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What does Portia wear in the merchant of Venice?

In Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," Portia wears various articles of clothing throughout the play, including:

1. Women's Attire: When she first appears, Portia is dressed in conventional women's attire appropriate for her social status as a wealthy heiress. This attire might consist of a gown or robes made from fine fabrics, possibly adorned with jewels and accessories such as necklaces and earrings.

2. Boy's Disguise: When she sets out to Venice disguised as a young male lawyer named Balthazar, Portia wears a lawyer's robe and other masculine clothing to disguise her true identity and gain access to the male-dominated legal world of Venice.

3. Wedding Attire: In the final scene of the play, Portia appears in her wedding attire, which would typically be an elaborate and beautiful gown, reflecting her status as a wealthy and noblewoman preparing to marry Bassanio.

4. Rich Attire: After revealing her true identity and exposing Shylock's plot, Portia reaffirms her status and privilege by appearing in rich and luxurious attire, emphasizing her wealth and social standing.

5. Ring Disguise: While posing as Balthazar, Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a token of their love, which plays a crucial role in the play's resolution. The ring is a central symbol of their relationship, and she asks him to swear not to part with it.

The specific details of Portia's attire are not described in great detail in the play, allowing directors and costume designers to interpret and adapt her costumes based on the production's setting and style.

Modern Art

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