of disobedience to the laws. This was something
that clearly scared any type of investor. The aggressive attitude of the one who fears by his business.
The hypocritical attitude of going ahead without measuring the consequences. The passivity of the
State, or at least its ineffectiveness. All this in the dawn of Capitalism where we "do to others what
you want them to do to you" appears to be irrelevant. Which really questions what is fair or unfair.
Shakespeare projects to the reader in his ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Shylock requests a pound of flesh from Antonio on his search for justice. He claimed, "My deeds
upon my head. I crave the law, The penalty, and forfeit of my bond" (4.1.195–196). Essentially, he
tries to make everyone believe that as a follower of the law he would 've allow Antonio to cut a
pound of flesh from his very own body if it was the other way around. Portia challenges Shylock 's
hidden intentions. She says, "Shylock, there 's thrice thy money offered thee" (4.1.218). Getting his
bond repaid was really not his moto. She is giving him the opportunity to understand that mercy is
more important than justice, that he should show an act of mercy for Antonio. Still, Shylock persists
and really just shows his real vision when he says, "By my soul I swear / There is no power in the
tongue of man / To alter me. I stay here on my bond." His moto is really to hurt Antonio and finally
gain revenge. Shylock shows himself as an individual without mercy. Where all that really matters
was the insatiable thirst for revenge that controlled his actions.
Mercy plays an important role in this trial. Conversely, Shylock can only receive the mercy what he
is willing to give. Portia warns Shylock about it. She says, "For, as thou urgest justice, be assured
Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest" (4.1.1.314–315). Shylock has been given the

Shylock Vs Portia
In the case of Antonio v. Shylock, Shylock shall be spared of all punishment, for he is innocent of
putting one's life in danger and retracting from taking a pound of his acquaintance's flesh. Shylock
shall remain practicing Judaism and keep all of his goods for there is lots of concrete evidence
backing up his case.
As Lawyer 2A presented, Portia, disguised as Doctor Bellario, is actually from Belmont rather than
Venice, which makes her an alien to the case at hand. Lawyer 1A shows us that in the text that
claims Portia and Nerissa both fake their identities saying "Here is a letter; read it at your leisure./ It
comes from Padua from Bellario./ There you shall find that Portia was the doctor, Nerissa was her
clerk" (5.1.266–269). Being

Merchant Of Venice Research Paper
Abstract
This paper attempts to enlighten the Gratitude and courtesy of Antonio in the Merchant of Venice.
Bassanio borrowed money from Antonio and he hasn't paid it back, again he asks money from him.
Even though Antonio's money is tied up in the ships, he helped Bassanio by borrowing money from
Shylock. Shylock lends the money to Antonio and insists him to pay at the specified date otherwise
he may take a pound of Antonio's flesh. Antonio accepts the condition. With money at hand
Bassanio went to Belmont and married Portia. After a while he received a letter that Antonia was
unable to pay the loan. So Shylock has brought Antonia before the court. Antonio a man with
Gratitude and Courtesy saved him from the evil bond. Portia disguise herself as a lawyer and argued
and saved the life of Antonio
Keywords: Courtesy, Gratitude,
A pound of flesh, Evil bond, injustice
Introduction ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In this play Antonio is a wealthy Venetian merchant. Antonia's friend Bassanio already borrowed
money from him; he didn't return the money. Again Bassanio need money to court Portia, a wealthy
heiress who lives in the city of Belmont. Antonia agrees but now he is unable to make money
himself because his own money was invested in a number of trade ships that were still at sea.
Antonia suggests Bassanio to secure the loan from the moneylender Shylock and he himself as the
loan's guarantor. Shylock offers Basssanio three thousand ducats with no interest upon one
condition, if Bassanio is unable to repay the money at the specific time, he may take a pound of
Antonia's flesh. Bassanio refuses Antonia not to accept the deal but Antonio accept the condition
and signed the

The Jew of Venice
The comedy 'The Merchant of Venice' was written by William Shakespeare and it is situated in
Venice and Belmont (Italy) in the sixteenth century. It was written in London in 1998. The full name
of the ...... is The Comical History of the Merchant of Venice, or Otherwise Called Jew of Venice.
Venice is a place where there is lots of commerce and where there are lots of business men who loan
and ask for interest. The people who live here are not very kind, they are hard hearted and they
would rather have lots of money not love. Whereas on the other hand Belmont is very different, it is
a city where people are rich and sophisticated. The atmosphere in Belmont is happy and people are
kind to one another. If the had to chose love or money, they ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Justice! Find the girl! She has the stones upon her and the money!' This quote shows that Shylock
values his daughter as much, maybe less, than he values his ducats. This shows that money is has a
great significance/importance in his life. 'Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs,
dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons,
subject to the same diseases, heal'd by the same means, warm'd and cool'd by the same winter and
summer, as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you
poison us, do we not die?
And if you wrong us, do we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.
If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christina wrong a Jew, what should
his sufferance be by Christian example? Why, revenge. The villainy you teach me I will execute,
and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.' Bassanio recieves a letter from Antonio which
informs Bassanio that he has lost his money and and as a result he has no money to repay Shylock.
Therefore he has to forfeit a pound of flesh to Shylock. Bassanio tells Portia what has happenedand
she orders him to take six thousand ducats and go Venice and pay Shylock. After Bassanio left,
Portia and Nerissa leave for Venice. Portia decides to dress up as a male lawyer, because women at
this time did not have the power or authority to be present in court.

The Average Patriarchal Society In Shakespeare's Merchant...
Women in the 16th century, the Shakespearen Era, didn't have too many expectations placed upon
them. Because they were considered the weaker sex, housewives and mothers was the extent of
what was expected of them. The only education they had access to were private tutors inside their
homes. They also were not allowed to become lawyers, doctors, or the like. Only maids, cooks or
other "around the house" jobs. This is a summary of the average Patriarchal society. In the play,
Merchant of Venice written by Shakespeare, the women defy these stereotypes of a Patriachal
society in multiple scenerios. Firstly, there was a Jew named Jessica that lived with her father.
Despite the norm, she fell in love with a Christian and dressed up as a boy so she could run away
with him. "'I'm glad it's night–time and you can't see me. I'm ashamed of my clothes. But love is
blind and lovers can't see the little follies they commit. If they could, Cupid would blush to see me
changed into a boy'" (Marchant 2.6.38–40.) Jessica had decided to run away with her love, Lorenzo,
and in order to do so, she needed to dress up as a boy to in sure that no one would recognize her. It is
fairly apparent that a daughter running away from her father isn't the norm in a Patriarchal society.
The exact opposite. Another way that this is abnormal would be how Loernzo is a Christian and
Jessica is a Jew. These two shouldn't even be conversating, let alone spending enough time together
to fall in love.

How Does Portia Use Anaphora In Julius Caesar
Proving Loyalty
In William Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar, the uses of rhetorical questions, repetition, and
anaphora help the character of Portia become persuasive and convincing. Anaphora is used to show
Brutus that Portia knows the circumstances of the situation, but she still wants to know what Brutus
is keeping from her. Making her first case as to why Brutus should tell her what is troubling him,
Portia uses anaphora saying, "I grand I am a woman; but withal A woman that Lord Brutus too wife:
I grant I am a woman; but withal A woman well–reputed, Cato's daughter" (71). By using the
anaphora, Portia conveys a new message to Brutus that she is to be respected, and brings a new tone
to her message. Another rhetorical device Portia uses

How Is Portia Presented In Julius Caesarce
In Scene 1, Portia converses with the Prince of Morocco very politely and even invites him to dinner
before he chose the casket, which seems like she is in favour of having the Prince of Morocco as her
suitor. However, in Scene 7, after he chooses the wrong casket and leaves, Portia says "A gentle
riddance", which shows us that she is very happy that the Prince of Morocco is not going to be her
husband.
Through these scenes, I learn about Portia's gracious character and her tact in using her appearance
to deceive her suitors. This is because she does not want to hurt the feelings of the suitors, but at the
same time, she is witty enough to dupe them, without them knowing that she is doing so. This
reveals the theme of Appearance vs. Reality,

Merchant of Venice Essay
Defeating the enemy, light–heartedness, and a happy ending for the lovers are all elements in a
comedic play. William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice shows that love conquers all and that
you can always defeat the enemy. Even if a pound of flesh is the difference between life and death,
or if one wrong person chooses the casket that decides your fate. For example, The Merchant of
Venice, Antonio, not only survives the fate of having a pound of his flesh taken from his body on
account of his friend that could not repay the bond to a man who is seen as the devil, but gets thrice
his money back and the villain is taken down. Not to mention that Antonio's best friend, Bassanio,
not only repays the bond and gets out of his debt to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
142–147) Antonio agrees to the deal, since he feels that helping his Bassanio is the right thing to do
for a best friend. As time progresses Bassanio and Portia found their way to each other, though
Bassanio still has not the money to pay Shylock, so he tells Portia. She has no problem paying the
bond and says, "Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond;/ Double six thousand, and then treble
that," (3.2.298–299). With that, Bassanio has a chance to save his friend's life, and pay back the Jew.
At the time of the trial Antonio feels ready to except his fate, to give in to the villain. Antonio says
his last words to Bassanio, but when Shylock starts to prepare to cut into Antonio the judge (who is
really Portia in disguise) presents a reason why Shylock may not take Antonio's flesh. Portia states,
"Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate / Unto the state of Venice" (3.1.309–310). Shylock is denied
of the money which was offered at the beginning because he refused it

The Character Of Portia In The Merchant Of Venice
The character of Portia from William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice has moved
thousands of people throughout the centuries. Her beauty, grace, virtue, but most of all her mercy
has captivated those who read or see her. The rich Lady of Belmont shows the gentlemen
surrounding her what it means to truly be merciful. She radiates Christian mercy in a way no other
character is able to in the play.
What is mercy? According to the Oxford Dictionary, mercy is "clemency and compassion shown to
a person who is in a position of powerlessness or subjection, or to a person with no right or claim to
receive kindness; kind and compassionate treatment in a case where severity is merited or expected,
esp. in giving legal judgment or passing sentence." (Mercy, n 1) Portia, however, elaborates on this
definition in her soliloquy describing the "quality of mercy."(IV.i.190) The lady claims:
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. . . (IV.i.201–208)
Mercy is an active grace that is like the ripple effect in a pool. Or perhaps it is more powerfully
described as a super–volcanic eruption that explodes in the middle of the ocean, creating colossal
waves that spread through water for hundreds of miles.

The Merchant Of Venice By William Shakespeare
Searching For Happiness
Happiness. It is not measurable, profitable, nor tradable. Yet, above all else in the world, it is what
people seek. They want to have happiness, and want to know they have a lot of it. But happiness,
like air or water, is a hard thing to grasp in one's hand. It is intangible. So how does one know if they
have it? Is it just a feeling? And if someone does not feel happy, how can they go about achieving
that feeling? Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well–being defined by positive or pleasant
emotions, managing from contentment to intense joy. In the play, The Merchant of Venice, there are
lots of characters who have found their own root of happiness. One of the who found his happiness
is Bassanio. The ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Shylock is angry of Antonio because of lending money without interest. However, Shylock offers to
lend Bassanio three thousand ducats with no interest. Shylock adds that if they cannot pay the loan,
he will be entitled to a pound of Antonio's flesh. Despite Bassanio's warnings, Antonio agrees. After
they borrowed the money that Bassanio needed, Bassanio and his friend Gratiano leave for Belmont,
where Bassanio intends to win Portia's hand. Bassanio arrives at Portia's estate, and they declare
their love for one another. Despite Portia's request that he wait before choosing, Bassanio
immediately picks the correct casket. Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a token of love, and makes him
swear that under no circumstances will he part with it. The celebration is cut short by the news that
Antonio has indeed lost his ships, and that he has forfeited his bond to Shylock. Bassanio and
Gratiano immediately travel to Venice to try and save Antonio's life. Bassanio offers Shylock twice
the money due him, but Shylock insists on collecting the bond. In Act 4, Scene 1, Line 280–285,
Bassanio said, "Antonio, I married a woman as dear to me as life itself. But life itself, my wife, and
the whole world aren't more valuable to me than your life is. I'd give it all up–yes, I'd sacrifice them
all to this devil here–to save you.". Bassanio shows an attitude of a true friend. He would do all just
to save his friend Antonio.
Antonio, a merchant of Venice who borrows money from

Merchant of Venice: Portia Essay
The Merchant of Venice is a play set in a very male and Christian dominated society where other
religions and women rights weren't very well accepted by the community. However Portia, a rich
woman who had previously been controlled by men, triumphs as she manipulates tricks and saves
the lives of the men.
We see how she is manipulated by men through her father, who though dead, still manages to
control who she marries from his will. He states in his will that from three different caskets the
suitors will have to chose, in each of which will contain either a letter to the suitor or a picture of
Portia. In one of the three caskets, either the lead, silver or gold casket, there will be a picture of
Portia the suitor picking the casket ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He also says that 'his furnished with my opinion, which, bettered with his own learning' so Bellario
is saying that Balthazar has a great knowledge but with the opinions and thoughts of Bellario's
experience he has a greater knowledge than Bellario himself. By writing 'the greatness whereof I
cannot enough commend' this is saying that he is speechless when it comes to the amount of
knowledge that Balthazar seems to have, this could almost in it self make the Duke want to see
Balthazar because to say, for example, that someone was so beautiful that you couldn't put it into
words, you would want to see for yourself just how beautiful this person is. He then repeats flattery
at the end of the speech 'I leave him to your gracious acceptance' this suggests that he doesn't want
to over–do the whole letter because if he had ended it, for example, with 'please, please take him I
promise you that he will be the best and that if you don't there'll be consequences' which possible
makes him think that he's not that good and that Bellario made it up to get out of the court hearing,
but he leaves it in the Dukes hands and lets him make the decision. She adds persuasion at the end
by saying that the trial would be better with Balthazar's presence. Another example of Portia
fighting back is when Portia uses trickery to make Shylock stick exactly to the bond causing him to
be condemned to Christianity and to give half of his belongings to Antonio and the other half to

Merchant Of Venice Plot Synopsis
Plot Synopsis
Antonio, a Venetian merchant, complains to his friends of a sadness, perhaps because Bassanio is
away. Meanwhile Bassanio is desperately in need of money to court Portia, a wealthy lady who lives
in the city of Belmont. Bassanio requests Antonio for a loan in order to travel in style to Portia's
estate. Antonio is unable to give the loan himself because his money is all invested in the trade ships
that are still at sea. Antonio suggests that Bassanio secure the loan from the moneylender Shylock,
with him as guarantor. Once his ships are back he would be able to repay it.
They approach Shylock, who nurses a long–standing grudge against Antonio, for Antonio has
always insulted and accused him and the Jews for their the practice ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
When Bassanio and Gratiano arrive the next day, their wives accuse them of faithlessly giving their
rings to other women. Before the deception goes too far, however, Portia reveals that she was, in
fact, the law clerk, and both she and Nerissa reconcile with their husbands. Lorenzo and Jessica are
pleased to learn of their inheritance from Shylock, and the joyful news arrives that Antonio's ships
have in fact made it back safely. The group celebrates its good fortune.
Plot Structure and Themes
There are four interwoven plots are:
Main Plot: The deal or contract between Antonio, a merchant of Venice whose sailing ships trade,
and Shylock a Jewish moneylender who dislikes him. Antonio needs money, his ships haven't yet
returned. Antonio's ships perish at sea and he fears bankruptcy and death. Shylock is determined to
earn the pound of Antonio's flesh that was promised him instead of interest when the loan was made.
Sub plot 1:The love stories – Portia and Bassanio; Jessica and Lorenzo (including Jessica's
elopement); Nerissa and Gratiano
Sub plot 3: The casket plot which Portia's suitors have to undergo to marry her
Sub plot 3: the ring plot which Portia and Nerrisa lay to test their would–be

Outline Of Merchant Of Venice
The Merchant of Venice Essay Outline
Introduction:
Hook: The theme is the main subject or message of a story. It is used to give depth and enhance the
plot. "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13)
Bridge: When you read The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare there are many themes
throughout the play and many lessons to be learned.
Main Ideas: The most important themes are hatred, mercy and friendship because they have a
significant meaning and help advance the plot.
Thesis: The most important themes are hatred, mercy and friendship because they have a significant
meaning and help advance the plot.
Body Paragraph One:
Topic Sentence:One of the main themes of this play is hatred and prejudice .Throughout the play,
Shakespeare makes fun of other nationalities and religions.
Subpoint #1: Since the beginning of the play, you can tell that Shylock and Antonio strongly dislike
each other .
Example: "I hate him for he is a Christian, But more for that in low simplicity He lends out money
gratis and brings down the rate of usance here with us in Venice.If I can catch him once upon the
hip,I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him."(Act 1 scene 3) Analysis: From this quote, we learn
that Shylock hates Antonio for being a Christian and for lending money with no interest. Antonio
hates Shylock for being Jewish. Both of them have grudges against each other and they want to get
revenge. You can tell from this quote that back in those times, Jewish people weren't treated right.
Subpoint #2: another example of prejudice in this play is when Portia rejects the Prince of Morocco.
Even though she doesn't know him she judged him for his skin color. Example:"If I could bid the
fifth welcome with so good heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be glad of his
approach. If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should
shrive me than wive me." (Act 1 scene 2)
Analysis:In this quote, she is saying that even if he were a saint she would never marry him because
he has dark skin.
Paragraph Conclusion: In the end, William Shakespeare seems biased towards people of different
races and religions by using stereotypes and discrimination.
Body paragraph two:
Topic

Shylock's Characteristics Of Merchantlock In The Merchant...
Antonio was a typical narrow minded christian when it came to religion; however, he was so true
and passionate about his friends he was willing to risk his life to help his friend in need. Antonio, a
christian, strongly abhors and is very abrasive towards Shylock, a jew: "You call me misbeliever,
cutthroat dog, And set upon my Jewish gaberdine,... You, that did void your rheum upon my beard,
And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur" (1.3.121–128). Within this quote Shylock is talking to
Antonio and telling him after he has called him a dirty dog, spit on his beard and Jewish clothes, and
kicked him he wants to ask to loan money from him. This shows that Antonio is very narrow
minded because the main reason he mistreats Shylock is because he is a Jew. In addition, this shows
that he is very abrasive when it comes to Shylock because he has done so many terrible things to
him over a period of time and hasn't felt sorry or bad once for what he has done and how he as
treated him. In addition, although, Antonio is very narrow minded when it comes to religion he is
willing to risk his life to help a friend in need. Bassanio, one of Antonio's friends had asked Shylock
to put a loan under his name to wow his dream girl, and Antonio ends up sealing a bond risking his
life for Bassanio: "Expressed in the condition, let the forfeit Be nominated for an equal pound Of
your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken In what part of your body pleaseth me...." (1.3.160–163).
Within this quote Shylock

Much Ado About Nothing Structuralism Essay
Like Father, Like Daughter: Structuralism Amongst the Women in Shakespeare
During the Renaissance, it was common for women to behave in a certain manner in a patriarchal
society. Women were subordinate to any man in their life, whether it was a husband or a father.
However, Shakespeare creates female roles in his plays that often steer away from the common
script. These women challenge, deceive, and steal from these men, including one's closest to them in
their lives. In Merchant of Venice, young Portia and Jessica are two examples of these strayed
female characters. They feel trapped in the hands of their father's and do their best to break free of
that hold. In Much Ado About Nothing, Hero is a young woman who feels her relationship with ...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This shows the extreme version of a rebellious teenager in order to escape her father. Once Shylock
finds out his daughter has disappeared with his money and jewels, he is outwardly upset with the
fact that his possessions are gone. He even states that he wished his daughter "were dead at [his]
foot, and the jewels in her ear! Would she were hearsed at [his] foot, and the ducats in her coffin!"
(Act III, Scene i, 76–79). Surely, one can't believe there are any similarities in this relationship,
however, structuralism shows the underlying pattern between Shylock and Jessica. Diane Dreher
author of Domination and Defiance: Fathers and Daughters in Shakespeare, points out that the two
hold a common trait: Greed. Shylock's greed is expressed through his constant talk on commerce
and his precious ducats, and Jessica has inherited that ideology. Before running away with Lorenzo,
she drops down a basket filled with money and jewels belonging to her father. One would assume it
was an act of reprisal, however, Dreher argues it is greed much like her father's. She describes her as
"bad and disloyal, unfilial, a thief; frivolous, greedy, without any more conscience than a cat," (pg.
102). These two characters know that money holds a powerful position in their lives. Along with this
greed, both are very determined characters in terms of fighting for what they want. With Shylock, he
is constantly trying to receive justice through the deal he made with Antonio. Despite the strange
request, he demands that he receives his 'pound of flesh' from Antonio and stops at nothing to see it
through. This passion can be seen in Jessica as well when she is determined to marry Lorenzo
despite her father's wishes. She gets to the point of disguising herself as a man in order to be with
him. She goes great lengths to be with Lorenzo by eloping, but

