January 19th, 2012- Portia's Endless Servitude

After Bassanio discovers that he has chosen the correct casket, he confesses that he is in disbelief and asks if Portia can confirm that he can marry her. Her response centers on power, and therefore money, and her speech ultimately serves to represent the beginning of their relationship. She begins by saying that she wishes she “would be trebled twenty times” in order “to stand high in [his] account” (Shakespeare III.ii.153-155). She reveals that she feels that she is undeserving of Bassanio, and the only way she could consider herself equal to him is if she were “trebled twenty times.” Ironically, Portia feels subservient to Bassanio; meanwhile, she possesses more money, power, and prestige. Portia’s feeling of subservience illustrates that women are meant to assume subordinate roles. After just ending her bond with her father, Portia assembles a new bond with another man. Like her agreement with her father, Portia agrees “to be directed” by Bassanio (Shakespeare III.ii.164). Portia hands over the prestige and power she possesses so that she can be “directed” through Bassanio’s demands. Portia responds to Bassanio’s confusion to discuss materialistic benefits and profits that he inherits through their marriage, and thus she makes their relationship more superficial than romantic.