Thursday, October 27, 2016

What are some quotes that illustrate jealousy in The Merchant of Venice?

There's a very good quotation about jealousy in act 3, scene 2. Bassanio is about to open the lead casket as part of the Three Caskets test set by Portia's father. According to the rules of the test, whoever chooses the correct casket will take Portia's hand in marriage. Bassanio—with a little prompting, it must be said, from Portia—has chosen the correct box, the lead one. Portia's heart is positively overflowing with a mixture of love and relief. Bassanio's made the right choice and will soon be hers forever more.
So strong is the love that Portia feels for Bassanio at that moment that all her doubts and worries, all her feelings of jealousy have been suddenly driven away:

How all the other passions fleet to air, As doubtful thoughts, and rash-embraced despair, And shuddering fear, and green-eyed jealousy! (Emphasis added)

There's often a fine line between love and jealousy. But as Portia shows in the above quotation, it is only true love that can vanquish the green-eyed monster.

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