Miss Independent

Portia is a complicated character. Shakespeare initially has her come in the play as a fair princess who is being wooed by many suitors. This implies a girly nature, for she has not picked on yet. But further reading expands this limited view on who Portia is. She is a strong woman who makes wise, careful thought out decisions. She confides in her maid how she does not want to get married, unless this man is absolutely perfect – a dream I am almost sure every girl has. But this wealthy woman shows a tricky side in the scene with the Prince of Morocco. She portrays herself to him as a fragile woman, but the test for who will be her husband is enamored with gold. Literally. By showing this side or Portia, Shakespeare wants the reader to gain understand for how rebellious and sturdy this woman is. She will not go down without a fight. She has strong feelings of justice, as shown by her not rapidly picking a husband; she has sincere mercy for those less fortunate than she (shown later in the play); and she is as smart and witty as any man. It is these traits Shakespeare uses as tools to show the reader women can be independent, smart, and are typically far more complex than men give them credit for. I always feel empowered by most of the Shakespearean women, because they demonstrate such fortitude, it jumps off the page, and into my being. If Portia could say one thing to women, I think she would say, “You go, girl!”