As one of Shakespeare’s most intelligent and captivating heroines, Portia is a wealthy girl who lives on her family’s estate in Belmont. Upon his death, her father bequeaths a unique wedding challenge to any potential suitor – to win the hand of his daughter, a suitor must choose the correct casket of three available to prove his worth. Out of all her suitors, she has already fallen in love with Bassanio and cannot hide her hope that he chooses the right casket. His decision weights heavily on their future – if he chooses the wrong casket, they will never be together and Antonio will be negligent on his debt; if he chooses the right casket, they will treasure in their love for each other and Antonio will be spared. Portia is above all a gracious and resourceful woman whose wit and playfulness drives her to great heights of success and love.

Read the character description in the passage above and discuss what conclusions you draw about Portia from “The Merchant of Venice.”