The Merchant Of Venice By William Shakespeare
Since the beginning of recorded history, women's roles in society have been seen as inferior to those
of men. Women's rights have been progressed as time has passed, but even today, women are being
treated unfairly in certain situations. However, in The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
challenges the concept of women being unequal to men. He conveys this message through the
actions of Jessica, Portia, and Nerissa. The female characters empower themselves, accomplishing
various tasks in order to gain control over the men in their lives. The Merchant of Venice is a highly
effective feminist play, which is demonstrated through the assertive and clever personalities of the
women portrayed. Jessica's rebellious attitude towards Shylock is established by her desertion of
him in order to live her life how she wants to. She is tired of his constant frugality, and she desires to
be free from her father's tight grip on her. When saying goodbye to Launcelot, Jessica confesses,
Alack, what heinous sin is it in me, To be ashamed to be my father's child? But though I am a
daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners. (II.iii.16–19)
Jessica does express some reluctance to betray Shylock, as she considers rejecting him to be a sin.
However, she ultimately confidently decides to leave him, reasoning that being related by blood is
not enough for her to endure her father's controlling personality. Shakespeare uses Jessica's
determination to find happiness on her own to

Merchant of Venice: Comparison of the Marriage Plot and...
It is worthwhile to take a close look at the marriage and trial plots in The Merchant of Venice. The
antagonists of the respective plots have similar goals; they seek access to power and privilege.
However, the types of power they seek is very different. The methods they use of gaining power are
also differ. Bassanio succeeds with his intent, but Shylock fails. Focusing on the before mentioned
plots, one may draw some conclusions concerning the reasons of success and failure in this play.
Let us look at the marriage plot. Already in I,i Bassanio reveals his plans of wooing Portia. He
describes his undertaking as a quest; "her sunny locks/ Hang on her temples like a ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
And if he fails in his quest, he is barred from the company of Portia and he is barred from access to
the elite. But Bassanio does not fail. So what were the means to his success?
Again, according to Whigham, Bassanio succeeds because he is (consciously or subconsciously)
aware of the language and outer credentials of style that Portia relates to. Bassanio shares Portia's
assumptions and views of the world, and is therefore able to choose the right casket by using their
shared credentials of style. By denouncing gold and silver Bassanio gains access to gold and silver
(i.e. the wealth of Portia). By scorning choices based on style, he uses a certain mode of style to get
what he wants. His rhetoric and his goals are not exactly in concord, but he gets what he wants;
wealth and access to the elite.
If we look at the trial plot, it is quite clear that Shylock also wants power. But he does not want to be
included into Christian society, he seeks power over it. His reasons, although obscure to the
Venetians of the play, are not incomprehensible. Antonio has tried to ruin his business (I, iii, 39–40)
and in view of the treatment he has been given of the Christians of the play (I, iii, 106–123), it is
natural that he might find his position somewhat undeserving and even worthy of revenge.
Shylock's means of getting in power are different than Bassanio's. Shylock is trying to defeat the
system by using the system. He does not want to

The Rings of Power: Symbolic Exchange in the Merchant of...
The Rings of Power:
Symbolic Exchange in The Merchant of Venice
Rings are significant to the narrative of The Merchant of Venice for several reasons. Firstly, as
symbols of love, wealth and power. Secondly, as a means through which Portia gives and then
regains control of herself, her weath and power and finally, the theft and sale of Leah's turquoise
ring acts as a source of sympathy towards Shylock and allows him to parallel the Christian
husbands, Bassanio and Graziano.
A ring is, in and of itself, a frivolous object; it serves no practical purpose and its only functions are
symbolic and aesthetic. They are thus also a symbol of the wealth and power of the owner; a
demonstration that they have so much money they can afford to ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
This is particularly notable in the case of Portia, due to her assumption of traditionally masculine
traits over the course of the text, and the exchange of rings ultimately allows her to reclaim her own
autonomy.
In giving Bassanio her ring, Portia assumes the traditionally masculine role, both in giving the ring
and in giving herself, a role usually belonging to the father of the bride:
...But now, I was the lord
Of this fair mansion, master of my servants,
Queen o'er myself;... (3.2.167–9)
By referring to herself as the 'lord' and 'master' of the house rather than the 'lady' and 'mistress',
Portia makes it clear that she has been in charge of and running the estate since her father's death,
rather than the more traditional female role of managing only the household. Interestingly, she then
uses the feminine "queen" rather than king, which on the surface might seem to undermine this,
however, a female Monarch maintains their power upon marriage, rather than having to surrender it
to her husband, and holds power in her own right. Further, like Portia, some queens gave, rather than
received rings: Mary, Queen of Scots, sent Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, a ring to indicate
her willingness to marry him, and Queen Elizabeth gave the Earl of Essex a ring as a token of
affection.
Unlike a queen, Portia yields her power to Bassanio along with her hand:

This house, these servants and this same myself,

Merchant Of Venice Character Analysis
Portia in The Merchant Of Venice, has been considered as one of the most perfectly developed
female protagonist. The heiress of Belmont represents the nexus of the play, as the quest for her
hand creates a motive for Bassanio to borrow money which initiated the bond plot and the ring plot.
Furthermore she manipulates the trial and resolves the bond episode and the ring episode. Portia is
introduced in the play as being a wealthy heiress whom many suitors try to court. Her significance
and characteristic in the play can be seen in her genuine love, her graciousness and her witty yet
playful traits. She further represents the comparison between Belmont and Venice, herself and
shylock and most importantly, love and self interest, one of the key themes in the play. Critics liked
to compare Portia with Shylock and the comparison brings out the salient traits of her character. One
of them stated that while Portia stand for everything 'bright, generous, and noble' while Shylock
represents 'wickedness and evil'.
The language used in the play suggests that money is a source of power and desire. The penniless
Bassanio feels inferior to Portia who is intelligent, noble and refined. Portia's speech, unlike a
woman in the Elizabethan era, seems to be heavily loaded with financial expressions. Her language
reveals how comfortable she is in the masculine, world and her unwillingness to leave it. Her speech
also demonstrates her intelligence and eloquence and seems to mock the existing social norms.
Indeed Portia has shown to be far from obedient to patriarchy. Portia's father had left a clause in his
will that the suitor will pick the correct casket to in order to marry her. Although she couldn't break
the clause, her intelligence serves her well in her pursuits of Bassanio as she manipulates the test for
her own purpose. It reveals the casket choosing event itself was a gimmick and rather Portia was
controlling the entire situation according to her will and treating her suitors as mere puppets. On the
other hand, while men around the world are vying for her attention, she is apparently considers
herself as superior and better position to judge men's masculinity. However her intolerance and
hypocrisy is suggestive

