Question

what is the difference between portia and nerissa ?

Answer 1

Differences: Portia and Nerissa marry at the same time, while Antonio remains a bachelor. Portia and Nerissa seem to use their friendship to exert feminine dominance over males, because Shakespeare gives his audience the impression that the women are more savvy than the men. In contrast, Bassanio and Antony use their friendship only to help each other. Antony is willing to lose his life for Bassanio, and Bassanio is deeply grieved by Antonio's situation and offers up his own life. Their friendship seems deeper and not based upon manipulating others.