Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Portia" by Oscar Wilde is a sonnet dedicated to one of Shakespeare's most celebrated characters, Portia from "The Merchant of Venice". The poem adheres to the traditional sonnet structure, consisting of fourteen lines, and possibly following the Elizabethan (or Shakespearean) sonnet form, which is typically composed of three quatrains and a concluding rhymed couplet.

The sonnet's speaker praises Portia's beauty and wisdom, marveling at the captivating effect she has on others (like Bassanio, Aragon, and Morocco who are characters from "The Merchant of Venice") and asserting that no woman from Verona could match her allure. The speaker then goes on to laud her for her wisdom and virtue, commending her disguise as a lawyer to save Antonio from Shylock, the "accursed Jew".

The final couplet is a declaration of love from the speaker to Portia, as they offer her their heart and affirm that they will not fight the "Bond", likely referring to the bond of love that the speaker feels towards her.

Wilde's sonnet encapsulates not just Portia's physical beauty but also her intellect and moral values, showcasing her as an ideal woman. In this way, Wilde contributes his own perspective to the vast literary conversation surrounding Shakespeare's character.

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