What kind of character is Portia?
Portia is the wife of Brutus and daughter of the famous Roman statesman Cato. She is proud of her identity as a member of two prominent Roman families and takes her role as Brutus’s wife seriously, demanding to be included in his plans.
Who is Portia in The Merchant of Venice?
Read our modern English translation. Portia is the wife of Brutus and daughter of the famous Roman statesman Cato. She is proud of her identity as a member of two prominent Roman families and takes her role as Brutus’s wife seriously, demanding to be included in his plans.
Was Porcia involved in the murder of Caesar?
Brutus, along with many other co-conspirators, murdered Caesar in 44 BC. He promised to share the „heavy secrets“ of his heart with his wife but it is unclear if he ever got the chance. Some historians believe Porcia may have known about the plot, and may have even been involved in the conspiracy itself.
What is Portia worried about in Act 2 Scene 1?
In this scene, Portia is worried that her husband Brutus is out of bed and comes to find him. She has noticed a change in his behaviour and wants to know what is worrying him as it is stopping him from eating, talking or sleeping. She has also seen the masked conspirators visiting the house.
What happens to Portia after the men kill Caesar?
After the men kill Caesar, war breaks out and Brutus heads off to battle. Portia worries terribly about Brutus and the power Antony and Octavious are gaining. We learn from Brutus that she decides to take her own life. She does not stab herself or cut her wrists, but swallows hot coals.
Why does Portia give herself a wound to prove herself?
As a final attempt to show her husband that she would not tell anyone his secret, she proves herself by ‚Giving myself a voluntary wound / Here, in the thigh: can I bear that with patience, / And not my husband’s secrets?‘ In other words, Portia wounded herself to show her physical strength and therefore, ability to handle mere information.