PORTIA'S ENIGMA: DELVING INTO THE LAYERS OF COMPLEXITY IN SHAKESPEARE'S CHARACTER

Authors

  • Professor Hua Li, MBA Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China

Keywords:

Portia, The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare, heroine, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, manipulation, self-righteousness

Abstract

Portia is one of Shakespeare's most beloved heroines, but she is not without her flaws. In this essay, I will argue that Portia is not as perfect as she is often made out to be. I will discuss her strengths, such as her intelligence, beauty, and wealth, but I will also explore her weaknesses, such as her willingness to manipulate others and her tendency to be self-righteous. I will conclude by arguing that Portia is a complex and contradictory character who is not easily categorized.

Published

2023-12-07

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Articles
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