Differences Between Poria and Jessica in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice

There are many similarities and differences between Portia and Jessica. For starters, they are both of the same gender. Back during the Shakespearean time, sexism was very common. So they were both treated equally amongst society for being women. Portia and Jessica both struggle with romance in the play. Jessica, a jewish girl, has fallen in love with a Christian. Portia, a Christian woman, has no control over who she will have to marry, and love, for the rest of her life. Jessica hates her father for being so cruel, and not understanding. She eventually runs away from home. Portia does not hate her father, but he has passed away. His decisions in his will contributes to Portia struggles with her romance. Another similarity between Portia and Jessica is that they both only have one man in their mind. Jessica is set on marrying Lorenzo while Portia wants to marry Bassanio. Both, Jessica and Portia, have close friendships in the play as well. Jessica becomes friends with Lancelot, and Portia has Nerissa as her lady-in-waiting. One main difference between both woman is that Jessica is Jewish, and Portia is Christian. Because Jessica is Jewish, she is required to live in the “ghetto”. Jessica lives in Belmont while Portia lives in Venice. Portia comes from a much better financial background than what Jessica does. Portia is incredibly wealthy. Jessica has much more rebbellion than what Portia does. She even gives away her mother’s ring in trade of a monkey. Jesssica esca[es her father’s control by running away, and eloping, with Lorenzo. Portia on the other hand has a much more responsible character than Jessica. Although, her father is dead she still follows her oath that she made based upon her father’s will. Portia follows rule, e...

... middle of paper ...

...ew reacts the same way that a Christian does once it comes to common day life. They are fed with the same food, hurt by the same weapons, killed by the same diseases, and even healed by the same medicine. They react the same, with laughter, if tickled, and both die if poisoned. After Shylock insists on all the similarities of a Jew and a Christian, his monologue takes a different turn. He starts explaining how the villainy that he practices, he simply learned from the Christians themselves. Shylock says that since they are similar in so many ways, he might as well practice the same villainy with the Christians as the Christians do the Jew. This is when his monologue turns into not only a threat, but a promise as well. Shylock promises Solanio and Salarino that he will execute the same villainy he was taught, but his instructions will be far better than a Christian’s.