Merchant of Venice: The Effects of Cross-Dressing

Shakespeare challenges the assumption that men hold more power than women do. He subtly hints that the power men posses is superficial when Jessica dresses like a boy, and later when Nerissa and Portia disguise themselves as men in The Merchant of Venice. Masculinity is merely a costume that can be donned or doffed at will; therefore its associated power can be removed and redistributed as well.

Shakespeare emphasizes gender barriers, yet also challenges them to show their inconsistencies. In court, the Duke articulates the common assumption that men represent the educated and professional members of society. As he anticipates the arrival of the "young learned doctor" (IV i143), he asks, "Where is he?" (IVi 144). The Duke has not yet read the letter from Bellario; therefore he infers that the doctor is a man based on a preconceived prejudice that doctors usually are male. Nerissa and Portia are well aware of this discrimination, so they take on the roles of men rather than disguise themselves as other women when they appear in court. They succeed in fooling everyone at Shylock’s trial that they are men, not women, thus dispute the gender barrier that presumes women are not sophisticated enough to be experts. Gratiano suggests that no barriers lie between the sexes when he refers to Jessica as a "gentle" (II vi 51). He puns on the word, which can mean a refined lady or a gentleman, implying that the two can be indistinguishable. In the final scene when Portia questions Bassanio about his ring, he declares, "No woman had it, but a civil doctor"(V i210). He suggests that the two could not represent the same person. As he continues to speak, he reinforces gender differences; he describes Portia as "sweet" and "good" then refers t...

... middle of paper ...

... influence that Nerissa now has over him.

Shakespeare subtly addresses gender disputes and overwhelmingly proves them erroneous. He allows Jessica, Portia, and Nerissa to cross gender lines and disguise themselves as men. While they are transformed, their actions exemplify masculine deceit. Portia makes Balthasar seem excellent, therefore proves that women can surpass men in intellect. The women ultimately challenge male power and honor with their reluctance to act as men. After proving that men do not always posses more power than women do, Shakespeare concludes the play with a scene that physically shows females with the upper hand. The women use masculinity merely as a costume, and when they "remove it" they retain power, thus prove that the two are not always coupled.

Works Cited

Shakespeare. Merchant of Venice. New York: Viking Penguin, 1965.