Thursday, 12 April 2012

Does Portia bear prejudice against the Prince or Morocco?

Portia seems a little happy that the Prince of Morocco didn't pick the right casket. Although they praised his gentlemanliness for not storming off and keeping calm, Portia was somewhat relieved and reveals a casual but deep-seated racialism. Could Portia be someone who is racist?

Bassanio picking a casket

Portia clearly wants to marry Bassanio. Yes, we realize this is an unfortunate choice given that Bassanio wants Portia's money and seems to value his bromance with Antonio more than his relationship with her. When Bassanio shows up to try his luck at the casket lottery, Portia has her band of personal musicians play a little tune that helps Bassanio make the right choice

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Prince of Morocco chooses a casket


Act II Scene VII. The Prince of Morocco chooses a casket. He gives a long speech  on which casket he will choose. He chooses the Gold Casket which he says represents Portia's beauty

Gold, Silver, Lead

Not only is every potential suitor out to get his hands on Portia's wealth, but Portia doesn't even get to choose her husband, because her dad set up a little contest involving three caskets to ensure his little princess married the "right" man. It turns out that Portia's dad knew how attractive Portia would be as a rich, single girl, so he did what any wealthy 16th century Shakespearean father would and made sure his only daughter would marry the man of his choosing.

Relation between Portia and Nerissa


Portia
Nerissa


Nerissa is Portia's servant or Lady in Waiting, but they often act as friends.  Nerissa advises and supports Portia, often reminding her about her duty to her dead father, especially when the suitors who want to marry Portia are choosing their caskets. 
Nerissa also joins Portia when she disguises herself as a man in the court room scene at the end.  After this, they play tricks on their husbands - after all, these women are much cleverer than their men.
Their relationship is close although Portia is higher in status. 

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Suitors ; Prince of Arragon



The prince of Arragon -  An arrogant Spanish nobleman who also attempts to win Portia’s hand by picking a casket. Like the prince of Morocco, however, the prince of Arragon chooses unwisely. He picks the silver casket, which gives him a message calling him an idiot instead of Portia’s hand.

Suitors ; Prince of Morocco


The prince of Morocco -  A Moorish prince who seeks Portia’s hand in marriage. The prince of Morocco asks Portia to ignore his dark countenance and seeks to win her by picking one of the three caskets. Certain that the caskets reflect Portia’s beauty and stature, the prince of Morocco picks the gold chest, which proves to be incorrect.