"Portia is regarded as one of Shakespeare's greatest heroines."
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"She is beautiful, witty, intelligent, kind and rich. Bassanio describes her as:"
"* ... fair and fairer than that word."
"*Of wondrous virtues. (I,1)"
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"Her qualities are emphasised by the number of suitors who flock to Belmont to try to win her hand in marriage."
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"When we first see her, she displays a ready wit as Nerissa lists the suitors and Portia comments on their appearance and personality."
6
"Portia's sense of honour is shown in the way she stays true to the purpose of her father's will, although she fears being won by someone not of her choosing."
"She is tempted by the possibility of helping Bassanio to choose correctly, but resists."
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"Her generosity and perceptiveness are shown when she quickly realises the serious nature of Antonio's letter to Bassanio and quickly offers to help."
"Having granted her new husband leave to go to the rescue of his old friend, she shows great initiative by undertaking her own plans to save Antonio."
"Her confidence and intelligence are shown by the way in which she carries off her disguised role as a lawyer."
6
"She soon solves the knotty problems of Antonio's case and saves his life, in the process revealing a quiet sense of humour with her ironic comment when Bassanio values Antonio's life above that of his new wife."
"Another playful side of her nature is shown when she conspires with Nerissa to gain Bassanio and Gratiano's rings, in order to tease them with unfaithfulness."
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"Her depth of character and her intelligence are perhaps shown at their finest in the famous 'Quality of Mercy' speech (IV,1)"
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"Her excellent relationship with her servants (especially Nerissa), and her successful management of a large estate are further pointers to her character."