'Portia is a woman of free will,yet bond.' Justify.
Answers
Portia and Nerissa discuss the men who have come to try and win her hand in marriage. Portia’s descriptions of her suitors are witty and entertaining and show that she has not been impressed by any of them. 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. Portia is frustrated by the way her father controls her even though he is no longer alive and she complains about her lack of choice.
Nerissa reminds Portia about the nobleman Bassanio who once visited them. She says that he deserves a beautiful wife more than all the other men and Portia agrees.