Question

how is portias critism of Scottish Lord historically relevant


Only correct answers strictly or report. ​

Answer 1

Answer:

PORTIA. That he hath a neighbourly charity in him, for he borrowed a box of the ear of the Englishman, and swore he would pay him again when he was able; I think the Frenchman became his surety, and sealed under for another.

First, this comes directly after insulting an English baron for being insular and monolingual. Thus we get a sense that the Scots have the bad qualities of the English made worse by lack of courage and military prowess. The Scot here is being condemned for not standing up to the English and avenging insults to himself/his country.Secondly, though, the sense of borrowing but not repaying suggests a second stereotype, namely that the Scots are famously thrifty, and thus do not pay their debts.