Andrew Ross Act 3 Theme Journal October 6, 2008
In Act 3 of The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, the main theme portrayed is obedience. Respecting others wishes. The first example is shown by Portia, whom allows her lover, Bassanio, to rescue his best friend, Antonio, from his demise. "O love, dispa 20420h710u tch all business and begone!" (Act 3, Scene 2, L320). Here it is evident that Portia obeys Bassanio's wish to rescue Antonio, even if it means that they'll have to miss their wedding.
Another example is when Lorenzo obeys Portia's command to stay and look after her estate. "Madam, with all my heart: I shall obey you in all fair commands." (Act 3, Scene 4, L37). This shows that Lorenzo is willing to stay and guard Portia's estate, although it seems like he has nothing to lose, since he is in the company of Jessica, his lover.
Both Portia and Lorenzo show obedience. Portia obeys Bassanio's wish to save his friend and Lorenzo obeys Portia's wish to guard her estate. These two examples support the theme in Act 3, which is obedience.
In my opinion, I believe that Portia allowed Bassanio to save his friend, Antonio, because she loves Bassanio, regardless if they'll miss the ceremony. This changes my point of view towards Portia, for she was entirely selfish and judgemental in the beginning of the play. At first, I thought that Portia just wanted to look like she cared, but then I understood that she really did care. She handed out twenty times the money that Antonio borrowed without even having a second thought. It shows that she is loyal to her lover.
My point of view has changed in the play, so far. I thought that it was going to be boring, but once I started to understand Shakespeare's wording, it all came clear to me. If you have a poetic mind and if you can understand poetic language, you can understand what the characters mean, for they speak through metaphors. Of course, it might sound foolish to say, since Shakespeare was, after all, a poet. The play has sparked my imagination and Act 3 fully made me understand, especially one speech in Scene 2 spoke by the main villain, Shylock.
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