Appearance versus reality
Beryl Clarke, Contributor

The theme, appearance versus reality, should have occupied your minds in the last week as you spent time contemplating the play, The Merchant of Venice. I did point out that one outstanding aspect of this is brought out through the method devised by Portia's father to ensure that she gets a good husband. He knew how easily one can be taken in by that which appears to be good, beautiful and appealing to the eye. He also realised that sometimes a goodly outside masks a rotten core and vice versa. It is for this reason that he puts his daughter's likeness in the casket of lead, in the hope that a discerning man would not be daunted by outward appearance, but would 'see' the real worth beneath the unattractive exterior.

Another example

Another, and equally important, example of this occurs when Portia and Nerissa dress up as a lawyer and his clerk, respectively, and go to court to defend Antonio. The outcome of the case depends on the role they play and particularly on Portia's ability to argue with confidence and to find that little twist which had been overlooked before, but which leads to Shylock becoming the loser.

Portia is presented as an exceptionally intelligent, sensible and witty person before she has to pretend to be a lawyer so we are not surprised at her skill. However, if she had not appeared to be what she wasn't, a man, she could not have appeared in court.

Do you know of any other character who appeared in a guise that was not normal? It was only for a brief time but it was designed to make good an escape. I just gave it away; didn't I, with the use of the word 'escape'? Yes, it is Jessica. She not only wanted to escape from Venice without attracting undue attention which may have made it easy for her father to find her, but she could not climb down from a window in one of the long, possibly flowing, dresses worn by women in those days.

Theme of love

You, no doubt, have identified Love as a theme in this play. There are three marriages in The Merchant of Venice and any discussion on love must include an examination of them. Two of them seem to be based on genuine affection. Let us look at the relationship between Portia and Bassanio. Portia is, indeed, fortunate that the man she loves is the one who wins her by choosing the correct casket. This proves that her father's arrangement was not as foolish as it may have first appeared.

One may be less certain of Bassanio's feelings for when he initially shares his intention with Antonio to vie for Portia, he says nothing about loving her. He is going, he says, to repair his economic position so that he can pay off his creditors, including Antonio. Remember, though, that he speaks then about her beauty, strength and wealth, suggesting admiration for her character as well as her possessions. In addition, when he goes to Belmont his speeches reveal his deep affection for her. On the other hand, Portia makes her love for Bassanio very clear. If she could have told him which casket to choose she would have done so. In fact, she tries to dissuade him from selecting a casket soon after he arrives for she is afraid of losing his company too early, in the event that he fails in this venture. If we need more proof of the way she feels, we only have to consider her reaction at his success in winning her. Her joy is obvious! This is also demonstrated in her willingness to assist her husband in his urgent desire to go to Antonio's rescue - after he marries her. She also seems eager to hand over herself and her wealth to him.

Relationship strength

Lorenzo and Jessica also marry, bringing together a Christian and a Jew. One cannot question their love for each other as they both declare it. Their ability to tease each other and to play with each other shows the strength of their relationship. As for the third couple, Gratiano and Nerissa, there is no evidence to suggest that they fall in love. Their association appears to have been created to form a parallel with that of Bassanio and Portia's relationship. Please be mindful of the fact that Nerissa only agrees to marry Gratiano if her mistress, Portia, is going to marry Bassanio.

There is one other alliance for us to talk about, but that will have to be in our next lesson. Until then, keep your dignity and your hope high and God bless!

Jamaica's College's Waquar DaCosta (right) and his teammate Earl Grant embrace after finishing one-two in the Class Two 800 metres final on the final day of the 2009 GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium, April 4. DaCosta won in 1:57.44 with Grant second in 1:58.94. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer