1.2 What do you make of the challenge set up for Portia by her father? Can he be criticized for devising such a stratagem? Can he be lauded for doing so?
Nigel Fleming-5 I think that the only problem for Portia lies within her patience. Her father(who should not be criticized) set up a system in which only a man with a pure heart and good intentions would win the hand of his daughter.
Niko Kerschner-1 While Portia's father's plan has good intentions, it is also quite risky. The choosing of the correct casket was meant to find a worthy suitor without greed to marry Portia. However, an immoral suitor might realize his plan and outwit him. Additionally, an ignorant man might choose the correct casket out of luck. Both these situations would lead to an undesirable marriage for Portia.
The challenge, or having men try to pick the right casket to marry Portia, is a poor decision on her father's part. In the scene, Nerissa names the four men who would come and choose from the caskets, and Portia had one criticism for all the choices. He should be criticized for this because if he really was worried, he would not have left his own daughter's fate in the hands of princes and kings, who could merely pick the right choice out of luck. Portia could have to marry someone she despises, and it is not her fault whatsoever.
Patrick Niederjohn-6 I believe that Portia's father meant well when he set up this system for choosing Portia's husband, except it was dangerous because it could have easily been won by someone who is not liked by Portia. It is fair to the suitors but not to Portia.
Sean Runnoe-6 Portia's father made a mistake by setting up the challenge for men to marry Portia by choosing a correct casket because it gives Portia no say in who she is going to marry. He should be criticized for doing this because it gives mean and greedy people a chance to marry Portia who may not want to marry them. He should not be lauded for this because he gives no power to Portia in who she wants to marry.
George Carlo Clark -5th The challenge is both just and un-just. Just because it is being used to find Portia a husband who is worthy and not marrying her for her wealth. The un-just part of this is the fact Portia does not get a say about her future. As Nerissa says, " Your father was very virtuous... [W]hereof who chooses his meaning chooses you, will no doubt never be chosen by any rightly but one who you shall rightly love" (1.2.27-34). In this quote, Portia's father knows how to thin the herd of suitors by weeding out the ones who are greedy for the wealth and not for the love of his daughter. This is proof that Portia's father should be lauded for his challenge which shall set one suitor apart from the rest. This is due to his generosity, intelligence, and a goal which is Portia and not wealth.
Alex Sands - 3 I respectfully disagree with Patrick on this. Yes, Portia's father was well-meaning in arranging this system for Portia but I believe it is not fair to either her or the six suitors. The man who guesses correctly will win Portia as his wife but those who guess incorrectly must promise to never marry anyone. That is exactly why all six men leave without attempting a guess in fear of the penalty for guessing incorrectly. Even the suitors realize how this is unfair to them, even though they would be quite joyful with Portia as their wife, they think it is not worth the risk of no marriage at all with an inaccurate guess.
As George Carlo said, Nerissa stated that "holy men at their death have good inspirations" (Shakespeare 1.2.27-28). The chests appeal to the different men. Gold and silver are signs of wealth and prosperity. The lead chest is not as glamorous as the other boxes, but only the right man will choose the chest that allows him to marry Portia. I would say that Portia's father should be lauded for his plan. He understands that the man who will love Portia will pick the right box.
Sam Vogel - 5 I believe that this challenge set up by Portia's father was a good idea, but also an awful one. It was good because it was set up with the intention to ward off men that were scared to fail and never marry, and attract the men that could only be happy and content with Portia's hand in marriage. It was also an awful idea because if one of the six men that were already in the palace stepped up and guessed correctly, Portia may be stuck with a man she would never want to be with. Portia talked of a suitor that couldn't even speak her own language, and of another that was beast like because he drank so often. I believe that Portia's father devised a bad plan with good intentions in hopes that someone worthy would take his daughters hand in marriage.
The stratagem of Portia’s father ensures that Portia’s future husband will be worthy of her. While the test seems risky to us, Portia’s father would not have gambled on his daughter’s future and the test must be more elaborate than the first few scenes describe. Also, Portia could endanger her reputation if she scandalously chose her own spouse because of the male-dominated society. Portia's father was acting responsibly considering the times.
Dominic Lambo- 5 I believe that the challenge was overall a good idea because Portia's father had faith that the right man would choose the correct box. Nerissa even said early in the scene, "your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations" (Shakespeare 1.2. 27-28). Portia's father was inspired to set up this challenge because he believed the right man will choose the right box, and it won't be chosen out of luck. I see why Portia would be upset at the idea of not choosing your husband, but her father was doing what was best for her. I agree with Zach about how Portia's father wouldn't leave his daughter's future up to chance. Ultimately, the right man will be the one to marry Portia.
In those times, many women, especially the upper class, were forced to marry the man of their father's choosing. Portia's situation would have not been peculiar of her time except the fact that her father was dead. Hence, his plan would narrow down possible suitors to the ones worthy of her hand. Though as Niko said, an unsuitable man may as well pick the lead case as a fluke. He deserves credit for preparing a plan which narrowed her future husband to the noblest of their time.
