The Merchant Of Venice
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
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.
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