In most of Shakespeare's plays women are given little intelligence or power. Portia, however, doesn't seem to be subject to this image. Portia plays a main part in "the merchant of Venice." She is portrayed as having beauty, wit, intelligence, wealth and is morally strong and superior to many of the men, at the end she even saves the life of Antonio.

Portia seems quite independent and although she is bound by the riddle of the chests she still remains very much her own person. Even though she doesn't like the riddle of the chests Portia abides by the rules and puts her trust in her father, showing her loving side, "this is not in the fashion to choose me a husband", "is it not hard...that I cannot choose one, nor refuse none"" Despite this she still abides by her fathers will. The only time she seems...