Merchant of Venice: Portia was not a feminist The question was posed whether Portia was her own woman, and whether after marrying Bassanio she would still be the protector of his fortune . I looked for evidence to support the theory that Portia wasn't hers, her fortune wasn't hers, and she was financially tied to her husband after the marriage. There is nothing extraordinary about this particular agreement, and I do not believe that the report should continue to be hailed as a progressive and feminist report. The best proof I found were the words spoken from Portia's mouth. Half of me is yours, the other half yours, mine, I would say; but if mine, then yours, and so all yours. III.ii.16-18.Here you go. Portia is from Bassanio. It might be lovers' chatter; however, it signifies the beginning of a possessive relationship in which Bassanio is the possessor! Soon after Portia is "won" by Bassanio's correct choice in the caskets, she states: Happiest of all is that his gentle spirit pledges to yours to be directed, As by his lord, by his governor, by the his king. Myself and what is mine, to you and yours I have now converted. . . . I was the lord of this beautiful house, master of my servants, queen over myself; and even now, but now this house, these servants and this same I are yours. . . . III.ii.163-171I struggle to see how the relationship between Portia and Bassanio is worthy of feminist hurrahs. I believe Portia is a woman worthy of feminist studies, but not of her relationship with her husband.