In those times, many women, especially the upper class, were forced to marry the man of their father's choosing. Portia's situation would have not been peculiar of her time except the fact that her father was dead. Hence, his plan would narrow down possible suitors to the ones worthy of her hand. Though as Niko said, an unsuitable man may as well pick the lead case as a fluke. He deserves credit for preparing a plan which narrowed her future husband to the noblest of their time.
As mentioned before in various other posts, Portia's father ultimately did what is best for her. By having the suitors select one of three boxes, Portia's father wants to ensure that his daughter gets the best of men. As Lambo said, Portia would disagree with the challenge her father proposed but she doesn't know it is for her own benefit. Also, I agree with what Zach said about her father not willing to put her life at risk and making sure she gets the best man possible.
Although Portia does not agree with what he father is doing in having a man choose a chest to marry her, I believe he is doing the correct thing. Back then, women were not allowed to choose their husbands. Their fathers would choose whoever he thought was best for his daughter. He is keeping alive the tradition in their society by having his daughter find a husband his way. The downside to having a husband chosen this way is that the father does not get to choose the husband either. It is by pure luck and any man who guesses correctly Portia will be forced to marry. I do not think he should be criticized for doing it this way but also not lauded for it.
I do not think Portia should be forced to marry whoever picks the correct box. I believe it is unfair because Portia may not love or even be able to tolerate the person she is forced to marry. I believe Portia's father should be criticized for forcing this upon his daughter because she may be unhappy for the rest of her life from this forced marriage. This is unfair for Portia. I do think however Portia's father could be lauded for the forced marriage if a man picked the correct box whom Portia loved and wanted to marry. If that were to occur, I think Portia's father may be allowed to be praised for it.
I think that even though Portia could become matched with a suitor that she would actually like to wed, she could very easily become matched with a suitor that she doesn't like at all. This is unfair for Portia because it is a 50/50 chance of her being set up with a polite and nice suitor or a greedy and rude suitor. Portia's father should be criticized for coming up with this stratagem because Portia is his daughter, and he is risking ruining the rest of her life. A loving and caring father would never put their son or daughter in this position, because they love them and they want to keep them away from anything that could ruin their life. I believe that her father would be lauded if Portia was matched with a kind and loving suitor. However, if she was matched with an annoying and rude suitor, her father would be disrespected, and people would think he was crazy to think of such a stratagem.
Nick Cheung-5 Her fathers intentions for the challenge set up are supposed to be for the best for her. It is also unfair to Portia because getting married is supposed to be from two people loving each other, not a set up. The challenge, however is an excellent way for Portia to see the intelligence and beauty of the suitor who has come to seek her hand in marriage.
Thomas Barrett-6- The challenge set up for Portia by her father was to have a suitor use his wit to choose in between three chests. Her father's decision to make such a simple device to have her daughter married is what bothers me.Customs back then were different and I can see why he wanted to have his daughter's marriage be one that was not her decision (for reasons of power), but I do not understand why it was such a simple task. By setting out three chests, you are allowing a 1 in 3 chance of getting it right. I believe Portia's hand in marriage was worth more than someone accidentally choosing right.
Thomas Barrett-6- The challenge set up for Portia by her father was to have a suitor use his wit to choose in between three chests. Her father's decision to make such a simple device to have her daughter married is what bothers me.Customs back then were different and I can see why he wanted to have his daughter's marriage be one that was not her decision (for reasons of power), but I do not understand why it was such a simple task. By setting out three chests, you are allowing a 1 in 3 chance of getting it right. I believe Portia's hand in marriage was worth more than someone accidentally choosing right.
I believe the opinion on the challenge for Portia's love depends on the perspective from which you look at it from. From the point of view of Portia's father, I can see how he would think this would be the best way to choose the right suitor, because the suitor would have to be wise enough to choose the correct box. However, I also can see how Portia would be upset about how she has no choice who she would spend the rest of her life with. In the end, even though her father's intensions were correct, I think Portia should have more say in her marriage.
Portia's father cannot be criticized for devising this plan because it was the custom of their time. Woman usually had no say in their marriage drink Shakespeare's time, so by making this contest he following the customs of his people. Further more, he can assured that only the pure of heart will be able to marry his daughter and keep his fortune. Through this contest he made sure that his riches were passed on to a righteous/wise man, and he should not be criticized for the way he decided to have her wed.
Leon Jednacak-1 I think Portia's father created a clever trap. He tests the worthiness of the men that choose between boxes by making them say an oath. The oath states that if the man chooses wrong he cannot wed any woman for the rest of his life. By doing this he makes the system almost foolproof and ensures Portia a worthy and committed husband. No, I do not think his stratagem can be criticized because to me it is brilliant. However, he can be lauded for creating it and therefore assuring Portia a trustworthy husband.
Jackson Minessale-1 I disagree with Adam on this one. While women in the time of Shakespeare traditionally did not have much say in their own marriage, they were married off to gain something in return, (usually money, or an ally). Portia is being married off for no specific reason and therefore should at least be granted an opinion in her future husband.
