Merchant of Venice - Love Quotes between Portia and Bassanio, and Jessica and Lorenzo

Created by: tsmithbecerra
Created on: 08-11-16 06:16

PORTIA I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of thy praise.

Talking to Nerissa about her suitors, Portia's first mention of Bassanio is measured and calm.

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PORTIA Before you hazard; for, in choosing wrong, I lose your company; therefore forbear a while.

For the first time, Portia is more than obediently committed to her father's wishes—love has driven her to consider her own feelings first. She would hate herself for defying her father, but she'd also hate herself if Bassanio lost the lottery.

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PORTIA (aside) How all the other passions fleet to air, As doubtful thoughts, and rash-embrac'd despair...

Portia is again overcome with love, but this time she knows Bassanio will actually be her husband (since he's chosen the right casket)

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PORTIA You see me, Lord Bassanio, where I stand, Such as I am.

Bassanio didn't come to woo Portia purely out of love, or that Portia wasn't able to choose her lover freely. But Portia's earnest sentiments make the audience consider that her love is real, not counterfeit.

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JESSICA I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so. Our house is hell and thou, a merry devil...

Jessica seems to be lacking in familial love toward her father.

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LORENZO How I shall take her from her father's house, What gold and jewels she is furnished with, What page's suit she hath in readiness.

Lorenzo, like every other man in the play, conflates love with money. He's just praised Jessica for being beautiful, though; she's got her father's money, which seems as important to Lorenzo as the girl herself.

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LORENZO Beshrew me but I love her heartily, For she is wise, if I can judge of her,

Lorenzo gives us a rare mention of love here that has nothing to do with money or religion.

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In Act 5, Lorenzo and Jessica compare themselves to: Aeson, Dido, Thisby and Troilus.

Each of these allusions is to a love story that ended in betrayal or grief. It's a loaded set of references, especially when contrasted with the light, joking way Lorenzo and Jessica compare themselves to the lovers they've listed. Foreshadowing?

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Merchant of Venice - Love Quotes between Portia and Bassanio, and Jessica and Lorenzo

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