Essay on Discrimination in The Merchant of Venice
Discrimination is a resounding theme in The Merchant of Venice (Meyers). All of the characters are
affected by inequality. This inequity is evidenced clearly in Shylock, the Jewish usurer. He is treated
with scorn and derision by all the characters. Shylock's misfortunes stem not from poor attributes or
even a poor background; it stems from the fact he is Jewish, and what is more, he is impenitent of
that distinction. If he had been more daunted by Christian influence, he might have been forgiven, as
Jessica is subjectively exonerated. He is not contrite and it is believed that his appalling birth cannot
be absolved (Bonnell).
All of the characters are defined through Shylock. Launcelot Gobbo, Shylock's servant, treats his
father ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As it is, all she can do to maintain her father's estate is to follow the decrees of the lottery to the
letter. If she refuses to follow all of the instructions of the lottery, she loses her inheritance. Portia is
no fool; she comprehends the importance of financial security, a quality that is woefully wanting in
her male counterparts.
The cycle of hatred and animosity are evident in The Merchant of Venice most clearly through
Jessica's deplorable treachery of Shylock (Blanchard). The theft of his money and jewels was
considered by the Christians a credit to her integrity rather than the consummate maliciousness it
truly is. She is absolved from any culpability for her betrayal of Shylock; she is praised for her
ability to deceive and defraud her father in a culture that sanctioned paternal piety (Picker). She
marries the Christian Lorenzo in hopes of improved egalitarianism; she soon discovers that this will
not be the case. Her profound guilt and strict upbringing as a Jewish female are revealed in the
conversation between herself and Lorenzo: Jessica: I am never merry when I hear sweet music.
Lorenzo: The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is moved with concord to sweet sounds, Is fit
for treasons, stratagems, and spoils The motions of his spirit are as dull as night, And his affections
are as dark as Erebus. Let no such man be trusted.

The Merchant Of Venice As A Tragedy
The Merchant of Venice, written by Shakespeare, is a complicated play that has controversy themes.
There are some analysts that argue this play is a comedy. On the other hand, other analysts will
argue the opposite, and see the play as a tragedy. Both of these themes have strong arguments and
can be supported with many examples throughout the play.
Despite the fact that The Merchant of Venice has characteristics of a comedy, it is also considered a
great tragedy because of the terrible way Jews are treated and looked upon by the Christians,
Shylock's refusal to show mercy to Antonio which ultimately leads to his own downfall, and the lack
of seriousness when it comes to the relationship of love between the characters. The first example of
a tragedy is the way the Christians treat the Jewish people. Shylock recalls the many times Antonio
has treated him badly. He states, "Signor Antonio, many a time and oft In the Rialto you have rated
me about my moneys and my usances. Still I have borne it with a patient shrug. You call me
misbeliever, cutthroat dog, and spet upon my Jewish gaberdine" (1.3 116–122). Shylock recalls
many times Antonio refused to show him kindness, and now Antonio needs a favor from him,
Shylock is not eager to show him kindness. Also Lacelet tell Jessica that because her father was a
Jew, she will be damned. Lancelet says to Jessica, "Therefore be o' good cheer, for truly I think you
are damned....." (3.5 5–6). His belief that she is

William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice Essay
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
"The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare features, Shylock a very controversial character
due to his religion, profession and personal traits. Professionally Shylock lends money to people in
debt, in order to gain interest and profit. Although, this is very much central to our modern way of
life, in the Elizabethan period, money lending was not accepted as an acceptable profession.
Throughout "The Merchant of Venice" Shylock is portrayed as menacing, inhumane and slightly
eccentric, yet at times misunderstood and induces sympathy from the reader. His personal traits and
beliefs evoke complex emotions. We cannot decide whether Shylock is an ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Sympathy is created, as it is apparent that Shylock cannot trust, nor befriend anyone in the play, not
even his own daughter. This is clear evidence of one way in which Shylock is more sinned than
sinning.
Shylock places profit above love. When Jessica, his daughter, steals from him and leaves him, it is
clear that Shylock is very distraught. However, it is difficult to ignore what appears to be Shylock's
priority –the loss of money. As, money lending is Shylock's profession; it is obvious money is very
important to him. When discussing the loss of his daughter and ducats, Shylock describes how he
would rather his money returned to him than his daughter and would infact like to have revenge
against her.
"Shylock: I would my daughter were dead at my feat, and the jewels in her ear."
Immediately it is clear how heartless, inhumane, unforgiving and sinister Shylock is. To place profit
above the life of his daughter demonstrates how wrong Shylock's priorities are and is clear evidence
of how Shylock is sinning.
Shylock is more sinned against than sinning by the fact that every character in the play is against
him. Shylock has no family or friends to rely upon or trust. He is constantly mocked and insulted by
many characters throughout "The Merchant of Venice". The first

Theme Of Portia In The Merchant Of Venice
In William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, there is a motif of women being equated with
gold, money, and jewelry. Portia resides in a trapped patriarchal society where her life revolves
around the men who play her like a puppet. Ironically, men from both the living and the dead control
her. From the beginning, Portia is bounded by the lottery set forth in her dead father's will which
gives potential suitors a chance to choose between three caskets: gold, silver, and lead. This act by
her father is an objectification of Portia. Portia is made out to be a prize waiting to be correctly
chosen. Her suitor, Bassanio, who chooses the right casket is a materialistic men. Bassanio
objectifies Portia starting from the moment he first mentions her to Antonio. He talks about Portia's
wealth status before saying her name. To Bassanio, Portia is like a golden goose; she is the money
source provider. He compliments Portia on her physical beauty, her fair skin, and her golden locks.
However, not only does Bassanio objectify Portia but Portia seems to objectify herself as well.
Portia tells Bassanio that she is in one of the caskets he will choose. It seems that rather than Portia
actually objectifying her own self, she has a mindset that she is an object because of the patriarchal
society she lives in. However, right before Bassanio chooses, Portia slightly hints at Bassanio the
correct casket by singing a song; she cheats. This notion of cheating can be seen as the very first
step

`` The Merchant Of Venice `` By William Shakespeare
Risk is a situation that involves the possibility of exposure to dangers. Risks exist everywhere, even
the most minute of actions can place someone in jeopardy. It is an inescapable labyrinth that plagues
the lives of all ever since humanity's first existence. Yet it,s double–edged sword like characteristics
of also providing opportunities and gains keeps many enthralled in it. In William Shakespeare 's' The
Merchant of Venice, Antonio, a protagonist, gives himself over to a life–threatening contract with
the villain, Shylock the Jew, in order to provide the means for one of Antonio's friend the
opportunity to woo a lady. Over the course of the play, various risky opportunities and events also
expose other relationships as means of satisfying their wants, although not all their outcomes are
favourable. Risk is the root cause of rewards and punishments in The Merchant of Venice. This is
seen between the play's rivals, such as Antonio and Shylock. Also is seen between lovers, such as
Bassanio and Portia. It is seen again between fathers and children, such as Shylock and Jessica.
The outcomes of the rivals plot, namely the struggles between Antonio and Shylock, were greatly
influenced by the partaking of risks. One of the risks taken by the main pair of rivals is Shylock
employing a malevolent bond purposed with ending the life of Antonio. Shylock demands that he
will "have [his] bond; speak not against [his] bond:/ [he has] sworn an oath that [he] will have [his]
bond."

