Merchant of Venice Essay The Character of Portia

The Character of Portia in Merchant of Venice In his Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare wants the reader to admire Portia, arguably the most powerful character in the play. However, it is easy to mistake the word ‘admiration’ to mean simply a liking of someone’s positive virtues. Rather, we should like Portia because of those things that make her a multi-faceted character. Though she can appear to be an â€Å"unlessoned girl,† she is also conniving, manipulative, and powerful. Three examples that effectively show her prowess and as a result win our admiration of her occur during the casket, the trial, and the ring scenes. One reason why Shakespeare wants us to appreciate Portia is because of the respect that radiates from her during†¦show more content†¦(III.2.1-3) It is very clear that Portia wants Bassanio to be her soul mate, though she is powerless to make that possibility a reality. This is one of the very few times in the play that Portia finds herself not in control, fate having the upper hand. ‘I lose you company’ brings out Portia’s compassionate side, as she yearns for the perfect mate and wants to make sure she does not loose Bassanio forever. As Bassanio picks a casket, Portia orders music to play - perhaps to soothe Bassanio’s mind while he chooses, as well as to put her own rattled mind temporarily at ease. When Bassanio choose the correct casket, Portia is elated and gives him a ring, which she is sure will seal their fate together forever: I give them with this ring, Which when you part from, lose, or give away, Let is presage the ruin of your love And be my vantage to exclaim on you. (III.2.171-74) (The ‘them’ in the above passage refers to her house, servants, and self.) With the passing of the ring to Bassanio, Portia exemplifies the very notion of respect by relinquishing her power (in this case her house, servants, and self) and puts it in the hands of her new lord. Bassanio appears more than willing to accept the challenge: But when this ring Parts from this finger, then parts all life from hence, O then be bold to say Bassanio’sShow MoreRelatedThe Three Plots of The Merchant of Venice779 Words   |  4 Pages Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a simple story line with three distinct plot lines incorporated into each other intricately. These three plot lines are the bond plot, the casket plot, and the ring plot, each equally vital to the meaning and conclusion of the play. In this essay, I will discuss the roles of the characters in the plot, the symbols, images, and rhetorical figures central to each plot, and finally how the events of the three plots are intertwined. 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