What does Portia mean by wicked times in merchant of Venice act 3 scene 2?

Portia uses the phrase "wicked time" in Act 3, Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice to describe the general state of society during that time. She mentions that "the ancient saying is no heresy - hanging and wiving goes by destiny," suggesting that people are often subject to unpredictable and uncontrollable forces in their lives. Portia's statement implies that the society of her time is rife with injustice, deceit, and moral decay.

Her reference to "wicked times" also aligns with the central conflict of the play, focusing on the moneylender Shylock and his relentless pursuit of Antonio's life due to the terms of a loan. Portia's observation highlights how greed, revenge, and the disregard for human compassion have permeated the society in the play, making it a "wicked" time to live in.