This paper looks at Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice' and discusses whether Portia is a saint or a sinner.
Written in 2007; 1,100 words; 1 sources; MLA; $ 38.95
Paper Summary:
In this article, the writer argues that although Portia's nature is perceived as saintly and kind, in truth she is a sinner. The writer maintains that while she conceals her sinister nature, portraying herself as God's gift to mankind, having no access to her free will, she utilizes her wit and therefore reveals her true nature as a sinner. The writer further maintains that, even though Portia is portrayed in a saint like manner throughout the play, underneath her facade lies a resentful, indignant Portia, explicitly concerned with the idea of free will. The writer concludes that Portia struggles with the fact that she is unable to choose her own husband, must act accordingly, concealing her genuine nature and must disguise herself as a gentleman to employ her intelligence.
From the Paper:
"While Bassanio claims his love for this renowned maiden, there is no indication that he has ever met her. Therefore, one must assume that Portia's reputation as virtuous, demure, honorable and desired, made way throughout the immediate area of Venice. Must Portia present herself as virtuous and desirable in order to fulfill her father's legacy? Will she reveal her genuine rebellious nature once she is claimed by a suitor?
"In honor of her father, Portia stays true to her legacy and willingly gives herself up to any suitor who correctly chooses the casket that holds her portrait. Even for the sake of Bassanio, the suitor she fancies, Portia would not break her oath. This is very honorable of her. However, Portia's true incentive is to present herself as a virtuous and righteous woman. In the secrecy of her home, she mocks the suitors, all of whom are foreigners; an immature manner of rebelling against her legacy."
We have thousands of high-quality term papers, research papers, essays, book reports and dissertations on every topic. At AcaDemon, you can download those term papers to help you write yours! You can be sure that the term paper, essay, book report or research paper you download are top-quality, competitively priced and high-level work.
Look for more research papers, essays and book reports on Saint or Sinner
If you can't find your topic here, try another search
or try our affordable, unique custom paper alternative
Custom Research Services include:
Papers written from scratch, according to your specifications. Every paper is UNIQUE - Guaranteed
This Free Term Paper Abstract is a part of our Term Paper Library.Here you can purchase research papers, examples of essays, academic dissertations, articles, notes, analytical papers, book reports, stories and poems. We have thousands of persuasive, point-of-view, narrative, critical, compare and contrast and other types of essays in our Library. You can also find here Term papers on "Saint or Sinner", Essays on "Saint or Sinner", Research papers on "Saint or Sinner", Student papers on "Saint or Sinner", Book reports on "Saint or Sinner", Dissertation on "Saint or Sinner", Thesis on "Saint or Sinner", Summary of paper on "Saint or Sinner", Articles written on "Saint or Sinner".