Page 29 - Cornice_Grade 7

A new side of Portia
Portia’s demeanor/behavior towards
Bassanio is different from that of her other
suitors.
After the passing away of Portia’s
father, she was left with his will. Accord-
ing to her father's will, Portia could only
marry the man who chose the correct
casket designed by her father which were
the three caskets, one of gold, silver and
lead.
As a result, Portia was upset and
afraid that she might have to marry a
person she was not interested in. It was
an opportunity for suitors from all over
the world to try and win Portia's hand in
marriage. According to the will the suitor
had to choose the right casket which
contained a picture of Portia.
Portia was not interested with any
of the suitors who came from the four
corners of the world. Some suitors who
tried their luck were Prince of Arragon,
Prince of Morocco, Neapolitan prince,
County Palatine, French Lord, and Fal-
con Bridge who according to her lacked
qualities. Portia wanted all these suitors to
choose wrong and leave Belmont imme-
diately.
When a Venetian Bassanio, as
a suitor, arrived to try his luck to win
Portia’s love, we saw yet another softer
side of Portia. Portia wants Bassanio to
choose the right casket, unlike all the
other suitors. Portia decorated her house
making it beautiful. Bassanio was the one
Portia liked out of all the others. She was
relieved when she got to know that he had
arrived at Belmont as a suitor.
Portia was a lot happier and had hope that
she wouldn't end up with someone that
she disliked. Portia was kind and loving
to Bassanio. As she wanted to spend more
time with Bassanio, she told him not to
rush to choose the casket. Portia had
given Bassanio more time to think what
he should do and make a good decision,
unlike the other suitors where she was in
a haste and told them to make their deci-
sion quickly. When the time finally came
Portia kept on giving hints indirectly to
Bassanio regarding the correct casket.
In conclusion, we see that Portia
had a completely newer side to her and a
sudden change in demeanor. “Pause the
ceremony for a day or two” Portia wants
Bassanio to delay choosing the casket so
that she can spend some time with him in
case Bassanio chooses the wrong casket. It
was clear that they both loved each other.
Portia had specially prepared for Bassa-
nio's ceremony; she had music playing
and a special song in the background
when he chose the casket. When Bassanio
had chosen the right casket, Portia finally
felt free of her fathers will and was elated
and happy to know that she will spend the
rest of her life with her true love. She put
all her trust in him exchanging rings. This
was the new demeanor we saw in Portia
when Bassanio came to try and win her
love.
- Priyanjeet Shrestha