Q: At the end of the play, social order should be restored. One facet of this in the 16th century is men having dominance over women. Is this true in this play? Who has the upper-hand, and why? Provide textual evidence.
Out of all 20 characters there are only 3 women. These women were Portia, Nerissa, and Jessica. The women in The Merchant of Venice had a big role in the play and were not like the women in the 16th century. They are more like the women in our community today. The women in the play were strong, independent, and modern. These characteristics would be thought of as proper to women during the 16th century. It is true that men in the 16th century were dominant over women but in this play I believe that they were quite even in social status. They help their husbands like a women in the 16th century old but they didn't just do housework or come to events with them. The women chose to help their husbands and fight with them. Portia and Nerissa tricked their husbands and dressed up as men. “We’ll see our husbands before they think of us” “When we are both accoutred like young men” (Braunmuller, 67). I believe that women in the time the book was written didn't act like this.
Out of all 20 characters there are only 3 women. These women were Portia, Nerissa, and Jessica. The women in The Merchant of Venice had a big role in the play and were not like the women in the 16th century. They are more like the women in our community today. The women in the play were strong, independent, and modern. These characteristics would be thought of as proper to women during the 16th century. It is true that men in the 16th century were dominant over women but in this play I believe that they were quite even in social status. They help their husbands like a women in the 16th century old but they didn't just do housework or come to events with them. The women chose to help their husbands and fight with them. Portia and Nerissa tricked their husbands and dressed up as men. “We’ll see our husbands before they think of us” “When we are both accoutred like young men” (Braunmuller, 67). I believe that women in the time the book was written didn't act like this.
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