In the 16th century, women were usually depicted in literature as vulnerable, fragile and compliant. While men were often represented as strong, valiant, and independent. During the time men ruled the world, women were considered as property, no better than cattle or land. However, Shakespeare's significant plays drove the idea into people's minds toward accepting the new ideas that women were just as strong, valiant and independent like any other man. Especially in the play, The Merchant of Venice. In this play, three female characters were introduced that are very influential in the course of the events happening in the play as a result of them not conforming to traditional values of that time. In essence Shakespeare challenged the stereotypical
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For example, when Portia enters the court room, she cunningly was able to outwit Shylock: "It must not be; there is no power in Venice/ Can alter a decree established:" (IV.i.220-21). By saying that she started to obtain Shylocks trust. Especially, when Portia strengthens her references as Shylock lets his guard down; "You must prepare your bosom for his knife" (IV.i.248). When Portia said that, Shylock truly believes that he is going to gain his pound of flesh from Antonio's breast. Until, Portia throws him a …show more content…
The three female lead characters had to pass as men to carry out business and break constraints they had as women. While Jessica felt a sense of shame and embarrassment as a man:" What, must I hold a candle to my shames?"(II.vi.42) Portia and Nerissa were empowered and took good advantage of being men, as they were able to trick their husbands to give them their rings: "My Lord Bassanio gave his ring away / Unto the judge that begg'd it and indeed / Deserved it too; and then the boy, his clerk (V.i.178-180). Unfortunately, at the end of the play they went back to being bound in marriage and once again left subservient to their husbands. For the most part, Shakespeare was able to recognize the clear issue of men and women being strictly divided. Thus, Shakespeare brought to existence unique and influential female heroines that have the ability to inspire modern women in
For example, when Portia enters the court room, she cunningly was able to outwit Shylock: "It must not be; there is no power in Venice/ Can alter a decree established:" (IV.i.220-21). By saying that she started to obtain Shylocks trust. Especially, when Portia strengthens her references as Shylock lets his guard down; "You must prepare your bosom for his knife" (IV.i.248). When Portia said that, Shylock truly believes that he is going to gain his pound of flesh from Antonio's breast. Until, Portia throws him a …show more content…
The three female lead characters had to pass as men to carry out business and break constraints they had as women. While Jessica felt a sense of shame and embarrassment as a man:" What, must I hold a candle to my shames?"(II.vi.42) Portia and Nerissa were empowered and took good advantage of being men, as they were able to trick their husbands to give them their rings: "My Lord Bassanio gave his ring away / Unto the judge that begg'd it and indeed / Deserved it too; and then the boy, his clerk (V.i.178-180). Unfortunately, at the end of the play they went back to being bound in marriage and once again left subservient to their husbands. For the most part, Shakespeare was able to recognize the clear issue of men and women being strictly divided. Thus, Shakespeare brought to existence unique and influential female heroines that have the ability to inspire modern women in