I agree with Portia's father. The man who wins the lottery must be wanting to marry Portia and must be smart enough to pick the correct chest. Even though Portia may not want to marry the man who picks correctly, she will be happy in the long run for having a smart and loving husband
I believe the challenge is a bad way for Portia's husband to be chosen. This method could result in her being married to someone who she does not care about. This would ruin her experience of marriage and make her unhappy. I do not fully blame her father of being a bad man as it was common for the daughter not to pick her husband back in Shakespeare's day.
Charlie Gutierrez-6 I think think that Portia's dad clearly meant good in making this challenge but it gives no power in any way to Portia. If a man who were to disrespect Portia were to guess the right box, she would have to be with him for the rest of her life. Her dad should be criticized despite wanting only the best for his daughter, he should have given her a little more freedom.
Charlie Gutierrez-6 I think think that Portia's dad clearly meant good in making this challenge but it gives no power in any way to Portia. If a man who were to disrespect Portia were to guess the right box, she would have to be with him for the rest of her life. Her dad should be criticized despite wanting only the best for his daughter, he should have given her a little more freedom.
Perhaps I don't know a lot about the rights that women had in this time, specifically women of Portia's class and specifically in relation to her father; however, I don't think this is fair to Portia. Her father can be lauded in that he has devised a clever strategy, but Portia seems to be forced to abide by the system, and for that he should be criticized. Throughout the beginning of Act 1 Scene 2, Nerissa brings up one of the suitors and Portia shoots her down, giving reasons as to why they wouldn't make a good husband. The only one that she doesn't talk bad about is Bassanio, she clearly has made a decision that he is the best suited to marry her, giving solid evidence for him and against all others. Yet, because of the system her father created, she can't choose him. But, I would like to acknowledge the other side of the argument, Portia's father may have considered this already. Perhaps because the suitor who is most intelligent and in her father's eyes "suited" to be her husband, will choose the right chest regardless because of his superior intellect. Overall though, I believe Portia should just choose her husband, because she already has made her choice, Bassanio.
I think that the Riddle Portia's dad set up for her marriage can be looked at in a good and bad way. The good way being that who ever solves the riddle will not just be marrying Portia for her wealth, it will be someone who actually loves her. I think the bad part is that marriage is supposed to be something both people agree upon and want to do, not something forced upon by a riddle. I think that Portia should be allowed to chose who she wants to marry other wise she could be setup with someone like the Prince of Morocco who she regarded as a man with "complexion of a devil". For those reasons I think Portia's father can be criticized, but also lauded. -Joe Doering 1st Hour
I do completely agree with Portia's dad for setting up the riddle, because Portia's dad wants to ensure Portia with a veery good life. In this time I believe this is what Portia's dad thought what was best for her because forcing this riddle truly solves who is best for Portia. I really do not think that Portia should be mad because the riddle solves who best knows her. This also makes sense to woman in this era not having a lot of rights, so I think this is the best way to get Portia's husband, and to make her a happy person.
I think that the challenge for the suitors of Portia set up by her father has a positive and negative impact on Portia's life. I think it has a good impact because of the cleverness behind the riddle. Only the wisest and most worthy suitor would get to marry Portia, which is just what her dad wanted for her. He knows that most of the immoral, dishonest, and undeserving suitors will pick either the gold or silver box because it looks so appealing. This is just like the suitors courting Portia, they may only want to marry her because she is beautiful and wealthy, like the two boxes. Portia's father wants one of the suitors to marry Portia for what is inside her, not the material things. I also understand why Portia would want to not even offer a choice of a box to some of her suitors because of the way he acts or looks like. This challenge is unfair for Portia because she has no decision of who she gets to marry. On the other hand, the riddle is very thoughtful of Portia's father and he should be praised for setting it up.
I think that Portia's father can neither be praised nor criticized for this decision. First, the box idea has good intentions for choosing Portia a proper husband. The problem in it lies with the simplicity of the trick, as anyone could blindfold themselves and randomly choose a box, with a 1/3 chance of marrying Portia. This is unfortunate but Portia should not fret, because she can, like she mentioned by using the wine, tamper with the boxes if she really needed. Plus she can still weed out the suitors who just want her money by using the gold and silver boxes, which is important so her marriage will be with a better man than one who is just looking for money.
Although the system has its flaws, I believe that when Portia's father had devised the way to pick Portia's husband, he had good intentions by protecting Portia from suitors that only want her for the money. Portia hasn't really liked any of the suitors that have come for her, therefore the system has a major flaw because if one of them decides to try his luck and picks the correct casket, Portia is forced to marry a man who she does not like. One part of the box choosing that I believe is very clever is that Portia's picture is placed in the lead casket. This can be symbolic of the suitors that just want to marry Portia for her money, and will possibly weed them out because they will the silver or gold box which probably reminds them of the riches that they shall receive for guessing correct.
Although it may not be fare, the system works. The system was set up to get rid of the suitors who do not love her at all. The suitors who take the chance at least somewhat want to marry her because her looks and the way she acts. The suitors who do not take the chance, are most likely the ones who just want her for the money.
