Friday, November 2, 2012

How does Portia and Nerissa's relationship depict their friendship in The Merchant of Venice?

Portia and Nerissa's relationship depicts their friendship throughout the play The Merchant of Venice. Portia feels comfortable discussing her inner feelings with Nerissa, and Nerissa offers encouragement to Portia by commenting on the positive aspects of her situation. Nerissa understands Portia's personality and reminds her about Bassanio while they are discussing potential suitors. Portia also trusts Nerissa throughout the play and shares her secret plan to travel to Venice in order to intervene in Antonio's trial. Nerissa loyally agrees to participate in Portia's plan and travels to Venice with her. Nerissa's willingness to dress up as a man alongside Portia illustrates the extent of their friendship. Nerissa understands the risks involved in impersonating a man and intervening in a court case, yet willingly volunteers to help Portia. Nerissa also seeks to get her ring back from Gratiano and joins in on Portia's hijinks. The two characters are very close and are willing to help each other in various ways throughout the play.

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