Allegory in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
...sking Antonio for money and is quick to undertake some adventure full of dash and daring. Portia represents the under-dog. It is her quick thinking and tact that pulls Antonio out of Shylock’s fatal revenge. Portia also formulates the ring plot with Nerissa. Portia can also be thought to represent the real woman: one who is not repressed by the harsh values of the Elizabethan age. She foils the men and is the redeemer of Antonio, a position that was often not filled by women of that time. The character of Shylock can portray the consequence of the desire for revenge and an obstacle for young lovers. He creates problems for all three sets of lovers and is viewed as the “bad guy.” He is the money-hungry gossiper that everybo...