Question

what is the similarities between Antonio melancholy and that of portia in Shakespeare's play The merchant of Venice?

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Answer 1

There are certain similarities in their melancholy.

Portia and Antonio both share their sadness with those close to them. While Antonio talks with Solanio and Salarino, Portia finds support in Nerrisa.

Both the characters are good in terms of virtue or morality and they themselves are not responsible for their melancholy. While for Portia it is her father who had made her bound by the terms of his will, it is the natural forces or some unknown reason that brings about Antonio’s sadness.

Both are disturbed by their melancholy and wish to come out of this.

Now there are differences too.

Portia knows the reason of her sadness, but Antonio does not know why he is sad, as he expresses it in the Act I, Sc 1 of the play.

Explanation: