Is the theme of love fulfilled by deception or
tests?
Let us begin with the caskets. Portia's father knew
his world well. Despite her brains, Portia lived in as male dominated world. Portia
was a like a bird in a guilded cage. He did not want his daughter caught like Penelope
with suitors plaguing her. He devised the caskets as a test and it worked. Probably
many were turned away because of the terms. The two we do see before Bassanio, go for
the glitter, proving themselves unworthy of such a treasure as Portia who is greater
than either silver or gold. Bassanio has the breeding if not the fortune necessary to
risk the challenge. He needs Antonio's help. He is also Portia's
choice.
The ring is also a test since rings are
traditionally the symbol of marriage. Portia warns him not to lose or give away the
ring.
Her disguise is the only way Portia can appear in the
court due to the male dominated society. That Bassanio does not recognise her is
credible since as far as he knew, his wife was at Belmont. We often don't recognise
people outside their normal environment.
You must admit
that the disguised Portia who has just saved Bassiano's best friend's life just won't
take no for an answer. Bassanio does try but yields to Antonio who persuades him to
give the young lawyer the ring.
Perhaps it is only through
these tests or deceptions that Bassanio realizes exactly what love is. When he has the
chance to help out Bassanio concerning the ring, Antonio says nothing. Love of wife
supersedes best friend. A good lesson.
A better question,
do they live happily ever after?
No comments:
Post a Comment