Qutoes
"Though for myself alone I would not be ambitious in my wish To wish myself much better, yet for you I would be trebled twenty times myself— . . . That only to stand high in your account I might in virtue, beauties, livings, friends Exceed account. But the full sum of me Is sum of something which, to term in gross, Is an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpracticèd; Happy in this—she is not yet so old But she may learn. Happier than this— She is not bred so dull but she can learn. Happiest of all is that her gentle spirit Commits itself to yours to be directed As from her lord, her governor, her king. Myself and what is mine to you and yours Is now converted."
After Bassanio picks the correct box, Portia responds to his outpouring of loving accolades by explaining that she wishes she were more worthy of his love. Despite being a rich heiress courted by royalty from around the world, Portia expresses her desire to improve and learn. This resolution to mold herself to Bassanio’s needs speaks to Portia’s humility but also to the role of women in this society.