Portia is one of the intellectual heroines of Shakespeare. Her intellect is seen in wit, which is an expression of her wisdom. When we are first introduced to her in the play , she comments on the various suitors that have already arrived and her comments in each case are witty. Portia shows wisdom in carrying out her plan of appearing in court of Venice, disguised as a lawyer. She conducts the case with ability. Actually her wit and wisdom have made her character interesting to the readers.
Portia is an aristocratic woman. She has been particularly fortunate I the circumstances of her birth and bringing up. She had never known the need of money for being born in a rich, aristocratic family. So she does not care to pay off the debt of Antonio giving three folds of the amount. She sacrifices her own married bliss for the sake of the friend of her beloved and husband sends him to Venice on the very day of their marriage. She herself undertakes the expenses needed later on.
Portia is a dutiful daughter. She obeys the will of her dead father. Though it is very difficult for her to choose a husband according to the advice of her father, yet she is fully determined to fulfill the wish of her dead father. She loves Bassanio, but still gives him no hint regarding the right casket. She would prefer to remain unmarried rather than go against the order of her father.
Portia is a loving woman. She is an absolute lover. Her womanly nature is displayed by her love for Bassanio. Her love of him is deep and passionate, sincere and true, she asks Bassanio to wait sometime more before making his choice.
Finally, we can say, she is cultured and refined. She possesses all the good qualities of a good Elizabethan woman. She has been called by critics one of the most perfectly developed female characters of Shakespeare. Infact, she represents the fair and gracious influence of life. As she is cultured and sympathetic and as she can read the minds of others, she arranges the marriage of her attendant Nerissa immediately with Gratiano. This very attitude is the reflection of her broad and liberal mind.
Before bidding farewell to Bassanio to go to Venice, she puts her ring on this finger and makes him promise not to part with it. Later on she herself goes in the guise of a lawyer with her attendant Nerissa to Venice in order to discharge her duties as a lawyer. In the court she displays the finest wit and technique that a lawyer ever possesses. Consequently she saves the life of Antonio from the serious and horrible consequence. In this trial she wins the favour and praise of all the audience and also of the readers. Besides, when she demands nothing but the ring, we also find her intellect there. At last when the play almost comes to an end, she reveals the fact what happened in the mean time.
In fine, we cannot deny the fact that Portia’s character is a beautiful blend of intellect and womanly charm. Generally all the heroines of Shakespeare emerge Victorians at the end winning the favour and sympathy of the readers and audience. So, Portia is not exception to this norm.
