What is the summary of The Merchant of Venice?
The Merchant of Venice Summary. Antonio, an antisemitic merchant, takes a loan from the Jew Shylock to help his friend to court Portia. Antonio can’t repay the loan, and without mercy, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh. The heiress Portia, now the wife of Antonio’s friend, dresses as a lawyer and saves Antonio.
What was Portia’s gift to Bassanio?
As Portia presents the ring to Bassanio she says, “I give them with this ring, which when you part from, lose, or give away, let it presage the ruin of your love and be my vantage to exclaim on you.”(3.2. 171-4). Portia warns Bassanio that if that ring ever leaves his finger they are no longer two peas in a pod.
Why did Bassanio give away Portia’s ring?
Bassanio pleads in vain that he gave his ring for good reason to the lawyer who saved Antonio’s life. Well, says Portia, since you have been so generous to him, if that lawyer comes here, “I’ll have [him] for my bedfellow.” “And,” adds Nerissa,”I his clerk.”
Why is Portia called thrice Fair Lady?
Bassanio refers to Portia as a thrice – fair lady because she wished to teach Bassanio on how to choose the casket but it may lead to the breaking of her oath. but however, Portia gives advice that outer beauty just is a decoration but inner beauty matters.
Does Bassanio truly love Portia?
Bassanio says he “loves” Portia… but he courts her for her money. At times, the same seems true of Lorenzo’s interest in Jessica. Women seem happy to give love, but they do so with a bit of cynicism.
What does Portia’s ring symbolize?
The ring symbolizes Portia’s power and control, not only in civil matters but also in her marriage relationship.
How did Portia win the case?
Portia saves Antonios life by: When they both go there, Portia uses her clever wit to save Antonio. she says that sure, the words are “a pound of flesh” but she analyzes the bond and quickly finds out that there is blood written so she uses that as a advantage against Shylock and wins the case.
Why does Portia take the ring?
The ring seems to represent Portia’s submission to Bassanio. By giving him the ring not only does she submit herself, all of her worldly possessions and property, she also puts herself in a position of power; because she’s giving her soon-to-be husband more than he can possibly give her in return.
Why did Bassanio marry Portia?
He is a spendthrift who wasted all of his money in order to be seen as a respectable man. To regain his fortune, he is determined to marry Portia, a wealthy, intelligent heiress of Belmont. In order to ask for her hand in marriage, Bassanio and his best friend, Antonio enter into an agreement with the usurer Shylock.
What sort of character is Portia?
Portia is beautiful, gracious, rich, intelligent, and quick-witted, with luxury lifestyle and high standards for her potential romantic partners. She is bound by the lottery set forth in her father’s will, which gives potential suitors the chance to choose between three caskets composed of gold, silver and lead.