e of their wives.

Another attribute of the male role in this play is the sense of devotion and honor possessed by the men. Bassanio and Lorenzo give up their rings in the name of honor. They do not wish to dishonor their friend, Antonio, by not showing their appreciation for the ruling of the judge. Also, it is their devotion to their wives, which make them reluctant to give away their rings.

The female roles in The Merchant of Venice are much less concerned with money and more concerned with love. Portia’s main consideration revolves around who she will have to marry, while Jessica worries about leaving her father’s house to join her lover, Lorenzo. Their cares revolve around emotional and spiritual fulfillment brought about by love.

The female roles in this play seem to represent the idealized woman who is spirited, yet focused on her partner. Portia disguises herself as a male, as does her maid and Jessica when she dresses as a boy to sneak out of her father’s house. These women are spirited enough to enter the man’s world, if not only in their appearance, yet remain focused on their husbands. Portia and Nerissa seem to represent a type of manipulation, as they beguile their husbands for a comical effect.

The gender roles of The Merchant of Venice

In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, there are several roles of gender illustrated through the characters of the play. The men and women of this play represent separate ideals, though they all illustrate the play’s main themes. Two main themes of this play are selfless love and the pursuit of happiness. One of the most interesting of the gender roles is in the character of Portia. Her approach to marriage and the manipulation of her husband are prime examples of her character.

Portia is represented as the idea woman, described by her lover, Bassanio, as “fair and, fairer than that word,/ Of wondrous virtues” (1.2.162-163). There are many suitors who compete to marry Portia. Her wealth and beauty make her a perfect woman to marry in the eyes of her suitors. Throughout the play, Portia shows her appealing inner qualities, as well. For example, she dresses as a judge in 4.1, illustrating her obvious intelligent and cunning qualities. Portia decides the fate of Antonio and Shylock in a justified manner. She manipulates the outcome of the case in her husband’s favor, but also makes sure that the outcome is justified.

Also, Portia’s portrayal of a judge in Act 4 reveals a crafty and manipulative attitude toward her marriage and her husband. Portia persuades Bassanio, her unknowing husband, to give her the ring that he promised never to part with. She is consenting to her marriage and agrees to have Bassanio control her as her husband, but she still exerts her control over him. Portia tests her husband to see how far she can manipulate him, then gives in to her role as a submissive wife.

Portia is also spirited and opinionated. As she discusses her suitors with her maid, Nerissa, Portia clearly and openly gives reasons for detesting all of her suitors. One suitor talks of his own accomplishments excessively, another “hears merry/ tales and smiles not,” and yet another Portia identifies with the devil (1.2.46-47). This last rejection by Portia reflects her racial prejudice, as the Prince of Morocco is African. The dark skin of Africans was commonly associated with evil prior to Portia’s time, in which she still hangs onto this prejudiced belief.

Another female role illustrated in The Merchant of Venice is that of Jessica, the daughter of Shylock. Jessica detests her father’s house and runs away with her lover, stealing money and jewelry from her father. Jessica exemplifies the idea of risking everything for happiness. She leaves her home and religion, knowing that her father will be displeased. Jessica calls her father’s house “hell,” and leaves in order obtain happiness (2.3.2). She also seems joyous about leaving her life as a Jew to become a Christian when she explains to Lancelot, “I shall be saved by my husband. He hath made/ me a Christian” (3.5.17-18).

The character of Antonio represents selfless love, as he risks his life to help his best friend, Bassanio. Even when Antionio’s debt to Shylock calls for Antonio’s death, Antonio does not blame Bassanio. Antonio would give anything to those he loves, and this is the message communicated through this play. The Merchant of Venice (the merchant being Antonio) is basically portraying the pursuit of happiness and the obtaining of this happiness through selfless acts. Antonio is the personification of this theme. At the start of the play, Antonio has all the material wealth to provide happiness, yet he is unhappy because he has only material fulfillment and not spiritual fulfillment.

The character of Bassanio is another example of the themes of selfless love and searching for happiness. Bassanio borrows money in order to impress his love, Portia. He does this so that he can win her favor and marry her, thereby obtaining his happiness. Later in the day, Bassanio gives the ring that Portia gave him to the lawyer who saved Antonio’s life. In doing this, he knows that Portia may be upset with him, but it is his selfless love for Antonio that makes him give the ring away.

The character of Shylock is presented with evil connotations, and in particular, identified with the devil in more than one instance by other characters. Shylock, however is only searching for happiness in his own way. Shylock is basically defending his own religion and himself against the actions and accusations of other characters. He plays a seemingly greedy and hateful male role. However, Shylock seems greedy only because he is owed money that he was generous to give out in the first place. Also, Shylock has a right to seem angry toward the other characters due to their harsh accusations against his religion and also due to his daughter’s decision to run away and become a Christian.

The roles of the men in The Merchant of Venice revolve around material happiness. The three main male characters, Antonio, Bassanio, and Shylock, are connected to each other by matters concerning money. Bassanio needs money to impress his love, and Antonio borrows the money from Shylock. Yet, money is not what makes these characters finally obtain their happiness. Only two, Antonio and Bassanio, are happy at the end of the play, and this is solely due to the interference of their wives.

Another attribute of the male role in this play is the sense of devotion and honor possessed by the men. Bassanio and Lorenzo give up their rings in the name of honor. They do not wish to dishonor their friend, Antonio, by not showing their appreciation for the ruling of the judge. Also, it is their devotion to their wives, which make them reluctant to give away their rings.

The female roles in The Merchant of Venice are much less concerned with money and more concerned with love. Portia’s main consideration revolves around who she will have to marry, while Jessica worries about leaving her father’s house to join her lover, Lorenzo. Their cares revolve around emotional and spiritual fulfillment brought about by love.

The female roles in this play seem to represent the idealized woman who is spirited, yet focused on her partner. Portia disguises herself as a male, as does her maid and Jessica when she dresses as a boy to sneak out of her father’s house. These women are spirited enough to enter the man’s world, if not only in their appearance, yet remain focused on their husbands. Portia and Nerissa seem to represent a type of manipulation, as they beguile their husbands for a comical effect.

The gender roles of The Merchant of Venice

unknowing husband, to give her the ring that he promised never to part with. She is consenting to her marriage and agrees to have Bassanio control her as her husband, but she still exerts her control over him. Portia tests her husband to see how far she can manipulate him, then gives in to her role as a submissive wife.

Portia is also spirited and opinionated. As she discusses her suitors with her maid, Nerissa, Portia clearly and openly gives reasons for detesting all of her suitors. One suitor talks of his own accomplishments excessively, another “hears merry/ tales and smiles not,” and yet another Portia identifies with the devil (1.2.46-47). This last rejection by Portia reflects her racial prejudice, as the Prince of Morocco is African. The dark skin of Africans was commonly associated with evil prior to Portia’s time, in which she still hangs onto this prejudiced belief.

Another female role illustrated in The Merchant of Venice is that of Jessica, the daughter of Shylock. Jessica detests her father’s house and runs away with her lover, stealing money and jewelry from her father. Jessica exemplifies the idea of risking everything for happiness. She leaves her home and religion, knowing that her father will be displeased. Jessica calls her father’s house “hell,” and leaves in order obtain happiness (2.3.2). She also seems joyous about leaving her life as a Jew to become a Christian when she explains to Lancelot, “I shall be saved by my husband. He hath made/ me a Christian” (3.5.17-18).

The character of Antonio represents selfless love, as he risks his life to help his best friend, Bassanio. Even when Antionio’s debt to Shylock calls for Antonio’s death, Antonio does not blame Bassanio. Antonio would give anything to those he loves, and this is the message communicated through this play. The Merchant of Venice (the merchant being Antonio) is basically portraying the pursuit of happiness and the obtaining of this happiness through selfless acts. Antonio is the personification of this theme. At the start of the play, Antonio has all the material wealth to provide happiness, yet he is unhappy because he has only material fulfillment and not spiritual fulfillment.

The character of Bassanio is another example of the themes of selfless love and searching for happiness. Bassanio borrows money in order to impress his love, Portia. He does this so that he can win her favor and marry her, thereby obtaining his happiness. Later in the day, Bassanio gives the ring that Portia gave him to the lawyer who saved Antonio’s life. In doing this, he knows that Portia may be upset with him, but it is his selfless love for Antonio that makes him give the ring away.

