One of the most successful plays ever written has many critical appreciations following its publications. Many critics hold many opinions of the
play.
When I read through the column of critiques following a thorough study of the play, it seemed to me a perfectly written
feminist play. For me the play purely and truly comprises of the elements of the theory of feminism of the Christian - Jew clashes and debates about highlighting Jew as wolfish, ruthless beings, we cannot ignore the most important character of the play, Portia. Though Dr. Hudson tends to turn her clever, witty
takes in the
trial scene to “ostentation or conceit of intelligence of Portia”, which is totally a brutal comment for a
woman who takes up a brave and intelligent step to save the only love of her life. The acts, statements and contradictions kept forth by Portia transcend the boundaries of appreciation for her. The lady definitely enters as the savior of her love. As most dramatists and novelists would do Shakespeare takes a step ahead with the
beautiful character building of Portia coming up in the trial scene and making bold remarks against shylock that usually a man does, not overpowering a sense of masculinity but perfectly maintaining the beautiful sense of feminity that impresses all. also Shakespeare makes sure that he does not give an impression of her acting as a muse through the pages of the play; but a strong woman who stands up to fight against a man’s cruel intentions of having possession of an innocent
merchant’s flesh in lieu of 3000 ducats.
The beauty of the play, with not a trace of doubt, lies in the projection of the woman as ‘the self’ with no voyeurism intended. The play from the point of trial act starts telling the story from the point of view, which gives an example of true feminism. Her strong stands, statements and wit is projected aptly as it could be done in any feminist play could be aptly summarized as how a witty woman fights against the injustice done to her love. Instead of highlighting the whole unimportant fuss about the Jew - Christian issue, one should see through the rare, beautiful and upraising projection of an independent woman by William Shakespeare and appreciate the essence of true feminism.
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