There are quite a few quotes pertaining to the friendship between Portia and Nerissa, but they are not as obvious as the male friendships. Nerissa is Portia's servant, so their bond is subtle. For example, in Act I Scene 2, Portia and Nerissa are having a discussion about Portia's betrothal dilemma. Their friendship is evident in the way Nerissa is permitted to speak openly with Portia. Nerissa's retort in line 10, "They would be better if well followed," would not be so well received by a superior with whom she did not have a good relationship. In Act III Scene II, Nerissa seals her fate to Portia's. She tells Gratiano that he can have her love only if Bassanio chooses the correct casket: "I got a promise of this fair one here to have her love, provided that your fortune achieved her mistress." Nerissa selflessly chose to remain single for as long as her friend remained unhappy. And in Act III Scene IV, they conspire together to see their husbands by taking on disguises and going to Venice. If you look between the lines, you can see two women who clearly share a very deep bond.
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