Language and Literature Section (Movie Review‪)‬

Caught Between Two Worlds: Richard Rose's Vision of Portia in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Ellyn A. Ackerman, University of Michigan--Flint, Honors Program Previous directors have often presented the figure of Portia in Shakespeare's The Merchant Venice as an elegant and idealized woman whose unconventionally is frequently downplayed. Director Richard Rose, of the Stratford Festival Theatre, has taken a different approach to Portia's character. In his vision of the play, Rose portrays a comic and witty Portia. She is a woman caught between the structured world of her father and the liberating world of the rising merchant class. Portia is also shown to be a witty, clever and unconventional young woman with her appraisal of her many suitors as well as in her unspoken guiding of Bassanio during the casket scene. The final revelation of her wit is apparent in her confrontation with Bassanio at the conclusion of the play. Rather than appearing to he a scornful wife, Rose portrays Portia's handling of the ring situation as more of a comedic. reminder of her place in her husbands' life. In Rose's version of The Merchant of Venice Portia's character is explored in ways that provide yet another insight as to what Shakespeare may have been insinuating about gender roles during the Renaissance.