Portia Symbolism Quotes
7. Symbolism: Using a person or object to represent an idea
Textual Evidence
Interpretation/Explanation
"If you had known the virtue of the ring,
Or half her worthiness that gave the ring,
Or your own honor to contain the ring,
You would not then have parted with the ring.
What man is there so much unreasonable,
If you had pleased to have defended it
With any terms of zeal, wanted the modesty
To urge the thing held as a ceremony?" (MV 5.1.199–206).
Throughout her monologue, Portia explains why Bassanio should not have given away her ring.
Refuting her own previous logic, Portia rebukes Bassanio for giving away her ring. One reason why
Portia is angry is because the ring was a symbol of Bassanio's love for her. Furthermore, one reason
why ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Previously arranged by Antonio, Jessica and Lorenzo now will receive money when Shylock dies.
Adding on to all of the previous "loose ends" being tied up, this quote is an example of denouement
because the quote is the last instance of resolution in the play. Beforehand, all previous relationships
were restored and all of the characters "lived happily ever after". For example, Antonio and
Bassanio were reunited safely, Portia and Bassanio (and Gratiano and Nerissa) reconciled after the
husbands' broken vows, and finally Jessica and Lorenzo receive financial aid as the new couple
begins their future

Similarities And Differences Between Merchant Of Venice...
Two of Shakespeare's works, The Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night, both have a parallel plot
structure which involves a woman disguising herself as a man in order to accomplish some goal. In
the former, Portia disguises herself as a lawyer so as to enter the Duke's court and help her husband's
friend, Antonio, avoid having a pound of his flesh cut off. In the latter, Viola disguises herself as
Cesario so she can enter Duke Orsino's court and work as a page. This parallel structure is further
strengthened by the fact that in both plays, the woman in disguise has to perform some task that
(during Shakespeare's time) was usually performed by a man. Portia has to defend her husband's
friend, Antonio, in court, while Viola has to engage in a sword fight with Sir Andrew. Despite the
many similarities, there is a subtle difference: Portia seems much more confident in her role as a
man when compared to Viola. We see when Portia is effective and confident as a lawyer but Viola is
reluctant to spar with Sir Andrew in a sword fight, and also when she is weary that the Fool has
caught on to her disguise. This difference reflects the theme of challenging prejudice in The
Merchant of Venice, and also reflect the theme of highlighting gender difference in Twelfth Night,
which reveals a lot about both plays as a whole.
Portia shows much confidence as a lawyer in the trial scene (Act 4 Scene 1) of The Merchant of
Venice. For example, she displays great knowledge of the laws of Venice when

Essay on Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
The Rivals Love triangles are complicated and messy scenarios that are caused by the indecision of
the person in the middle or the inability of the others to move on. The same is seen in The Merchant
of Venice, in which Antonio and Portia fight for Bassanio. Throughout the play we see many bonds
or connections between both Antonio and Bassanio as well as Portia and Bassanio. To many, the
main plot may seem to be the conflict between Antonio and Shylock, when in reality it's the love
that Antonio and Portia have for Bassanio that leads to everything. The main plot is moved forward
by the bonds the two have with Bassanio and the rivalry they have with each other. Nearly
everything that happens in the play has to do with their fight for ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Antonio's first quote in the play brings attention to his sadness: "In sooth I know not why I am so
sad. It wearies me, you say it wearies you; But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, What stuff
'tis made of, whereof it is born, I am to learn and such a want–wit sadness makes of me That I have
much ado to know myself" (1.1.1–7). Portia mentions her fatigue of everything around her, at which
point Bassanio is not around her: "By my troth, Nerissa, my little body is aweary of this great
world" (1.2.1–2). This shows that Bassanio means just as much to both, they are both sad because of
Bassanio. Antonio is sad that he will lose Bassanio, while Portia is sad that she may not even get
him if another man chooses the right casket before him. As Hyman says in "The Rival Lovers in the
Merchant of Venice", it may not necessarily be homoerotic love that is driving Antonio to fight for
Bassanio, it may just be that he feels rejected by his friend who he did so much for. Antonio may be
speaking the truth that he does not know why he is sad. Although he knows that he should be happy
that his friend is getting a wife, he is not ready for someone else to take his place as the most
important person in Bassanio's life (Hyman 3). The two try to one best one another in their attempt
to get Bassanio. Antonio tries to win Bassanio first by offering him his money and then by bonding

The Merchant of Venice and Shylock Offering
Many different people can be good or bad or might seem good but actually bad or the other way
around. In The merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, shylock, the money lending Jew, is
seen more like a villain then a victim. Shylock is a villain because he cares more about his money
then he cares about his daughter, he is not merciful towards shylock and hewants a pound of flesh
from Antonio for hi revenge.
First of all shylock is a villain because he cares more about his ducats then his daughter, Jessica.
Shylock cares more about his money then his daughter because when Jessica left home with
Lorenzo, that she planned to elope with, shylock was really mad because his daughter left but
mostly he was mad because she left with a lot of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This quote is Shylock offering to Antonio the money interest free but under the condition of one
pound flesh if he does not repay in time "Expressed in the condition, let the forfeit/be nominated for
an equal pound/Of your fair flesh to be cut off and taken"(I.iii.151–153). Shylock wanted revenge
towards Antonio for what he had done so he made this bond this proves that shylock is a villain
In conclusion, Shylock is a villain since he does not care about his daughter more then his money
and he wants revenge on Antonio by getting a pound of flesh. Like you can see in the merchant of
Venice by William Shakespeare, Shylock is seen as a horrible man. People are good or bad those
this mean they were born that way or you get bad or good later on in life.
Works cited
Shakespeare, William. The merchant of Venice. Ed. Louis B. Wright and Virginia A. Lamar New
York: Simon and Schuster Inc, 1957.

