WHO IS THE REAL EVIL?: THE FEMALE CHALLENGING THE MALE IN THE MERCHANT OF VENICE AND MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Portia in The Merchant of Venice and Isabella in Measure for Measure challenge the savage male mind through disguise and deception. The roles of female and male are subverted in both plays as the female mind becomes stronger while the male body is abused and victimised. