Discuss the Portrayal of Portia and Jessica in the...

In The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare used Portia and Jessica as his stereotypical characters through which he successfully conveyed greatness and challenged the perception of 17th century society. Shakespeare, by doing so, has accomplished them with what they lacked. Quotation serves to emphasise Shakespeares drama since the word `accomplished implies that it is Shakespeare who created the two characters to appear as mens equals and that otherwise this equality would not be attainable within the society of the contemporary time. At the beginning of the play, Portia appears to have no real identity despite all her greatness and worth whereas Jessica, being a Jew appeared as a character with low self-esteem and emerges as having†¦show more content†¦Shakespeares use of the word `curbd imply means of restraints that in this context could provide the notion that Portia is restrained to her own will and thereby completely `bound by her fathers will. With regards to Jessicas character, Shakespeare endeavoured to generate a slightly different sympathy. Jessica is known to be Shylocks daughter, her character is assumed to be that of low self-esteem and without potential greatness., thus, Jessica is regarded as inferior to other Christians due to her Jewish origins and religion. This is partly manifest through Shakespeares language and partly through plots development. Jews in this play are regarded as dehumanised beings as becomes apparent from Antonios speech that called Shylock a `dog. Jessica, being biologically bound to her father, is also regarded as inferior to Christians, maybe providing the reason why she eloped with a Christian man in the end. None the less, her low self-esteem is drawn by her acceptance to be Lorenzos torch-bearer. Shakespeare provided a negative imagery by Lorenzos speech. Torch-bearer insinuates the image of a slave and an owned individual which we assume Jessica becomes after her marriage ceremony. As opposed to Portias respectful and obedient manner Jessica is conveyed as a rebellious and disobedient character. Due to the fact that Jessica eloped from her father, quoting that Alack, what heinous sin is it in me to beShow MoreRelatedShylock as a Victim of Villain Essay2293 Words   |  10 PagesShylock as a Victim of Villain Throughout the play ‘The Merchant of Venice’ there are constant references to various characters and the way they relate to one another, however there is no character so diverse and so complex as Shylock’s character. Shakespeare tries to portray Shylock in a number of ways however I believe his main focus in the play, is on his villainous side. This may be portraying the time of Shakespeare where ethnic minorities likeRead MoreAnalysis Of Film Production Of The Merchant Of Venice1249 Words   |  5 PagesFilm Review Michael Radford s 2004 film production of The Merchant of Venice provides a well-executed and generally faithful rendition of Shakespeare s play. Radford s production especially succeeds in both its casting and set design that elevates the mood and drama contained in Shakespeare s text. In addition to the filming, particular attention was taken to following the original text, but some interesting in liberties in plot details were taken. Radford’s production serves as an exemplar