If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as
chaste as Diana, unless I be obtained by the manner
of my father's will. I am glad this parcel of wooers
are so reasonable, for there is not one among them
but I dote on his very absence; and I pray God grant
them a fair departure.
(i) Explain: "If I live as old as Sibylla".
(ii) Why does Portia say that she would "die as chaste as Diana"?
(iii) Why did Portia consider herself fortunate enough to marry her?
(iv) What is Portia's father's will as far as Portia's marriage is concerned?
(v) What light does Portia's reply throw on her character?
Answers
1) snap
2) Answer: Diana, according to Roman mythology, is the Goddess of Chastity. Portia mentions her name saying that she will die a virgin like Diana if no suitor is able to fulfill the condition of her father's will.
3) Answer: There have been many suitors who have tried to win Portia. ... Portia considers herself fortunate enough because none of the suitors lingers around her and also she doesn't like any of them.
4) Her father's will states that any would-be husband of Portia's has to correctly complete a task. The men must choose from three caskets – one is made of gold, one silver and the third, lead. One of the caskets holds a portrait of Portia and whoever chooses this one will become her husband.
5) Answer: Portia's reply proves that she is deeply attached to her father. She respects his will and desires to be married only according to his will.
