In your opinion, is money important in a relationship? Consider the 'transactional' element observed in the relationships between the couples. Do you think there is an upward trend of relationships and marriages valuing money over other qualities? Provide examples for your responses.
My Ans: I feel that money has its importance in maintaining a relationship. Without even the basic amounts for daily life and basic necessities, quarrels might erupt with more frequency and this damages relationships. Many said that "Love is Blind" Yes, it is. A woman can even give her heart to an ugly and limp man. However, money is a very sensible topic in a relationship and it does plays a part to maintain the very basic foundation of a successful relationship. In the Merchant of Venice, some critic have argued that Bassanio married Portia for her wealth and fame. This can be true in some parts, when Bassanio confessed to Antonio how he has spent all his money and desperately needs to borrow a sum of money to woo Portia. Jessica also supplies herself with extra ducats and jewels before taking her flight off with Lorenzo. These are just 2 examples to show that there is an increasing trend of relationship and marriages valuing money over other qualities. Although the text itself did mention that Bassanio actually loved Portia for her beauty and virtues, Shakespeare mentioned the theme of money to show how money can sometimes cover up and even replace the importance of over qualities.
Hey wow! You are the first person I saw that used the characters in the Merchant of Venice as an example to answer your question. I feel glad to be able to come across your post. Actually in my opinion, the fact that Bassanio needs money to woo Portia and Jessica taking extra money before fleeing with Lorenzo does not necessarily signify that the are valuing money over other qualities. As you said initially, there is a need for money to satisfy the basic neccessities of our life, similarly, Jessica may be thinking along this line as well. However, for Bassanio, I do agree that it is conclusive that he is valuing money over other qualities as Portia is a rich princess who does not need money to satisfy her basic necessities. Well, you may not agree with me and interpret it in your own way too. These are just my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJack Tan 2O307
I think this is due to the evolution of people. In the past, money wasn't a real factor as couples may earn just enough to keep live going and some may believe that true love conquers all. Nowsadays people may become rather materialistic and may have a higher chance of valueing money over love. However, is all these just stereotypes? There is no unique answer to this question as this question can only be answered by ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI think the answer to this question would depend on many circumstances. If the two parties involved are very passionate and romantic then they would definitely put love over money but if the couple is a materialistic one, then money would definitely be first . As mentioned earlier, you would have to look into yourself and find your own answer.
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Hi, this is Darrel. I like your style of referring back to the text in Merchant of Venice to show your learning process and also to use them as a linkage as that is what we are currently learning. However, I feel that those two examples may not be convincing enough to show that there is an upward trend in relationship as the examples are only from a play and it would definitely be better if you could quote examples from the current society. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Chun Yi,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see you have included some examples from Merchant of Venice to illustrate your point. How about including some real-life examples to point out what relationships revolve around in modern day and compare it to Merchant of Venice, to determine whether the mindsets of the people have changed since then.
Stanford Kong 2O309
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Actually there are many ways to interpret the relationship between Portia and Bassanio, likewise between Jessica and Lorenzo. For Bassanio's relationship, it can be that they already knew each other, which they did, and that they already experienced a sense of affection from each other even before the casket scenes, then Bassanio might have just made use of this love to get his money, or he might have really loved Portia, but then turn to her to solve his own financial problems when he is really out of options.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you used evidence from Merchant of Venice to support your point though I oppose it. But I do not understand the example about Jessica supplying herself with more ducats before eloping with Lorenzo. You should have further explained it.
ReplyDelete