Although during the time that this play was written (it’s estimated to be around 1596-1599) women were treated as the lesser gender, I believe that Portia has the upper hand in the majority of the play. At the time, it was valued for men to be wealthy and have high social status. Portia, even though she is a woman, is shown to have both of these assets. Before Bassanio begins courting Portia he asks for a loan of money from Antonio, as this will make him seem like a better suitor. Portia also has a lot of suitors, and is very pretty. Bassanio is less lucky as he cannot court another woman if he doesn’t win Portia’s hand. Throughout the course of the play, we see Portia controlling and manipulating most of the situations while the men seem unbeknownst to it all. In the end, the men’s power is somewhat restored as Gratiano takes a protective stance over Nerissa, stating that he will take care of her.

“Well, while I live I’ll fear no other thing,

So sore as keeping safe Nerissa’s ring.”