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Portia Symbolism Quotes

Satisfactory Essays

7. Symbolism: Using a person or object to represent an idea
Textual Evidence
Interpretation/Explanation
“If you had known the virtue of the ring,
Or half her worthiness that gave the ring,
Or your own honor to contain the ring,
You would not then have parted with the ring.
What man is there so much unreasonable,
If you had pleased to have defended it
With any terms of zeal, wanted the modesty
To urge the thing held as a ceremony?” (MV 5.1.199-206).
Throughout her monologue, Portia explains why Bassanio should not have given away her ring. Refuting her own previous logic, Portia rebukes Bassanio for giving away her ring. One reason why Portia is angry is because the ring was a symbol of Bassanio’s love for her. Furthermore, one reason why …show more content…

Pardon me, good lady,
For by these blessèd candles of the night,
Had you been there I think you would have begged
The ring of me to give the worthy doctor” (MV 5.1.217-222).

In the quote, Bassanio attempts to defend himself from Portia’s wrath. Previously convinced by “Balthazar’s” logic that Portia would understand if Bassanio gave away her ring to him, Bassanio now tries to explain that Bassanio had no other option. The main reason that Bassanio uses for why Bassanio had to give the ring away was his honor. At the time, honor was more significant than today. Not wanting to lose credibility among his peers, Bassanio’s actions are an example of how important honor was to him, being important enough for him to break his vow to his wife.

Term: Definition 10. Pathos: The persuasive appeal to emotion.
Textual Evidence
Interpretation/Explanation
“And suffered him to go displeased away- even he that did uphold the very life of my dear friend. What should I say, sweet lady? I was enforced to send it after him” (MV …show more content…

Previously arranged by Antonio, Jessica and Lorenzo now will receive money when Shylock dies. Adding on to all of the previous “loose ends” being tied up, this quote is an example of denouement because the quote is the last instance of resolution in the play. Beforehand, all previous relationships were restored and all of the characters “lived happily ever after”. For example, Antonio and Bassanio were reunited safely, Portia and Bassanio (and Gratiano and Nerissa) reconciled after the husbands’ broken vows, and finally Jessica and Lorenzo receive financial aid as the new couple begins their future

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