In The Merchant Of Venice, the following happens - this is a brief outline. ... Bassanio receives a letter off Antonio asking Bassanio to go to Venice to see him before Shylock kills him. ... There is now a case against Shylock and so instead of death. ... Before Portia and Bassanio, he receives a letter from Venice sent by Antonio asking for Bassanio to go to the court so that Antonio can "see you at my death," but says that "if your love can't persuade you to come, let not my letter." ... I believe this has shown Portia's complex character by explaining the roles of Portia in T...

• Word Count: 1430
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

It can be inferred from the text that Venice (and Cyprus) were extremely patriarchal at the time that the play took place. ... Secondly, Desdemona can be said to be a very brave person, who would not be afraid of death. ... As Venice was evidently even more patriarchal and socially conservative than we are today, it must have been even more taboo at the time of the play. ... This is a young woman speaking in front of established older gentlemen who control the city of Venice. ... She has plenty of courage, and no reason to fear death. ...

• Word Count: 1219
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

As shown in the quote "Something sure of state, Either from Venice or some unhatch"d practice made to demonstrate here in Cyprus to him, Hath puddle his clear spirit; and in such cases Men's natures wrangle with inferior things" (III.iv.215) Every time Othello mistreats her, she dismisses it as a state affair. ... Othello vents most of his jealousy as anger by smothering Desdemona to death when she is on her deathbed. ...

• Word Count: 751
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School