What part does Nerissa play in The Merchant of Venice'?

What part does Nerissa play in The Merchant of Venice’?

Ans.

Nerissa is a maid servant of Portia. But by virtue of her personal qualities, she has won a special place-she has become a constant companion, confidant and confidential adviser of Portia, herself a lady of great physical charm, intellectual caliber, wit and wisdom, She imitates her mistress in tone and manner but she has great intelligence and initiative. She indulges in intellectual discussions and discourses which reveal her range of worldly experience and also her keen observation. She understands her mistress very well and though this she has made herself indispensable to Portia.

She is a very great help to Portia. Without her Portia would not think of moving out on her mission to save Antonio as easily as did.

She is great help in the development of the plot of the play especially the Court Scene of Bond Story and the Ring Episode.

She is a means of revealing Portia’s character more profoundly.

She possesses a keen insight into human nature and this is revealed through her various remarks especially the one about Bassanio.

She is very faithful to Portia-she does not agree to marry Gratiano unless Bassanio succeeds in marrying Portia through the lottery of caskets.

Her wit and wisdom are not always an echo of her mistress but they have individuality and worth of its own.

Jessica also helps in the development of the Bond Story. Her elopement with a Christian youth, Lorenzo, incenses Shylock’s feelings and makes him determined to teach Christians a lesson. Shylock is infuriated at the loss of his ducats and precious stones but became almost mad with important rage when he learns that Jessica and Lorenzo have been squandering his wealth. All this accumulated hatred finds expression in Shylock’s intransigence in the Trial Scene.