I think that although the system may seem unfair to Portia or the suitors, it is really the only way for her late father to ensure that her daughter is married to a good man. If her father had left no instructions as to who she would marry, then Portia would be almost free to marry whoever she pleased. As we learn more about Portia through Bassanio's description and through actually meeting her, we know that if the decision of a husband was left up to her than it would not be the worst thing in the world. However it is understandable and in my opinion justified to have such a test made by Portia father, to protect his daughter and to ensure the survival of his family
I think that although the system may seem unfair to Portia or the suitors, it is really the only way for her late father to ensure that her daughter is married to a good man. If her father had left no instructions as to who she would marry, then Portia would be almost free to marry whoever she pleased. As we learn more about Portia through Bassanio's description and through actually meeting her, we know that if the decision of a husband was left up to her than it would not be the worst thing in the world. However it is understandable and in my opinion justified to have such a test made by Portia father, to protect his daughter and to ensure the survival of his family
The stratagem set up by Portia's father is unjust and senseless. I believe it to be unjust because Portia's father is forcing her to marry someone that she may very well dislike. This will most likely lead to Portia's sadness or depression. Therefor Portia's father would bring his own daughter to sadness. It is also senseless due to the fact that it could lead the wealth of Portia's family to fall in to possible unworthy hands. This money could be drunk away by the Duke of Saxony's nephew or thrown away in an unsuccessful business venture. By creating this stratagem for Portia's marriage her father could have been the source of the family's social decline.
The stratagem set up by Portia's father is unjust and senseless. I believe it to be unjust because Portia's father is forcing her to marry someone that she may very well dislike. This will most likely lead to Portia's sadness or depression. Therefor Portia's father would bring his own daughter to sadness. It is also senseless due to the fact that it could lead the wealth of Portia's family to fall in to possible unworthy hands. This money could be drunk away by the Duke of Saxony's nephew or thrown away in an unsuccessful business venture. By creating this stratagem for Portia's marriage her father could have been the source of the family's social decline.
Portia's father should be lauded for the stratagem he designed for his daughter's suitors. The test ensures that whatever man Portia marries will be passionate and willing to give up everything for her. This is based off the fact that if the suitors do not choose the right chest, they would never be able to get married to anyone in their lifetime. It also ensures that her husband would be clever and intellectual, as he would have to choose the right chest based off a riddle. The test also eliminates the chance of Portia rashly choosing a husband based off "love," only to learn that he was an incompetent fool unworthy of her affection.
The challenge Portia's father made for all the suitors who want to marry Portia is a perfect way of finding the right man for his daughter. Portia, however, believes it is unfair for her husband to be picked for her based on a test. Portia's father is guaranteeing the right man, continuing of the family line, and the wealth to life a great life. Her father can't be lauded for creating this test, because all parents want what is best for their kids. Dylan Bonk - 7th
I think that the challenge set up by Portia's father was very wise. He set it up so only people that truly loved her would try knowing that if they do not get it they can never marry. This challenge also needs someone wise enough to choose the right box. On the other hand, he can be critisized because this game may choose someone that Portia does not truly love. Overall, I think that Portia's father should be praised for this wise stratagem.
The challenge set up by Portia father was clever in my eyes. He knew some way that he was going to pass a way. Therefore he set up this challenge for his daughter. The clever part is if taken part in this you can not marry after. So if not chosen correctly you will not marry. Whoever took part meant they were willing to take this risk
In my view I see, that Portia's father was only looking out for his daughter. What I mean by this is that he was hoping that a wise man, good enough for Portia, would pick the correct chest. By setting this up the way he did, he made her love a high risk, high reward situation.
I think that the challenge set up by Portias father is wrong. Its unfair to Portia. It doesn't let her choose her own husband. In some ways it can help though, if she comes across a suitor she highly dislikes it gives her the opportunity to turn him down.
I believe that Portia's Father screwed her over. It seems as he wants better for himself then for his daughter. Although, his actions are selfish and control freakish, he definately has found a way to get his way. In his day it was right to do such a thing and marrying for love was not really big. But, now days that would be considered wrong and selfish, because people now hopefully marry for love.
I believe that Portia's Father screwed her over. It seems as he wants better for himself then for his daughter. Although, his actions are selfish and control freakish, he definately has found a way to get his way. In his day it was right to do such a thing and marrying for love was not really big. But, now days that would be considered wrong and selfish, because people now hopefully marry for love.
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ReplyDeleteNigel Fleming-5
ReplyDeleteI think that the only problem for Portia lies within her patience. Her father(who should not be criticized) set up a system in which only a man with a pure heart and good intentions would win the hand of his daughter.
Niko Kerschner-1
ReplyDeleteWhile Portia's father's plan has good intentions, it is also quite risky. The choosing of the correct casket was meant to find a worthy suitor without greed to marry Portia. However, an immoral suitor might realize his plan and outwit him. Additionally, an ignorant man might choose the correct casket out of luck. Both these situations would lead to an undesirable marriage for Portia.
The challenge, or having men try to pick the right casket to marry Portia, is a poor decision on her father's part. In the scene, Nerissa names the four men who would come and choose from the caskets, and Portia had one criticism for all the choices. He should be criticized for this because if he really was worried, he would not have left his own daughter's fate in the hands of princes and kings, who could merely pick the right choice out of luck. Portia could have to marry someone she despises, and it is not her fault whatsoever.
ReplyDeletePatrick Niederjohn-6
ReplyDeleteI believe that Portia's father meant well when he set up this system for choosing Portia's husband, except it was dangerous because it could have easily been won by someone who is not liked by Portia. It is fair to the suitors but not to Portia.
Sean Runnoe-6
ReplyDeletePortia's father made a mistake by setting up the challenge for men to marry Portia by choosing a correct casket because it gives Portia no say in who she is going to marry. He should be criticized for doing this because it gives mean and greedy people a chance to marry Portia who may not want to marry them. He should not be lauded for this because he gives no power to Portia in who she wants to marry.
George Carlo Clark -5th
ReplyDeleteThe challenge is both just and un-just. Just because it is being used to find Portia a husband who is worthy and not marrying her for her wealth. The un-just part of this is the fact Portia does not get a say about her future. As Nerissa says, " Your father was very virtuous... [W]hereof who chooses his meaning chooses you, will no doubt never be chosen by any rightly but one who you shall rightly love" (1.2.27-34). In this quote, Portia's father knows how to thin the herd of suitors by weeding out the ones who are greedy for the wealth and not for the love of his daughter. This is proof that Portia's father should be lauded for his challenge which shall set one suitor apart from the rest. This is due to his generosity, intelligence, and a goal which is Portia and not wealth.
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ReplyDeleteAlex Sands - 3
ReplyDeleteI respectfully disagree with Patrick on this. Yes, Portia's father was well-meaning in arranging this system for Portia but I believe it is not fair to either her or the six suitors. The man who guesses correctly will win Portia as his wife but those who guess incorrectly must promise to never marry anyone. That is exactly why all six men leave without attempting a guess in fear of the penalty for guessing incorrectly. Even the suitors realize how this is unfair to them, even though they would be quite joyful with Portia as their wife, they think it is not worth the risk of no marriage at all with an inaccurate guess.
As George Carlo said, Nerissa stated that "holy men at their death have good inspirations" (Shakespeare 1.2.27-28). The chests appeal to the different men. Gold and silver are signs of wealth and prosperity. The lead chest is not as glamorous as the other boxes, but only the right man will choose the chest that allows him to marry Portia. I would say that Portia's father should be lauded for his plan. He understands that the man who will love Portia will pick the right box.
ReplyDeleteSam Vogel - 5
ReplyDeleteI believe that this challenge set up by Portia's father was a good idea, but also an awful one. It was good because it was set up with the intention to ward off men that were scared to fail and never marry, and attract the men that could only be happy and content with Portia's hand in marriage. It was also an awful idea because if one of the six men that were already in the palace stepped up and guessed correctly, Portia may be stuck with a man she would never want to be with. Portia talked of a suitor that couldn't even speak her own language, and of another that was beast like because he drank so often. I believe that Portia's father devised a bad plan with good intentions in hopes that someone worthy would take his daughters hand in marriage.
Zach Sekaran - 6
ReplyDeleteThe stratagem of Portia’s father ensures that Portia’s future husband will be worthy of her. While the test seems risky to us, Portia’s father would not have gambled on his daughter’s future and the test must be more elaborate than the first few scenes describe. Also, Portia could endanger her reputation if she scandalously chose her own spouse because of the male-dominated society. Portia's father was acting responsibly considering the times.
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ReplyDeleteDominic Lambo- 5
ReplyDeleteI believe that the challenge was overall a good idea because Portia's father had faith that the right man would choose the correct box. Nerissa even said early in the scene, "your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations" (Shakespeare 1.2. 27-28). Portia's father was inspired to set up this challenge because he believed the right man will choose the right box, and it won't be chosen out of luck. I see why Portia would be upset at the idea of not choosing your husband, but her father was doing what was best for her. I agree with Zach about how Portia's father wouldn't leave his daughter's future up to chance. Ultimately, the right man will be the one to marry Portia.
Enzo Demichele- 1
ReplyDeleteIn those times, many women, especially the upper class, were forced to marry the man of their father's choosing. Portia's situation would have not been peculiar of her time except the fact that her father was dead. Hence, his plan would narrow down possible suitors to the ones worthy of her hand. Though as Niko said, an unsuitable man may as well pick the lead case as a fluke. He deserves credit for preparing a plan which narrowed her future husband to the noblest of their time.
Enzo Demichele- 1
ReplyDeleteIn those times, many women, especially the upper class, were forced to marry the man of their father's choosing. Portia's situation would have not been peculiar of her time except the fact that her father was dead. Hence, his plan would narrow down possible suitors to the ones worthy of her hand. Though as Niko said, an unsuitable man may as well pick the lead case as a fluke. He deserves credit for preparing a plan which narrowed her future husband to the noblest of their time.
