Who does Nerissa dress up as in The Merchant of Venice?
Who does Nerissa dress up as in The Merchant of Venice?
In the Merchant of Venice we find the disguise not in all the play but in a very important part of it. Those who are disguised are Portia and Nerissa. Portia disguises herself as a male then assumes the role of a lawyer’s apprentice whereby she saves the life of Bassanio’s friend, Antonio, in court.
Why did Nerissa dress up as a man?
This very sentiment is the primary motivation for the cross dressing of Portia and Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice. Portia understands that in order to help her husband’s friend Antonio, she must dress like a man in order to escape the strict limitations placed on women at the time (Belsey 639).
What disguises do Portia and Nerissa take?
Portia and Nerissa go to Venice disguised as a lawyer and clerk. In the courtroom, the Duke asks Shylock to show some compassion and Bassanio offers 6000 ducats to repay Antonio’s loan. Portia appears, disguised as Balthazar. He (she) speaks about mercy and tries to persuade Shylock to drop the case but he refuses.
Why did Nerissa disguise herself?
Nerissa disguises as Balthazar’s law clerk to help free Antonio of his debt. While in Venice, Nerissa, still disguised as Stephano, tricks Gratiano into giving her his ring, which he promised he would never part ways with, as payment for freeing Antonio.
Why does Shylock call Portia a worthy judge?
Why was she compared to Daniel earlier? Shylock flatters Portia by calling her a worthy judge. He says that her learned explanation and just decision shows that her knowledge of law is very sound. Earlier, Shylock compared her to Daniel, a wise Jewish prophet.
What was Shylock’s punishment?
In the end – due to the efforts of Antonio’s well-wisher, Portia – Shylock is charged with attempted murder of a Christian, carrying a possible death penalty, and Antonio is freed without punishment. Shylock is then ordered to surrender half of his wealth and property to the state and the other half to Antonio.
What scene does Portia dress up as a man?
In act 4 of The Merchant of Venice, Portia dresses up as a boy and gives her mercy speech in order to save Antonio from having his heart cut out by Shylock because he failed to repay a loan.
What kind of lies will Portia tell?
She will take one long step like a man instead of two short steps like a woman. What kind of lies will Portia tell? Answer: She will tell skilful lies.
What does Nerissa say in reply to her expression of discontent?
Answer: Nerissa tells Portia to set aside her fears concerning the suitors. She says that they have informed her of their decision to go back home and not to press their courtship further unless Portia’s father’s decree concerning the caskets can be set aside and they may woo her in a way.