2. To what is Portia referring when she speaks of “the lott'y of my destiny"?*
a. Her dead father
b. The three caskets
c. Her great fortune
d. Bassanio
Answers
Explanation:
PORTIA: In terms of choice I am not solely led
By nice direction of a maiden's eyes
Besides, the lott'ry of my destiny
Bars me the right of voluntary choosing:
But if my father had not scented me
And hedged me by his wit, to yield myself. To what is Portia referring when she speaks of “the lott'y of my destiny"?*
a. Her dead father
b. The three caskets
c. Her great fortune
d. Bassanio
His wife who wins me by that means I told you,
Yourself (renowned prince,) then stood as fair
As any comer I have looked on yet
For my affection.
(a) What light do above lines thĩow on the character of Portia?
(b) Explain the meaning of the sentence 'nice direction of a maiden's eyes'?
(c) What 'will' has Portia's father imposed on her?
(d) What is the meaning of the phrase "The lottery of my destiny"?
(e) Was Portia happy with the conditions put on her by her father's will? Why not?