Merchant of Venice Essay: The Character of Portia -- Merchant of Venic

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 blue to mistake the word admiration to mean simply a liking of someones positive virtues. Rather, we should like Portia because of those things that make her a multi-faceted character. Though she great deal appear to be an 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. ace reason why Shakespeare wants us to appreciate Portia is because of the respect that radiates from her during the casket scene. Respect is clearly shown when she follows the prescription of her fathers will, which stipulates that she is to be wed to whoever can successfully figure out the riddle of the caskets and pick the one that has her likeness in it I may nei ther choose who I would nor refusewho I dislike, so is the will of a living daughter curbedby the will of a dead father. (I.2.22-24) Portia realizes that she has little to say in the matter, and nowhere does she hint at not following her fathers wishes and marrying whomever she wants. Portias faith to her father is steadfast as she goes through the ritual of entertaining potential suitor oer and over again. However, that is not to say that Portia is fond of her predicament, because clearly she is not. When Morocco fails to pick the correct casket and leaves in a distraught manner, she is relieved and exclaims A gentle riddance (II.7.78). Portia mustiness also be admired for her unwavering love and support of her Bassanio. Whi... ...tely frees Antonio (and perhaps even Bassanio) and at the same time obliterates Shylock. Therefore, Portia is a character whom Shakespeare means to be highly admired. She possesses qualities that make her the adoration of some and the envy of others. Sh e is highly skilled at whatever task she undertakes yet she retains an aura of compassion and a bulletproof sense of commitment. She puts herself on the line for the sake of her Bassanio. On the other hand, when she is crossed - or better yet when something she is endeared to is threatened - she is prepared to unleash a butchery to make things better again. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. 1967. Ed. W. Moelwyn Merchant. The New Penguin Shakespeare. London Penguin Books, 1996.- - -. Othello. 1968. Ed. Kenneth Muir. The New Penguin Shakespeare. London Penguin Books, 1996.