Question

theme of crossdressing of merchant of venice

Answer 1

Cross dressing (meaning women dressing up as men or vice versa), is an important theme in Shakespeare’s ‘Merchant of Venice’. There are two instances of cross dressing- involving Jessica (in Act 2) and Portia and Nerissa (Act 4).

 

The purpose of cross dressing:

 

Throws light on the condition of women during the Elizabethan days: During those times, women were thought of as being inferior to men and accordingly, the patriarchal society had placed a lot of restrictions on women. Thus, they were discouraged from speaking their minds freely or even live according to their own wishes. Jessica for instance, is deeply in love with Lorenzo, but cannot marry him. Similarly, Portia is an intelligent, educated, rich and polished lady, but is not free to choose her own life partner.  Both of them have to follow their fathers’ instructions, irrespective of whether the parents are dead or alive. The use of individual characters to raise questions about societal systems: By challenging gender roles, Shakespeare is essentially raising thought provoking questions. He seems to question the very notion of the superiority of men. It is important to note that both Jessica and Portia’s actions go beyond the personal sphere and become societal issues. In Jessica’s case, it becomes an issue of religious tolerance/intolerance while in Portia’s case, it becomes an issue of justice/injustice.

 

Reasons behind cross dressing:

Jessica- Jessica dresses up as a page boy so that she can run away from her father’s house without being noticed. It is easier for her to elope with Lorenzo without anyone recognizing her and her father getting to know about it. Portia and Nerissa- The two ladies disguise themselves as the doctor and his clerk so that they can fight Antonio’s legal battle against Shylock and save him. They would not have been able to do the same had they gone as themselves, because of the Elizabethan attitude towards women and their underestimation of women’s intellect.

 

The outcome of cross dressing:

Though cross dressing helped all the women get what they needed the most at that point in time, it also brought out the contrast between the women and their standing in society. A major difference is that in Jessica’s case, cross dressing is Lorenzo’s idea (presumably) while in Portia’s case, it is her own brainchild. This one difference helps us predict what the personal outcome of the change in attire will be.

For Jessica- While Jessica is dressed as a torch bearer, which suggests a rank as good as a servant and no better than that, cross dressing does not help her get to a higher status as a woman. Even as a torch bearer, she is inferior to her master (Lorenzo). Presumably, even after getting married to Lorenzo, she will continue to be in an inferior position. For Portia- When Bassanio gets to know the truth about Portia and Nerissa’s tricking them, he acknowledges the women’s intelligence. This places Portia on a better standing and it becomes evident that she might be able to break free from the stereotypical views and restrictions and be able to lead a life on her own terms after all.

 

The theme of cross dressing helps Shakespeare accomplish multiple purposes, including adding depth to the plot and to the characters.

Answer 2

Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice' is set in the Elizabethan era when women did not enjoy the same status as men and the society was still patriarch. (Ironic in a nation ruled by a queen, isn't it?) Women lived in subjugation and the female characters of the play are no exception. Shylock was furious when Jessica exercises her own will and chooses to marry and Christean, Lorenzo. She cross dresses as a page. 

In another instance, Portia cross-dresses as Balthasar, the lawyer who attends the case in the court of Venice. Portia comes as a rich, pretty and brilliant girl who lives as per her father's wishes even after he is dead; equally she is devoted to her husband Bassanio.  She dresses as a male as she doesn't feel that she can have a say and influence if she goes to the court as a woman. She feels she can make use of her knowledge of the law better if she is dressed as a woman. The way she argues, gives reasons and defends Antonio clearly shows her intelligence and calibre. As Balthasar, she gets a chance to exploit her talent to benefit Antonio as well as her husband Bassanio. Moreover, as Balthasar, she can test her husband's love for her. She asks him to give 'her' the ring that she (as Portia) gave him and asked him never to part with it. Though he is hesitant initialy, ultimately he gives her the ring. He doesn't want to disappoint 'her' after she has done a great favor to them. Nevertheless, she decides not to affect their marriage on this accout.

Therefore, we see that how Shakespeare skilfully characterizes to give his stories pleasant twists and turns and make them lovable.