Parental Relations in Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'

The wide scope of relationships portrayed in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice show how deeply an individual's character may be affected by his or her upbringing. In examining the relations between Portia, Jessica, and Launcelot and each of their respective fathers, one can gain insight into many of the motivating factors which compel them to act, and thus to advance the plot. Indeed, there might not be a Merchant of Venice if Portia's character were not strong enough to confront and defeat the bitter Shylock. Her character and place within the story are deeply influenced by a father who so strongly impacted her that he continues to do so even after death. These relationships are influenced greatly by each character's social status, and subsequently affect each character's individual personality and actions. Parental conflicts shape our understanding of characters as they interact and provide the fodder for plot twists and resolutions.

To describe how deeply Portia's character was influenced by her father, I turn to speculation made by Helena Faucit Martin in her collection of correspondences concerning many of Shakespeare's female characters. She describes Portia as a heroine, to be greatly admired for her grace, intelligence, and a strength of character to match that of any man (26). She continues by looking at Portia's father as the greatest influence on these positive traits.

"I think of her then as the cherished child of a noble father-a father proud of his child's beauty, and of the promise which he sees in her rare gifts both of mind and heart. These gifts he spares no pains to foster." (26).

A startling contrast to this would be to examine how Jessica's character was influenced by her relationship with her father. Shylock created a home filled with negativity and bitterness, a fortress against a perceived world of enemies. Lady Martin notes that "Shylock was not of a nature to win love or respect from those immediately about him" (33), and Jessica describes her home as "hell". Although Shakespeare appears to portray Jessica as quite opposite in character to her father, she does later show his influence. "I am never merry when I hear sweet music" (87) she admits. Author Hermann Sinsheimer points out this pessimistic similarity best.

"Does it not sound like an echo of her origin and of a difference of mind of which, until now, she has given no sign at all? No doubt the shadow of her father rises between her and the music and it cannot be anyone else but he that Lorenzo means-and bans-when he utters those immortal lines about "the man that has no music in himself."" (112).

Lancelot has little background information regarding his relationship with his father; indeed, the audience is only shown a small scene between the two, in which Lancelot tricks his blind father into thinking his son has died. Such cruelty on Lancelot's part seems uncalled for, and hardly in good taste, but one may speculate that his position in society may affect his behavior towards his father.

Lancelot, as a servant, seems fairly content with his position in society. Rather than simply run away from his master, Shylock, he instead opts to change masters and continue to be a servant. However, bitterness at his position can be perceived in how he treats his father. Although his father is "an honest, exceeding poor man" (Shakespeare, 22), Lancelot treats him with cool disdain and sets out to trick him. He causes his poor father, who has arrived with a gift for Lancelot's master, so as to improve how his son is treated, great distress upon hearing the (false) news of his son's demise. Although Lancelot eventually reveals the truth, there is no note of apology or remorse.

Jessica may be so little attached to her father for a similar reason. In the time of the story, Jews were generally treated poorly by Christians, as lower-class citizens fit for scorn. Jessica makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with her faith or father, and indeed blames him for her unhappiness.

"To be asham'd to be my father's child!
But though I am a daughter to his blood,
I am not to his manners. O Lorenzo!
If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife,
Become a Christian, and thy loving wife." (Shakespeare, 29)

In fact, one might look to the relationship between Lancelot and Jessica as a meeting of kindred spirits; both blame their fathers for their unhappy states, and seem to commiserate over their misery in Shylock's home.

"I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so:
Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,
Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness." (Shakespeare, 28)

Turning again to Lady Martin, she explores how Portia's position in society was guarded by her father, who made decisions in her best interest.

"From the first his aim has been to train her to succeed him in his high position. With this view he has surrounded her with all that is beautiful in art and ennobling in study, and placed her in the society of scholars, poets, soldiers, statesmen, the picked and noblest minds of her own and other lands." (27).

And indeed, Portia shows her appreciation of all her father has done for her by being ever faithful to his dying wishes concerning her future and marriage. She trusts in his judgement, presumably because their relationship had been one of caring and trust.

"If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as chaste as Diana, unless I be obtained by my father's will." (Shakespeare, 11).

Her maid, Nerissa, agrees.

"Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations; therefore, the lottery that he hath devised....will, no doubt, never be chosen by any rightly but one who you shall rightly love." (9).

To say that each character's relationship with their father affects their relationships with other characters would be a gross understatement. It is Jessica's shattered bond with her father that emboldens her enough to steal his wealth and run away with her lover. And Shakespeare makes it clear that her disdain is returned tenfold.

"I would that my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear! Would she were hearsed at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin!" (47).

Indeed, Portia's devotion to her father affects not just her relations with other characters, but chooses who she will marry. She holds true to the complex test her father had set up before his death to choose a suitable husband for his daughter. And although she falls in love with Bassanio, she vows to follow the rules set forth and remain alone should he fail the test.

Lancelot's personality is troubled and despite his joking nature, his social awkwardness is clear when he interacts with other characters. His low social position, due inherently to the position of his father, causes him to act strangely towards the other characters. Lorenzo comments on his character after a particularly frustrating conversation;

"O dear discretion, how his words are suited!
The fool hath planted in his memory
An army of good words: and I do know
A many fools, that stand in better place,
Garnish'd like him, that for a tricksy word
Defy the matter." (67).

The relationship between father and child is a life-long bond, whether good or bad, which helps shape each character's personality. The Merchant of Venice relies upon the unique choices of each character to advance the plot. The rift between Shylock and Jessica reaches a breaking point and ends in their separation. Portia's dedication to her father and caring upbringing make her the only person able to save Antonio's life from Shylock's lust for revenge. And Lancelot's discontent with his father and his position in life drive him from one master to another, switching loyalties and causing discontent among all he speaks to. The levels of depth we can perceive about each character and indeed the play itself are nearly limitless once we begin to explore the significant bonds between father and child.