Portia

I disagree with Cassie about women in terms of Shakespeare and his typical female characters. True, there were some damsels in distress, lacking strength (Ophelia springs to mind), but there were many very strong and witty women in Shakespeare (Juliet, Calpurnia, Lady Macbeth) and I think that Portia is another one of them.

That said, Portia is a free spirit, though bound by her father’s will. The irony of this situation, however, does not cause her to succumb to the terms of the will completely or forget her wants. Portia surprisingly adapts to the situation and ends up getting what she wants: Bassanio. Through all the suitors that want her hand in marriage, she keeps her eye on what would make her happy, while still abiding the will. I find this truly admirable: she remains secure in her dreams while still adhering to a will that could very well turn against her. Portia is resourceful and stubborn despite restraints.

More than just the will is restraining her, as well. Portia is a rich heiress, but falls in love with Bassanio, who is simply a well-to-do businessman. The expectation of Portia, though really never stated, is to marry anyone who can choose the correct casket (which I find very ironic: wedding versus funeral). Portia finds ways to bend the law and the will to her side (and this is more evident at the end of the story). When we first meet Portia, I think one’s first impression of her would be a spoiled child who is helplessly waiting to be wed. We are introduced to a somewhat and seemingly weak and hopeless woman who is bound to her dead father’s will, but later we find out how truly strong she is. Often in Shakespeare lovers who face adversity do not prevail in the end but rather find death (not that these women weren’t strong, but that societal influences were stronger). The fact that Portia and Bassanio are different proves that Portia is a powerful feminine figure who can easily take care of herself.