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In Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, put yourself in Portia's shoes in Act 3, Scene 2. What will you do and why?

Act 3, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is when Bassanio wants to try his luck by choosing from the three caskets for Portia's hand in marriage. Based on the previous suitors who have failed, Portia feels that Bassanio could choose incorrectly and fail just as easily. She actually loves Bassanio and she is tempted to tell him how to choose correctly so she can keep him. She doesn't want to cheat for Bassanio because that would mean that she loses her integrity in the process, but she doesn't want to lose him, either. Therefore, the question is basically asking if you would cheat by telling Bassanio which casket to choose, or if you would continue honoring your father's memory and wishes by remaining silent and allowing him to choose for himself without help. This is a difficult question because we know that Bassanio passes the test and chooses correctly without Portia's help. However, at the point in time that Portia does not know if he will choose correctly, it would be a difficult position to be in.


Therefore, you must decide if honoring your father's memory and keeping your integrity intact are more important than spending the rest of your life without the one you love. One could argue that since your father is dead in this scenario, he wouldn't know the difference if you told Bassanio the answer. On the other hand, there may be a servant watching in the wings who could take away your fortune if your cheating was discovered. Either way, I would cheat and tell Bassanio which casket to choose for fear of losing the one I love. I'd say to myself that my father is gone and his game is unjust; therefore, I have a right to live my life the way I see fit.

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