The character of Shylock is presented with evil connotations, and in particular, identified with the devil in more than one instance by other characters. Shylock, however is only searching for happiness in his own way. Shylock is basically defending his own religion and himself against the actions and accusations of other characters. He plays a seemingly greedy and hateful male role. However, Shylock seems greedy only because he is owed money that he was generous to give out in the first place. Also, Shylock has a right to seem angry toward the other characters due to their harsh accusations against his religion and also due to his daughter’s decision to run away and become a Christian.

The roles of the men in The Merchant of Venice revolve around material happiness. The three main male characters, Antonio, Bassanio, and Shylock, are connected to each other by matters concerning money. Bassanio needs money to impress his love, and Antonio borrows the money from Shylock. Yet, money is not what makes these characters finally obtain their happiness. Only two, Antonio and Bassanio, are happy at the end of the play, and this is solely due to the interference of their wives.

Another attribute of the male role in this play is the sense of devotion and honor possessed by the men. Bassanio and Lorenzo give up their rings in the name of honor. They do not wish to dishonor their friend, Antonio, by not showing their appreciation for the ruling of the judge. Also, it is their devotion to their wives, which make them reluctant to give away their rings.

The female roles in The Merchant of Venice are much less concerned with money and more concerned with love. Portia’s main consideration revolves around who she will have to marry, while Jessica worries about leaving her father’s house to join her lover, Lorenzo. Their cares revolve around emotional and spiritual fulfillment brought about by love.

The female roles in this play seem to represent the idealized woman who is spirited, yet focused on her partner. Portia disguises herself as a male, as does her maid and Jessica when she dresses as a boy to sneak out of her father’s house. These women are spirited enough to enter the man’s world, if not only in their appearance, yet remain focused on their husbands. Portia and Nerissa seem to represent a type of manipulation, as they beguile their husbands for a comical effect.

The gender roles of The Merchant of Venice

nd leaves in order obtain happiness (2.3.2). She also seems joyous about leaving her life as a Jew to become a Christian when she explains to Lancelot, “I shall be saved by my husband. He hath made/ me a Christian” (3.5.17-18).

The character of Antonio represents selfless love, as he risks his life to help his best friend, Bassanio. Even when Antionio’s debt to Shylock calls for Antonio’s death, Antonio does not blame Bassanio. Antonio would give anything to those he loves, and this is the message communicated through this play. The Merchant of Venice (the merchant being Antonio) is basically portraying the pursuit of happiness and the obtaining of this happiness through selfless acts. Antonio is the personification of this theme. At the start of the play, Antonio has all the material wealth to provide happiness, yet he is unhappy because he has only material fulfillment and not spiritual fulfillment.

The character of Bassanio is another example of the themes of selfless love and searching for happiness. Bassanio borrows money in order to impress his love, Portia. He does this so that he can win her favor and marry her, thereby obtaining his happiness. Later in the day, Bassanio gives the ring that Portia gave him to the lawyer who saved Antonio’s life. In doing this, he knows that Portia may be upset with him, but it is his selfless love for Antonio that makes him give the ring away.

The character of Shylock is presented with evil connotations, and in particular, identified with the devil in more than one instance by other characters. Shylock, however is only searching for happiness in his own way. Shylock is basically defending his own religion and himself against the actions and accusations of other characters. He plays a seemingly greedy and hateful male role. However, Shylock seems greedy only because he is owed money that he was generous to give out in the first place. Also, Shylock has a right to seem angry toward the other characters due to their harsh accusations against his religion and also due to his daughter’s decision to run away and become a Christian.

The roles of the men in The Merchant of Venice revolve around material happiness. The three main male characters, Antonio, Bassanio, and Shylock, are connected to each other by matters concerning money. Bassanio needs money to impress his love, and Antonio borrows the money from Shylock. Yet, money is not what makes these characters finally obtain their happiness. Only two, Antonio and Bassanio, are happy at the end of the play, and this is solely due to the interference of their wives.