Summary Of Portia In The Merchant Of Venice
A few times in the play cross–dressing is brung about. The women are banned from performing and
instead their parts are played by young boys. The character Portia in the play stands out as an
independent strong willed women. During the trial scene, Portia disguises herself as a man, along
with the character Nerissa, to help Antonio and to prevent Shylock from collecting what is due, a
pound of Antonio's flesh. In the trial scene, Portia enters the courtroom as a unbiased legal authority,
and is quick about explaining the loopholes in the contract between Antonio and Shylock. One such
loophole is that only a pound of flesh near Antonio's heart may be taken, but does not allow for his
blood to be spilled. During the trial, Portia states, "The words expressly are "a pound of flesh. "Take
then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh, But in the cutting it if thou dost shed One drop of
Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are by the laws of Venice confiscate Unto the state of Venice""
(Act IV Scene I, 298–303). Portia is describing the contract and explains that if Antonio's Christian
blood is spilled, then Shylock will lose his land and property. During the trial, Portia's disguise as
Balthasar is very convincing, even to her husband. Portia was able to relieve Antonio of his debt, but
only by cross–dressing as a man. The time setting in The Merchant of Venice greatly differs from
the equality we have between men and women today. The male characters greatly over number the

Ambiguity Of The Character In Shakespeare's The Merchant...
On page twenty–five of Shakespeare's comedic play Merchant of Venice, Portia demonstrates her
dislike of the suitors through dialogue and the ambiguity of her diction in order to demonstrate her
feelings of unhappiness. In Act one Scene two, Portia discusses her true feelings about the suitors in
prose to Nerissa. She begins by telling Nerissa her true thoughts about the German suitor: "When he
[the German suitor] is best he is a little worse than a man, and/ when he is worse he is little better
than a beast" (I ii 88–89). Through her dialogue to Nerissa, Portia uses diction to demonstrate her
strong hatred towards the German suitors. By comparing him to a beast, Portia uses a vulgar
metaphor to describe her suitor. The metaphor in her dialogue ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Also, through dialogue, Portia again demonstrates her dislike towards the German suitor by saying
to Nerissa: "I will do/ anything, Nerissa, ere I will be married to a sponge [before I marry the
German suitor]" (I ii 98–99). In this way, through her dialogue, Portia uses a hyperbole in her
dialogue to Nerissa to demonstrate that she strongly dislikes the German suitor. Portia's
exaggeration that she would rather be "married to a sponge" indirectly shows that she is unhappy
with her restricted love life. Portia wants to marry practically anything before she marries the
German suitor, demonstrating she is unhappy with her suitors and the "game" for her love. The
dialogue is in prose, suggesting that Portia's remarks about the suitors such as the German one are
too dirty and inelegant to be in verse. This is supported by her use of phrases such as she would
"rather be married to a sponge" which seems like a rude things to say to a suitor, but also the
rudeness of her words demonstrate her unhappiness with the fact that she has suitors and cannot
choose for

The Roles of Portia and Shylock in The Merchant of Venice...
Stereotypes for every different religion, ethnicity, culture, and gender exist among the minds of the
human race. These typecasts have ruled this world for as long as there has been diversity among
people. In Shakespeare's comedic tragedy, The Merchant of Venice, one prejudice is very central to
the theme. The play is dominantly set in Venice, one of the most liberal cities of the Renaissance era.
In this place and time period, anti–Semitism is very much in force. The Jewish people are
discriminated against and treated terribly by the Christians living in Venice. Shylock, a wealthy Jew,
is mercilessly spurned many times by men like Antonio, a Venetian merchant. In contrast to this
blind hatred is the longing and lust associated with ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes?" (III.i.53–58). He is making it clear that Antonio has committed
multiple acts of cruelty against Shylock merely because of his religion. Shylock goes on to portray
that Jews are exactly like Christians except in their beliefs, and that there is no justified reason for
their contempt for Jewish people. Although he is a usurer, which is considered an undignified
position for anyone to be in, as a Jew, Shylock is the target of a great amount of derision. In
Wheeler's truthful depiction of the play, he states, "Above all, [Shylock] is a Jew. In his most famous
speech he asserts the fundamental humanity of his nation, but the Christians persist in calling him
'the Jew' and the laws of Venice make him an alien." Conversely, Portia is a well respected Christian
woman living in the nearby city of Belmont. As a Christian, she is not discriminated against because
of her religion and she enjoys many rights and privileges that Shylock and the Jewish people do not.
Merely the fact that she is Christian allows her more freedom than Shylock could ever dream to
achieve. She, not unlike the rest of the Christian people, believe that they have the right to judge
Jews and others that they deem are beneath them. For instance, when Morocco, a player in Portia's
"marriage lottery", leaves after picking the wrong casket, Portia says, "A gentle riddance! Draw

William Shakespeare 's The Merchant Of Venice
It is a recurrence with Shakespeare's plays that the titles are reflective of the protagonists featured
within. For example, the famous titles of Julius Caesar and Hamlet tell the tragedies of those
respective characters. However, when it comes to William Shakespeare's fourteenth play, The
Merchant of Venice, it can be argued that Antonio, the merchant, is not who the play is about. In
fact, there is not just one character, but instead multiple that fit the description of the protagonist.
The main plot, or rather plots, of the play revolve around four different characters, each possessing
the qualities of a protagonist. Antonio, Shylock, Bassanio and Portia are all profound and interesting
characters, are essential to the plot and have a perpetual goal for the entirety of the play. Antonio is
often considered the protagonist of the play as it is titled after him. There is also much evidence in
the play's content that supports this. The play begins with Antonio speaking to Salarino and Salanio.
Antonio speaks of his sadness and confesses that he doesn't know the origin of his sorrow, "In sooth
I know not why I am so sad./It wearies me, you say it wearies you" (I, ii : 1–2). As Antonio speaks
of his emotions, his character is distinguished as a noble christian with great sadness hidden within.
It is never clearly mentioned what the source of his sadness is, however, it becomes apparent later
on in the play that he has no love in his life, which could possibly be what

Does Brutus Love Portia
At first, it appears that Portia and Brutus have a combative marriage. The readers first meet Portia in
Act II, scene I, page 11, line 242. She is up in the wee hours of the morning to confront Brutus about
his odd behavior. The way Brutus reacts to Portia at first may seem hostile and discriminating;
however, this is not the case. The reader can see that Brutus truly loved Portia as an equal to himself
because Brutus is guarding his secret to protect Portia, and they're relationship is much different
from that of Caesar and Calpurnia's.
Brutus truly loved Portia as an equal to himself because he refuses to tell Portia what is troubling
him, in order to protect her. In the play, Brutus tries to convince Portia that he is simply sick and that
she should go back to bed and not worry (act II, scene I, page 12, lines 265 and 268). Portia later
proclaims that if she is strong enough to bear a self–inflicted stab wound, then she can handle what
is weighing on Brutus's mind. Brutus proceeds to wonder aloud how he is worthy of such a noble
wife (act II, scene I, page 13, lines 310–313). Readers can see that Brutus loves his wife as an equal
to himself because he wants Portia to go back to sleep for the safety of her own health. When Portia
stabs herself, Brutus does not react angrily or even frightened. He recognizes that this ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
Women married for money and protection –– not for love. An example of that kind of marriage is
Caesar and Calpurnia's marriage (act II, scene II, page 3, lines 50–56). Due to the fact that Brutus
and Portia lived during this time period, many may think that their relationship is like everyone
else's; however, this is not the case. Brutus tells Portia that she is truly dear to him, and that she is an
honorable and noble wife (act II, scene I, page 13, lines 296 and 313). Brutus truly loved Portia as
an equal to himself, and this is apparent throughout their conversation

