The Merchant of Venice’s central plot is shaped by two father-daughter relations, despite the absence of a strong male figure. The relationship between Venetian Moneylender Shylock, his daughter Jessica, and Portia’s absent father has a profound effect on both women. The Merchant of Venice also has a similar theme to William Shakespeare’s plays: suffering for love. Jessica’s and Portia’s strict, unwavering fathers add to the complexity of the love story. These rules are set down by both patriarchs and make Jessica, Portia, and the reader sympathize with them. They’re two women who deeply love men, but can’t consummate the relationship because their fathers have a strict rule. The play unfolds and it is revealed that Portia and Jessica are two very different women. Portia lets her father’s dying wish guide her and respects his wishes, while Jessica allows love to consume her, clouding the judgement of Jessica. This leads her to do harm to Shylock. The play’s conclusion is largely determined by these choices and others.
Shylock’s character is depicted as selfish and only concerned with his own financial gain. This is often done at the cost of others. Money is so important to the moneylender that it affects his life and his family’s daily routine. Shylock’s anger is equal to that of the loss of money when Jessica elopes and steals her father’s jewels and gold. Solanio sees Shylock in Venice’s streets ranting after the robbery. Solanio quotes Shylock as saying “My Daughter!” O my ducats! My daughter! Fled to a Christian! O my Christian ducats! Justice! Legislation! My ducats and my daughter?(II.8.15-18)! Readers have no idea what Shylock’s main concern is: Is it that his daughter has left his control to marry a Christian, or because she has been married to someone else? Is he more upset about losing a part of his fortune, which he loves above all else? Shakespeare doesn’t really answer this question and leaves it to the readers. It appears that Shylock is more concerned with his fortune than he is about family or love. Shylock’s apparent indifference towards Jessica is a result of the fact that he sees her as a commodity and vital to his family. He treats her as if it were gold and jewels he owned, another thing he could lock away. He does exactly that. He locks her in the house to ensure she won’t be sullied with Christian suitors. Jessica is not imprisoned, as her true love awaits her. She both despises her father and feels sorrow for him, saying ?I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so; Our house is hell, and thou a merry devil didst rob it of some taste of tediousness?(II.3.1-3). Shylock’s belief that Jessica is his daughter makes him doubly upset by her marriage and conversion to Christianity. Shylock has lost his daughter, gold, jewels and the chance to have a grandson. Jessica tells Lorenzo that if she keeps her promise, they will leave Venice and Jessica will become a Christian. She is also going to be his loving wife. (II.3.19-21). Jessica is clearly so hateful of Shylock that she will do anything to get away from his control, even if it means leaving her home and changing religions. We will see, later in the play that this unavoidable decision has a huge impact on Shylock’s story and his character.
It appears that Jessica’s and Portia’s situations are similar at first. They both have a love affair, but their wants are suppressed due to the demands of their dads. At first glance, the two women appear to be in similar situations. They are both in love, but their desires are being suppressed by their fathers. Portia’s father, who was the former king, had left her a large inheritance and given her responsibility for Belmont. Portia’s late father made a provision in his will to ensure that Portia would only marry to a suitor if he chose from three caskets. The caskets are engraved with three different messages to help separate gold diggers and true suitors. Portia, of course, does not understand this precaution and instead wants to be free from her dead father. She demands total autonomy in selecting a husband, and complains to Nerissa that she cannot choose or refuse anyone. (I.2.22-24).
Shylock is not always acting in the best interest of his daughter. Jessica is more than just a valuable collectible to Shylock. Jessica represents a future grandchild who will carry the family’s name. Portia’s father has seen his share of unscrupulous individuals who want to take a cut of her fortune. He is aware that his daughter will have difficulty separating good-hearted suitors and greedy conmen. So he creates a test to make sure Portia marries a man who is good-hearted and noble.
Three caskets, each one made of gold, silver, and lead, are placed in front of any prospective suitor. The future husband of Belmont and the potential king must select one of three caskets. The man who chooses the right casket will be rewarded with the title of King. The man who makes the wrong choice must live his entire life without marriage. Princes Argon & Morocco each choose a gold or silver casket. The Princes of Argon and Morocco each see a different image in their caskets. The Princes of Argon are old, decrepit men who see a picture in the casket of a fool. Portia, Portia’s true love, begs Bassanio not to rush his decision. Bassanio insists, as a gambler, on making a decision immediately. He decides to choose the dull casket of lead, and this decision gets him Portia. Portia now realizes that her father has pure intentions, and is going to marry the person she always desired.
As the story concludes, readers begin to notice how Jessica and Portia truly are. The tyranny of both fathers is also different. Shylock has Jessica held hostage. Jessica, to him, is a mere possession. Portia’s dead father only cares about his daughter’s well-being, and ensures she finds the right groom. Shakespeare makes his point in Act 5 when Jessica explains her relationship with Lorenzo in terms three love tales, all of which end in tragedy. Portia is forced to force her suitors into her heart by her father. Jessica, on the other hand, gives her “casket” to her suitors. Lorenzo gives his heart to him without testing it. Jessica and Lorenzo will fail like other failed love stories, but Portia’s and Bassanio’s relationship will thrive.
