portia and representations
Focusing particularly on Act 1 scene 2 and Act 4 scene 1, discuss the contradictory elements in the character of Portia and possible representation of her: Heroine? Rebel? Snob?Portia is a young noble woman of the magical Belmont; she holds the main qualities of Shakespeare's famous women. Shakespeare's heroines do reflect traits that were typical of Elizabethan society culturally and historically, however they do have contradictory elements which make them very difficult to label, Portia is no different. She is able to adapt within situations and change her persona to gain control. This is why Portia has many representations of her character, because she is an intelligent upper class woman, this is seen within the text and versions I have seen and studied.Portia's character can be portrayed in many ways this all depends on certain factors such as, the time period the performance was performed. Portia's character is able to adapt depending on the society. Portia can fit into many stereotypes for example, Heroine, Rebel, Snob, Princess, Temptress and Daughter. However she is classed as a problem character because she can fit into so many social labels, which makes her un stereotypical. This can present her as
This is shown by the fact Portia is a dutiful and loyal daughter to her dead father. This would have been unacceptable because she is being deceiving, showing Portia as a un loyal wife even though she is acting this way to help Bassanio's friend Antonio. Bassanio is a well-educated gentleman, which is seen by his language and references to Ancient Greece and Rome while describing Portia to his closest friend, Antonio during Act 1, scene1. The words expressly are 'a pound of flesh''Act 4, Scene 1, LL301-333Portia's knowledge of law are clearly presents her as a very intelligent woman, because during the Elizabethan times Portia's ability would have been unheard of and not life like. The game is to choose the correct casket, and Portia is the prize. This is seen clearly when she is stereotyping the possible six suitors, during Elizabethan times the national stereotypes described by Nerrissa and Portia would have been easier to recognise, Portia is also seen as a magical Princess because of the fairytale caskets designed by her dead father. Women did not have the ability and understanding of trade, politics and law this is seen by the separation of the two cities Venice and Belmont. 'To Cato's daughter, Brutus' Portia' Act 1, Scene1, L165These references show the audience Bassanio's social class and would have been understood by Shakespeare's educated audiences. Portia refuses the proposal, she then asks Bassanio for his ring: the one she gave him as a symbol of her loyalty. Portia is seen as a rebel because she disguises herself as a man, which is extremely risky within Elizabethan society as it was not expectable. This is why Portia is able to have so many interpretations because elements of her character can be stronger or weaker due to the actors or directors choice. Act 4, Scene 1, LL 441-444Portia clearly lacks mercy when discussing this with Bassanio, the one quality she was searching for within Shylock. 'I remember him worthy of thy praise' Act 1, Scene 2, L98Which has been her main character trait throughout this scene, while labelling possible suitors. ' Act 3,Scene 5, LL 60-63However Portia's risky rebellion is only to save Antonio her Husband's best friend. However this also presents Portia as a cruel woman who is ruthless and very powerful because she influences Nerissa to perform the same test for her husband Gratiano.
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Snob Portia,
Antonio Portia's,
Nerissa Portia,
L98 Portia,
Bassanio Portia,
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Nerrissa Portia,
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Acceptance Essays
