ABSTRACT
Portia is possibly the ultimate sorceress of Shakespearean drama. Her fantastical agency, she seems to believe, can draw men to her, and the more the better. The more power and god-like centrality she acquires, the sooner she will seemingly attract a man she “rightly” loves (2.1.31). This chapter demonstrates that Portia is possibly on a climactic path like that of Antonio, but her desired climax is not perfection with God. It is perfection with self. Portia’s potential epiphany transpires when her climactic path towards her prominence is proven ironic and cut off. Like the discussed experiences of Antonio and Shylock, the cutting-off of her path creates a shock and the shock indicates a moment of realization. That moment potentially happens during the ring debacle of Acts 4 and 5. Her agency towards stardom reaches its ultimate peak with her success at the trial but strangely the prize ring and all it traditionally symbolizes is lost rather than won. This chapter dramatically tracks Portia, her manipulations, and her relationships with the ghost of her father, Nerissa, the suitors, and Bassanio. We witness the ultimate expression of Portia’s fantastical powers when she uses her song and ravishment to point Bassanio towards the lead casket. Then, we watch her as she charges to the trial to claim her status as adored once again, this time as a man among men, perhaps to somehow compete for her husband’s affections.
