What is the relationship between Portia and Bassanio in Merchant of Venice?
Bassanio is a young Venetian gentleman who is a close friend of Antonio’s and in love with Portia. In order to woo Portia he needs money and so asks Antonio for a loan. It is this request which results in Antonio becoming ‘bound’ to Shylock and in danger of losing his life.
What does the extract show about the relationship between Bassanio and Portia?
The extract shows that as a lover, Portia loves Bassanio and does not want to lose him and wants to detain him with her for a month or two. Also she wants to train him how to choose the right casket. She says that Bassanio’s eyes have bewitched her and divided her. She affirms that she is completely his.
Is Bassanio and Portia’s relationship realistic?
Portia highlights her true love for Bassanio by describing her sacrifice to save Antonio as an act of love for Bassanio. Portia explains that she has never regretted doing a good deed, and likewise the cost in money and time to save Antonio represents a small price to pay to help her husband’s friend.
What was the importance of the ring in the relationship between Portia and Bassanio?
The wedding ring Portia gives Bassanio seal their love in marriage and symbolizes power. The ring seems to represent Portia’s submission to Bassanio.
How does Bassanio marry Portia?
Bassanio wins the right to marry Portia because he solves the riddle and correctly chooses the right casket. While the other suitors have incorrectly chosen the gold or silver casket, Bassanio chooses the lead casket and finds a picture of Portia inside, signaling that he can claim her as his bride.
Is Bassanio a worthy husband for Portia?
Of all the men around her, it is only Bassanio whom she considers worthy. However, Bassanio turns out to be a true and worthy lover who selects the right casket after careful consideration. The test proves him a wise man and a fit husband for Portia.
How does Portia feel about Bassanio?
Portia explains to Bassanio that she already feels strongly connected to him. She reveals that she already feels like part of her is with him and that she fears losing him. She feels overwhelmed by her love for Bassanio to the point that she worries if she can control her feelings.
How would you describe the relationship between Portia and Bassanio based on how they approach their marriage?
Bassanio and Portia are in love, and throughout their love story and their efforts to marry each other, they try to find their “selves”. Portia, the heroine of the play, knows who she is, but she is not her own to control since her father’s will keeps her from choosing her husband.
What happens to the ring that Portia gives to Bassanio?
As Portia presents the ring to Bassanio she says, “I give them with this ring, which when you part from, lose, or give away, let it presage the ruin of your love and be my vantage to exclaim on you.”(3.2. 171-4). Portia warns Bassanio that if that ring ever leaves his finger they are no longer two peas in a pod.
What does Portia give to Bassanio along with her ring?
Portia asks Antonio for his gloves and Bassanio for his ring, which she herself gave Bassanio on the condition that he never part with it. Bassanio pulls his hand away, calling the ring a trifle and claiming that he will not dishonor the judge by giving him such a lowly gift.
Why was Bassanio worthy enough to marry Portia?
Second, he’s well-connected. Unlike some people, who wouldn’t have a back-up plan or a safety net when they’ve squandered all their money, Bassanio has wealthy friends, like Antonio, a well-to-do merchant, to help him get back on his feet. Third, he seems to have real affection for Portia.
How did Portia marry Bassanio?