Aban Khan - 1
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned before in various other posts, Portia's father ultimately did what is best for her. By having the suitors select one of three boxes, Portia's father wants to ensure that his daughter gets the best of men. As Lambo said, Portia would disagree with the challenge her father proposed but she doesn't know it is for her own benefit. Also, I agree with what Zach said about her father not willing to put her life at risk and making sure she gets the best man possible.
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ReplyDeleteMikey Tadych - 5
ReplyDeleteAlthough Portia does not agree with what he father is doing in having a man choose a chest to marry her, I believe he is doing the correct thing. Back then, women were not allowed to choose their husbands. Their fathers would choose whoever he thought was best for his daughter. He is keeping alive the tradition in their society by having his daughter find a husband his way. The downside to having a husband chosen this way is that the father does not get to choose the husband either. It is by pure luck and any man who guesses correctly Portia will be forced to marry. I do not think he should be criticized for doing it this way but also not lauded for it.
I do not think Portia should be forced to marry whoever picks the correct box. I believe it is unfair because Portia may not love or even be able to tolerate the person she is forced to marry. I believe Portia's father should be criticized for forcing this upon his daughter because she may be unhappy for the rest of her life from this forced marriage. This is unfair for Portia. I do think however Portia's father could be lauded for the forced marriage if a man picked the correct box whom Portia loved and wanted to marry. If that were to occur, I think Portia's father may be allowed to be praised for it.
ReplyDeleteI think that even though Portia could become matched with a suitor that she would actually like to wed, she could very easily become matched with a suitor that she doesn't like at all. This is unfair for Portia because it is a 50/50 chance of her being set up with a polite and nice suitor or a greedy and rude suitor. Portia's father should be criticized for coming up with this stratagem because Portia is his daughter, and he is risking ruining the rest of her life. A loving and caring father would never put their son or daughter in this position, because they love them and they want to keep them away from anything that could ruin their life. I believe that her father would be lauded if Portia was matched with a kind and loving suitor. However, if she was matched with an annoying and rude suitor, her father would be disrespected, and people would think he was crazy to think of such a stratagem.
ReplyDeleteChris Klempay- 1
DeleteNick Cheung-5
ReplyDeleteHer fathers intentions for the challenge set up are supposed to be for the best for her. It is also unfair to Portia because getting married is supposed to be from two people loving each other, not a set up. The challenge, however is an excellent way for Portia to see the intelligence and beauty of the suitor who has come to seek her hand in marriage.
Thomas Barrett-6-
ReplyDeleteThe challenge set up for Portia by her father was to have a suitor use his wit to choose in between three chests. Her father's decision to make such a simple device to have her daughter married is what bothers me.Customs back then were different and I can see why he wanted to have his daughter's marriage be one that was not her decision (for reasons of power), but I do not understand why it was such a simple task. By setting out three chests, you are allowing a 1 in 3 chance of getting it right. I believe Portia's hand in marriage was worth more than someone accidentally choosing right.
Thomas Barrett-6-
ReplyDeleteThe challenge set up for Portia by her father was to have a suitor use his wit to choose in between three chests. Her father's decision to make such a simple device to have her daughter married is what bothers me.Customs back then were different and I can see why he wanted to have his daughter's marriage be one that was not her decision (for reasons of power), but I do not understand why it was such a simple task. By setting out three chests, you are allowing a 1 in 3 chance of getting it right. I believe Portia's hand in marriage was worth more than someone accidentally choosing right.
I believe the opinion on the challenge for Portia's love depends on the perspective from which you look at it from. From the point of view of Portia's father, I can see how he would think this would be the best way to choose the right suitor, because the suitor would have to be wise enough to choose the correct box. However, I also can see how Portia would be upset about how she has no choice who she would spend the rest of her life with. In the end, even though her father's intensions were correct, I think Portia should have more say in her marriage.
ReplyDeleteYes but Will back in the day, Fathers had ultimate control. Remember Women were more like objects back then.
DeleteDoes any one remember in the Odyssey how they talked for long periods of time. They also talked with elegant language
ReplyDeleteAdam Pfankuch- 6
ReplyDeletePortia's father cannot be criticized for devising this plan because it was the custom of their time. Woman usually had no say in their marriage drink Shakespeare's time, so by making this contest he following the customs of his people. Further more, he can assured that only the pure of heart will be able to marry his daughter and keep his fortune. Through this contest he made sure that his riches were passed on to a righteous/wise man, and he should not be criticized for the way he decided to have her wed.
Leon Jednacak-1
ReplyDeleteI think Portia's father created a clever trap. He tests the worthiness of the men that choose between boxes by making them say an oath. The oath states that if the man chooses wrong he cannot wed any woman for the rest of his life. By doing this he makes the system almost foolproof and ensures Portia a worthy and committed husband. No, I do not think his stratagem can be criticized because to me it is brilliant. However, he can be lauded for creating it and therefore assuring Portia a trustworthy husband.
