The Sly Side of Portia

The Sly Side of Portia In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare presents the theme; looks can be deceiving. This is seen in the character of Portia. She portrays herself as a pleasant person when it comes to Bassanio, but is deceitful and mean when it comes to her suitors. She also disguises herself as Balthazar, a young doctor who is to judge in the courtroom of Shylock and Antonio. Once again, we see her cunning …

…Bassanio is choosing a casket, but the story reveals a cruel streak that is very cunning and calculated. Through manipulation, Portia woos Bassanio and tests his love unjustly. Her appearance of kindness is pushed aside as she reveals her cruel side of manipulation. Thus, deceiving appearances remains the underlying theme of The Merchant of Venice as seen in the character of Portia. WORKS CITED Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1995.