Contemporary and modern historians also argue whether she actually swallowed hot coals or died of carbon monoxide poisoning (Wikipedia.org). Nerissa understands her mistress. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Here Bassanio is talking to Portia, but he doesnt know it is she. The audience is introduced to Portia in act 1, scene 2 while she is having an insightful conversation about her father's will and the many suitors interested in winning her hand in marriage. Download the entire The Merchant of Venice study guide as a printable PDF! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. In doing so, Portia saves Antonio's life and displays her courage by dressing up as a man and intervening in a Venetian trial under false pretenses. So shines a good deed in a naughty world. Despite her real feelings about the Prince of Morocco, Portia answers him politely and reassuringly. "Pause a day or two," she begs, for "in choosing wrong, / I lose your company." If he gives the ring away then it would be betraying his wife, but if he doesnt give the ring to the lawyer, then he wouldnt be being respectful and granting the lawyers wish for a payback for helping him. Portia rejects the stuffiness that rigid adherence to She makes unkind remarks about her suitors when they arrive to choose a casket. The last date is today's Overall, Portia is characterized as an affluent hopeless romantic who is depressed about her marriage situation and is not interested in any of the suitors. Draw the curtains, go. Portia's first lines portray her as a weary, depressed young woman who is frustrated and stressed out about her difficult situation. In The Merchant of Venice, which casketdid the Prince of Morocco choose, and why? Already she has given him cause to think that it is possible that he can woo and win her, for on an earlier visit to Belmont, Bassanio did "receive fair speechless messages" from her eyes. She plays devious tricks to win things over on her side. This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood. Why does Portia dislike the Prince of Morocco? Or it could just be because Shylock wants flesh from her husband, this could help us understand why she gives him such a hard time. Portia lays a huge part in being racist, especially with her suitors. Already a member? Portia's response depicts her as an intelligent, acute woman, who understands human nature and recognizes moral ambiguity. However, rather than contenting herself with a marriage of convenience, Portia works to win Bassanios love as well. How is Portia characterized in act 1, scene 2, of Shakespeare's The conversation turns toward Portia's suitors. What is a character sketch of the six suitors in The Merchant of Venice? Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. he hath a horse better than the Neapolitans, a better bad habit of frowning than the Count Palatine. Portia is an intelligent, fair woman, who obeys her father's wish by agreeing to marry the man that picks the right casket.