William Shakespeare 's ' Portia '
A protagonist is also often the character around whom the action of the play revolves. By this test,
Portia is also the protagonist, as without her, very little in the play would have remained the same.
Had Bassanio not been in love with Portia, he never would have asked Antonio for the money to
woo her and Antonio would not have entered into the bond with Shylock. Similarly, had the laws in
the Court of Justice been interpreted by any other lawyer, it I likely that Antonio would have lost his
life.
At 588 lines, Portia also has more lines than any other character; 233 more than Shylock 's 355 lines
and 400 more than Antonio 's 188. Because of this, the scenes surrounding the caskets in Portia 's
home should be viewed as trials for the protagonist, and not a sub–plot, as they are often described.
By any definition, Portia is the protagonist of the play–– she exhibits the greatest change, the action
of the play revolves around her, and she has the largest number of spoken lines. Given her
importance to the play, how can the title, The Merchant of Venice, be reconciled? After all, Portia
appears to be neither Venetian nor a merchant.
While the play treats Belmont as a distant locale from Venice, a close reading indicates that the two
are in quite close proximity. When Portia is telling Nerissa of her plan to save Antonio, she tells
Nerissa that they must "measure twenty miles to–day" (3.4.84). Because Portia must be back at
Belmont before Bassanio arrives there on

What Is The Theme Of Prejudice In The Merchant Of Venice
Prejudice is when one has a preconceived, negative opinion concerning an individual or group of
people who possess a collective trait. Discrimination is acting on those prejudice opinions. In
William Shakespeares, The Merchant of Venice, prejudice and discrimination is expressed to and
from several characters in the play, affecting their motifs and actions, ultimately resulting in their
downfall. Set during the Elizabethan era in Venice and Belmont, a bond between a Jewish man and
two Christian men is created to win over Portia, the heiress of Belmont, which will be decided
through a casket lottery. In the beginning, Shylock is targeted with prejudice, despite anyone
knowing him beyond his job. In addition, Portia and Nerissa rebel against the social normality of the
time concerning gender to aid those who need it. Similarly, the Prince of Morrocco is mocked for
his skin tone, despite having done nothing but be fair.
Shylock faces the prejudice and discrimination of the Venitiens at the cause of his faith, influencing
his actions and emotions to be hateful towards Antonio and Bassanio as well as vengeful towards
those who have forsaken him. Shylock is portrayed as devilish according to myths surrounding his
religion but remains silent about the prejudice he has faced. When Salanio and Salerio discuss the
tragedy concerning Antonio's ships as well as Jessica's departure from her father, they discover the
reasoning behind Shylocks desire for the pound of flesh when

Theme Of Justice In The Merchant Of Venice
The theme of justice in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" is both controversial and
complicated towards the content of whether justice is served. Justice of law and justice of morality
are illustrated in the play, but in a closer examination hypocrisy and lawlessness are present as well.
I will be trying to analyze the theme of justice taking under consideration the themes of religion,
racism and Anti–Semitism of that era. To be more specific, Shylock is a Jewish merchant whose
legal rights have been violated, as Antonio was incapable of paying his debt to him. Seeking justice,
Shylock goes to court demanding his "pound of flesh" from Antonio, in order for his bond to be
satisfied. Obviously, Shylock seeks vengeance against Antonio ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
One would expect merciful actions to match noble words. One would be sorely disappointed.
Portia's inconsistency between word and deed is vast. The gulf between her preaching about mercy
dropping 'as the gentle rain from heaven' and her vengeful punishment of Shylock is unbridgeably
wide." (45) Portia's hypocrisy is also obvious in Act 1 Scene 2 when the Prince of Morocco comes
in order to choose the right casket and marry her. Though she argues to be a Christian and an
obedient daughter, she reveals her racist beliefs saying to her maid: "If he have the condition of a
saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me." (The Merchant
of Venice act 1 scene 2, 33.) A true Christian is not supposed to criticize another person because of
his skin color. Therefore, her obedience to her father's law is hypocritical as well, because she
admits that she'd rather die than marry the Prince of Morocco, a suitor that according to her father's
will could be her future

Portia In Romeo And Juliet
Shakespeare uses the character, Portia, to display that even when you do love someone you do not
always have full trust in them. Portia, despite her love for Bassanio, tested the loyalty and
trustworthiness of her husband. She dosesn't know if she can fully trust him to keep the vows and
the promises he made, in marrying her and to the ring of their love, in his time of trouble. When
Bassanio leaves to try to save Antonio from his debt, Portia begins to talk to Nerissa and hatching a
plan: "Come on, Nerissa; I have work in hand / That you yet know not of: we'll see our husbands /
Before they think of us." (3.4. 50–61) Through this passage, we see it's clear that Portia does not
have complete trust in her husband. She makes a secret plan with

William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice
William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice
In many ways, shylock is a more difficult character for a modern audience than for an Elizabethan
audience. With close reference to Act 1 scene 3, Act 3 scene 1 and Act 4 scene 1 show how an actor
might reveal the human being behind the stereotype.
The merchant of Venice is a play written in Elizabethan times by William Shakespeare. The play is
set in Elizabethan Venice. The play starts with Antonio, a rich merchant, who is depressed without
any obvious reason. He denies that he is worried about his merchant ships or that he is in love.
Antonio has lent money to his friend Bassanio in the past, but this time Bassanio wants to borrow
some money so ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Portia quickly arranges a speedy wedding and then sends the two husbands back to Venice with an
offer of several times the Original loan.
Lorenzo and Jessica are left to look after the house as Portia and Nerissa pretend to go to a religious
retreat to pray for the success of their husbands. In reality, they are going to Venice, with Lawyers
robes and Legal advice from one of Portia's cousins, Bellario.
Antonio has been allowed to visit Shylock from gaol to try and persuade him to be lenient. Shylock,
however, is having none of it as he is bent on having his revenge.
In court, Antonio casts a sorry figure, he makes it clear that there is no way that Shylock will change
his mind and has psychologically resigned himself to his fate. He knows that the law cannot be
altered for one man's convenience.
After appealing in vain to Shylock, Portia confirms the law.
Shylock has all of his apparatus with him and ready prepared. At the last moment just before he is
about to kill Antonio, Portia points out that he is not to spill any blood, and that he must take only a
pound of flesh, no more, no less. If he breaks this rule then Shylock must die. Also, he has tried to
kill a Venetian citizen, so half of his goods must go to his intended victim and the other half of his
goods to the state. The Duke now has control over whether Shylock lives or

How Does Shakespeare Present Portia In Julius Caesar

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