Similarities:
-they both come from rich families
they both have affections for a man
Jessica is in love with Lorenzo and Portia appears to be in love with Bassanio
they are both restricted when it comes to love
Portia’s father takes away her power to choose her husband with the casket test
Shylock disapproves Jessica and Lorenzo’s relationship
they both don’t like their fathers
they are both against Judaism
Jessica is ashamed of being Jewish and wants to convert to Christianity
Portia appears to be quite rascist (Moroccan Prince) and is against Jews (fights against Shylock in court case)
Differences:
Jessica betrays her father (elopes and steals); Portia submits herself to her father’s will
Portia has a long line of admirers, where as Jessica only has Lorenzo
Jessica is Jewish; Portia is christian
Jessica is ashamed of her Jewish background; Portia is proud of her family
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