Jackson Minessale-1
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Adam on this one. While women in the time of Shakespeare traditionally did not have much say in their own marriage, they were married off to gain something in return, (usually money, or an ally). Portia is being married off for no specific reason and therefore should at least be granted an opinion in her future husband.
I agree with Portia's father. The man who wins the lottery must be wanting to marry Portia and must be smart enough to pick the correct chest. Even though Portia may not want to marry the man who picks correctly, she will be happy in the long run for having a smart and loving husband
ReplyDeleteI believe the challenge is a bad way for Portia's husband to be chosen. This method could result in her being married to someone who she does not care about. This would ruin her experience of marriage and make her unhappy. I do not fully blame her father of being a bad man as it was common for the daughter not to pick her husband back in Shakespeare's day.
ReplyDeleteCharlie Gutierrez-6
ReplyDeleteI think think that Portia's dad clearly meant good in making this challenge but it gives no power in any way to Portia. If a man who were to disrespect Portia were to guess the right box, she would have to be with him for the rest of her life. Her dad should be criticized despite wanting only the best for his daughter, he should have given her a little more freedom.
Charlie Gutierrez-6
ReplyDeleteI think think that Portia's dad clearly meant good in making this challenge but it gives no power in any way to Portia. If a man who were to disrespect Portia were to guess the right box, she would have to be with him for the rest of her life. Her dad should be criticized despite wanting only the best for his daughter, he should have given her a little more freedom.
Perhaps I don't know a lot about the rights that women had in this time, specifically women of Portia's class and specifically in relation to her father; however, I don't think this is fair to Portia. Her father can be lauded in that he has devised a clever strategy, but Portia seems to be forced to abide by the system, and for that he should be criticized. Throughout the beginning of Act 1 Scene 2, Nerissa brings up one of the suitors and Portia shoots her down, giving reasons as to why they wouldn't make a good husband. The only one that she doesn't talk bad about is Bassanio, she clearly has made a decision that he is the best suited to marry her, giving solid evidence for him and against all others. Yet, because of the system her father created, she can't choose him. But, I would like to acknowledge the other side of the argument, Portia's father may have considered this already. Perhaps because the suitor who is most intelligent and in her father's eyes "suited" to be her husband, will choose the right chest regardless because of his superior intellect. Overall though, I believe Portia should just choose her husband, because she already has made her choice, Bassanio.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Riddle Portia's dad set up for her marriage can be looked at in a good and bad way. The good way being that who ever solves the riddle will not just be marrying Portia for her wealth, it will be someone who actually loves her. I think the bad part is that marriage is supposed to be something both people agree upon and want to do, not something forced upon by a riddle. I think that Portia should be allowed to chose who she wants to marry other wise she could be setup with someone like the Prince of Morocco who she regarded as a man with "complexion of a devil". For those reasons I think Portia's father can be criticized, but also lauded.
ReplyDelete-Joe Doering 1st Hour
I do completely agree with Portia's dad for setting up the riddle, because Portia's dad wants to ensure Portia with a veery good life. In this time I believe this is what Portia's dad thought what was best for her because forcing this riddle truly solves who is best for Portia. I really do not think that Portia should be mad because the riddle solves who best knows her. This also makes sense to woman in this era not having a lot of rights, so I think this is the best way to get Portia's husband, and to make her a happy person.
ReplyDeleteI think that the challenge for the suitors of Portia set up by her father has a positive and negative impact on Portia's life. I think it has a good impact because of the cleverness behind the riddle. Only the wisest and most worthy suitor would get to marry Portia, which is just what her dad wanted for her. He knows that most of the immoral, dishonest, and undeserving suitors will pick either the gold or silver box because it looks so appealing. This is just like the suitors courting Portia, they may only want to marry her because she is beautiful and wealthy, like the two boxes. Portia's father wants one of the suitors to marry Portia for what is inside her, not the material things. I also understand why Portia would want to not even offer a choice of a box to some of her suitors because of the way he acts or looks like. This challenge is unfair for Portia because she has no decision of who she gets to marry. On the other hand, the riddle is very thoughtful of Portia's father and he should be praised for setting it up.
ReplyDeleteI think that Portia's father can neither be praised nor criticized for this decision. First, the box idea has good intentions for choosing Portia a proper husband. The problem in it lies with the simplicity of the trick, as anyone could blindfold themselves and randomly choose a box, with a 1/3 chance of marrying Portia. This is unfortunate but Portia should not fret, because she can, like she mentioned by using the wine, tamper with the boxes if she really needed. Plus she can still weed out the suitors who just want her money by using the gold and silver boxes, which is important so her marriage will be with a better man than one who is just looking for money.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the system has its flaws, I believe that when Portia's father had devised the way to pick Portia's husband, he had good intentions by protecting Portia from suitors that only want her for the money. Portia hasn't really liked any of the suitors that have come for her, therefore the system has a major flaw because if one of them decides to try his luck and picks the correct casket, Portia is forced to marry a man who she does not like. One part of the box choosing that I believe is very clever is that Portia's picture is placed in the lead casket. This can be symbolic of the suitors that just want to marry Portia for her money, and will possibly weed them out because they will the silver or gold box which probably reminds them of the riches that they shall receive for guessing correct.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it may not be fare, the system works. The system was set up to get rid of the suitors who do not love her at all. The suitors who take the chance at least somewhat want to marry her because her looks and the way she acts. The suitors who do not take the chance, are most likely the ones who just want her for the money.
