Introduction:
Portia is the leading character of the drama “The Merchant of Venice” which is written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). He portrays the character of Portia as a religious woman, a wise woman, a believing wife and as a generous woman. Portia is portrayed as a tasteful and good-natured woman. On the other hand, she is the heroin of the drama. Now, we will discuss the role of Portia.
Religious women:
Portia is the marriageable girl of Marcus Porcius Cato Uticencis. Before he died, he decided that one of the three boxes would contain a picture of a Portia and that he would give marry his daughter to the person who would find it for the first time. When Bassanio comes to look for the picture, Portia prays to the creator that Bassanio should gets the picture. And this scene proves that Portia is a pious woman.
“God made him and therefore let him pass for a man.”
More Notes: The Merchant of Vince
Desired woman:
We know that Portia’s father name is Marcus Porcius Cato Uticencis. His father owned many properties. Before he died, he arrange a marriage ceremony of his daughter. He puts picture of his daughter in a casket among the three. The person who could choose the right casket with the picture, will get married to the daughter. Because of this, princes from different states kept coming. She has become the object of desire because her father’s wealth . Thus Portia becomes a desirable woman.
Generosity:
Portia is beautiful, witty and wise. She is proved to be wise by defending Antonio. Bassanio needs 3000 ducats to get married to Portia. Then Antonio takes 3000 ducats from Shylock and gives the money to his bestfriend Bassanio. Shylock gives three months to deposit money. Antonio could not pay within three months because his ship did not return. So, Shylock seeks justice according to the conditions. Bassanio knows this and opens everything to Portia. Then Portia gives a lot of money to save Antonio. It proves that she is from the side of the great benefactor.
“A second Daniel, a Daniel, Jew! Now Infidels I have you on the hip.”
Woman of ready wit:
Portia is a woman of ready wit. When Shylock attempts to cut a pound of flesh, the Portia protects Antonio. Then Portia argues that Shylock can cut one pound of flesh. It is written in the bond. But in the bond is not written about bleed. If blood comes out, Shylock have to pay compensation. Then Shylock loses the case, Antonio survives. It proves that Portia is a woman of ready wit.
Believable wife:
Portia gives Bassanio the gift of a ring on the first day. Portia says he should never lose it. The man who saves Antonio is named Balthazar. To save Antonio’s life, Bassanio gives the ring to Balthazar. Although Balthazar is Portia in disguise. When he came home and talked about the ring, Antonio told everything to Portia. Although the ring is near the Portia. Antonio unknowingly made no conspiracy with the ring Portia.
“A Daniel comes to judgment! Yea, a Daniel!
Impersonator:
Portia is Bassanio’s wife. She disguises herself as Balthazar to protect Antonio. Balthazar is a lawyer. Finally, Portia manages to save Antonio in the guise of Balthazar applying her ready wit.
Conclusion:
From the all above discussion we can say that Portia is one of the most impressive characters in the drama. She is a calm and virtuous woman.