Another attribute of the male role in this play is the sense of devotion and honor possessed by the men. Bassanio and Lorenzo give up their rings in the name of honor. They do not wish to dishonor their friend, Antonio, by not showing their appreciation for the ruling of the judge. Also, it is their devotion to their wives, which make them reluctant to give away their rings.

The female roles in The Merchant of Venice are much less concerned with money and more concerned with love. Portia’s main consideration revolves around who she will have to marry, while Jessica worries about leaving her father’s house to join her lover, Lorenzo. Their cares revolve around emotional and spiritual fulfillment brought about by love.

The female roles in this play seem to represent the idealized woman who is spirited, yet focused on her partner. Portia disguises herself as a male, as does her maid and Jessica when she dresses as a boy to sneak out of her father’s house. These women are spirited enough to enter the man’s world, if not only in their appearance, yet remain focused on their husbands. Portia and Nerissa seem to represent a type of manipulation, as they beguile their husbands for a comical effect.

The gender roles of The Merchant of Venice

he knows that Portia may be upset with him, but it is his selfless love for Antonio that makes him give the ring away.

The character of Shylock is presented with evil connotations, and in particular, identified with the devil in more than one instance by other characters. Shylock, however is only searching for happiness in his own way. Shylock is basically defending his own religion and himself against the actions and accusations of other characters. He plays a seemingly greedy and hateful male role. However, Shylock seems greedy only because he is owed money that he was generous to give out in the first place. Also, Shylock has a right to seem angry toward the other characters due to their harsh accusations against his religion and also due to his daughter’s decision to run away and become a Christian.

The roles of the men in The Merchant of Venice revolve around material happiness. The three main male characters, Antonio, Bassanio, and Shylock, are connected to each other by matters concerning money. Bassanio needs money to impress his love, and Antonio borrows the money from Shylock. Yet, money is not what makes these characters finally obtain their happiness. Only two, Antonio and Bassanio, are happy at the end of the play, and this is solely due to the interference of their wives.

Another attribute of the male role in this play is the sense of devotion and honor possessed by the men. Bassanio and Lorenzo give up their rings in the name of honor. They do not wish to dishonor their friend, Antonio, by not showing their appreciation for the ruling of the judge. Also, it is their devotion to their wives, which make them reluctant to give away their rings.

The female roles in The Merchant of Venice are much less concerned with money and more concerned with love. Portia’s main consideration revolves around who she will have to marry, while Jessica worries about leaving her father’s house to join her lover, Lorenzo. Their cares revolve around emotional and spiritual fulfillment brought about by love.

The female roles in this play seem to represent the idealized woman who is spirited, yet focused on her partner. Portia disguises herself as a male, as does her maid and Jessica when she dresses as a boy to sneak out of her father’s house. These women are spirited enough to enter the man’s world, if not only in their appearance, yet remain focused on their husbands. Portia and Nerissa seem to represent a type of manipulation, as they beguile their husbands for a comical effect.

The gender roles of The Merchant of Venice

e of their wives.

Another attribute of the male role in this play is the sense of devotion and honor possessed by the men. Bassanio and Lorenzo give up their rings in the name of honor. They do not wish to dishonor their friend, Antonio, by not showing their appreciation for the ruling of the judge. Also, it is their devotion to their wives, which make them reluctant to give away their rings.

The female roles in The Merchant of Venice are much less concerned with money and more concerned with love. Portia’s main consideration revolves around who she will have to marry, while Jessica worries about leaving her father’s house to join her lover, Lorenzo. Their cares revolve around emotional and spiritual fulfillment brought about by love.

The female roles in this play seem to represent the idealized woman who is spirited, yet focused on her partner. Portia disguises herself as a male, as does her maid and Jessica when she dresses as a boy to sneak out of her father’s house. These women are spirited enough to enter the man’s world, if not only in their appearance, yet remain focused on their husbands. Portia and Nerissa seem to represent a type of manipulation, as they beguile their husbands for a comical effect.

The gender roles of The Merchant of Venice exemplify the themes of the play. At the same time, however, they illustrate separate motives. The women are concerned with emotional and spiritual happiness, while the men are concerned with material happiness. In the end, nevertheless, the couples manage to bring happiness into each other’s lives.