As a Patriarchal society, men are considered to be the dominant force, having the most power. Portia however, completely destroys this notion from her actions. We first see this when Bassanio learns of Antonio’s distress. While Bassanio was fretting on what to do of Antonio’s predicament, Portia handles the situation in a cool and collected manner. She asks Bassanio of how much Antonio owes Shylock and in response says, “What, no more? Pay him six thousand and deface the bond. Double six thousand and then treble that” (3.2.300). The way that she takes control of this situation, even when she is wed to Bassanio, shows that she has power over the traditional role of patriarchy.

Later in the play, Portia disguises herself as a judge for the case of Antonio v. Shylock. Using her wits, she traps Shylock into rejecting the ducats and demanding the “pound of flesh” from Antonio. After that, Portia brings forth a loophole where Shylock must obtain the pound of flesh without shedding “One drop of Christian blood” (4.1.309), otherwise he will be punished by the law of Venice. Because of her intellect, she not only saves Antonio from being executed but forces Shylock to pay the price of attempting to take another’s life by giving half his possessions to the defendant and the other half to the state.

After the trial, Portia tests her husband’s faithfulness to their marriage by demanding their wedding ring as a token for saving Antonio’s life. After receiving the ring, she confronts Bassanio back in Belmont about his actions. Although she does not mean much harm, this shows that Portia has led Bassanio around by the nose.