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ReplyDeleteI think that although the system may seem unfair to Portia or the suitors, it is really the only way for her late father to ensure that her daughter is married to a good man. If her father had left no instructions as to who she would marry, then Portia would be almost free to marry whoever she pleased. As we learn more about Portia through Bassanio's description and through actually meeting her, we know that if the decision of a husband was left up to her than it would not be the worst thing in the world. However it is understandable and in my opinion justified to have such a test made by Portia father, to protect his daughter and to ensure the survival of his family
ReplyDeleteI think that although the system may seem unfair to Portia or the suitors, it is really the only way for her late father to ensure that her daughter is married to a good man. If her father had left no instructions as to who she would marry, then Portia would be almost free to marry whoever she pleased. As we learn more about Portia through Bassanio's description and through actually meeting her, we know that if the decision of a husband was left up to her than it would not be the worst thing in the world. However it is understandable and in my opinion justified to have such a test made by Portia father, to protect his daughter and to ensure the survival of his family
ReplyDeleteThe stratagem set up by Portia's father is unjust and senseless. I believe it to be unjust because Portia's father is forcing her to marry someone that she may very well dislike. This will most likely lead to Portia's sadness or depression. Therefor Portia's father would bring his own daughter to sadness. It is also senseless due to the fact that it could lead the wealth of Portia's family to fall in to possible unworthy hands. This money could be drunk away by the Duke of Saxony's nephew or thrown away in an unsuccessful business venture. By creating this stratagem for Portia's marriage her father could have been the source of the family's social decline.
ReplyDeleteThe stratagem set up by Portia's father is unjust and senseless. I believe it to be unjust because Portia's father is forcing her to marry someone that she may very well dislike. This will most likely lead to Portia's sadness or depression. Therefor Portia's father would bring his own daughter to sadness. It is also senseless due to the fact that it could lead the wealth of Portia's family to fall in to possible unworthy hands. This money could be drunk away by the Duke of Saxony's nephew or thrown away in an unsuccessful business venture. By creating this stratagem for Portia's marriage her father could have been the source of the family's social decline.
ReplyDeletePortia's father should be lauded for the stratagem he designed for his daughter's suitors. The test ensures that whatever man Portia marries will be passionate and willing to give up everything for her. This is based off the fact that if the suitors do not choose the right chest, they would never be able to get married to anyone in their lifetime. It also ensures that her husband would be clever and intellectual, as he would have to choose the right chest based off a riddle. The test also eliminates the chance of Portia rashly choosing a husband based off "love," only to learn that he was an incompetent fool unworthy of her affection.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge Portia's father made for all the suitors who want to marry Portia is a perfect way of finding the right man for his daughter. Portia, however, believes it is unfair for her husband to be picked for her based on a test. Portia's father is guaranteeing the right man, continuing of the family line, and the wealth to life a great life. Her father can't be lauded for creating this test, because all parents want what is best for their kids.
ReplyDeleteDylan Bonk - 7th
I think that the challenge set up by Portia's father was very wise. He set it up so only people that truly loved her would try knowing that if they do not get it they can never marry. This challenge also needs someone wise enough to choose the right box. On the other hand, he can be critisized because this game may choose someone that Portia does not truly love. Overall, I think that Portia's father should be praised for this wise stratagem.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge set up by Portia father was clever in my eyes. He knew some way that he was going to pass a way. Therefore he set up this challenge for his daughter. The clever part is if taken part in this you can not marry after. So if not chosen correctly you will not marry. Whoever took part meant they were willing to take this risk
ReplyDeleteIn my view I see, that Portia's father was only looking out for his daughter. What I mean by this is that he was hoping that a wise man, good enough for Portia, would pick the correct chest. By setting this up the way he did, he made her love a high risk, high reward situation.
ReplyDeleteI think that the challenge set up by Portias father is wrong. Its unfair to Portia. It doesn't let her choose her own husband. In some ways it can help though, if she comes across a suitor she highly dislikes it gives her the opportunity to turn him down.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Portia's Father screwed her over. It seems as he wants better for himself then for his daughter. Although, his actions are selfish and control freakish, he definately has found a way to get his way. In his day it was right to do such a thing and marrying for love was not really big. But, now days that would be considered wrong and selfish, because people now hopefully marry for love.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Portia's Father screwed her over. It seems as he wants better for himself then for his daughter. Although, his actions are selfish and control freakish, he definately has found a way to get his way. In his day it was right to do such a thing and marrying for love was not really big. But, now days that would be considered wrong and selfish, because people now hopefully marry for love.
ReplyDelete