In Act Three what stood out to me the most was the development
of Portia’s plan as far as deceiving Shylock as well as Antonio and Bassanio.
She says to Nerissa in 3.4.60-71
“They shall, Nerissa, but in such a habit that they shall
think we are accomplished with what we lack. I’ll hold thee any wager, ……wear
my dagger with the braver grace, and speak between the change of man and boy with
a reed voice, and turn two mincing steps into a manly stride, and speak frays
like a fine bragging youth, and tell quaint lies how honourable ladies sought
my love, which I denying, they fell sick and died.”
This passage to me really emphasized the conflict between
male and female identity and assumed roles. Portia clearly has a desire to take
matters into her own hands but her assertiveness is being portrayed as
traditionally a male characteristic. This concept of “lacking” in females has
been perpetuated all throughout history and Portia reminds the audience of
this. Not only do women lack in physical male characteristics, but she also implies
that they lack in other qualities she describe such as bravery and confidence.
Its ironic that Portia reminds of the audience of these assumed gender roles,
yet chooses to disguise herself as a man which in a sense further these stereotypes.
This makes me think whether Beatrice from Much Ado would do something similar.
She was assertive and outspoken, qualities generally associated with men but I
feel that she would have not submitted to such antics like Portia .
In Act four, during the court scene involving Shylock,
Antonio and Bassanio, Portia disguised as Balthasar tells Shylock in 4.1.179-84
“The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the
gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth
him that gives, and him that takes. “Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
the throned monarch better than his crown.”
I thought that it was convenient for Portia to use Christian
doctrines to support her argument especially when religion is such a dominant
issue in this play. I think that the
Christian characters seem to use their religious morals only when it is
beneficial for them. When they treat Jews in contempt, spitting on them and
calling them dogs, are they behaving in a merciful manner? This play and particular
act really demonstrates the issues that arise from two conflicting religions.
What may be considered merciful for one, may seem blasphemous to another. It
seems easy for them to manipulate the meaning of mercy and justice as it pertains
to this situation. Im not implying that Shylock is not a villain and he certainly
has evil intentions but I do believe that the Christians are morally superior
to Shylock and Jews in this story.
I did find it interesting that she dressed up as a man during her rescue of Antonio. I wonder if her more masculine personality was influencing her actions, or was her newfound love for Bassanio? The way she talked to her potential suitors and the way she talked about them really reminded me of Beatrice. It could be possible that she wanted to take matters into her own hands because she was so helpless in how her husband would be chosen. Her father took away all of her power to assert her will in that aspect. She definitely has a conflict with what is expected of women during her time, and what she wants to do as a strong charactered woman.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Christians are held up to be morally superior to the Jews. It could also be a commentary on the way one religion persecutes against another, even though they are all men made of the same flesh (Shylock's speech).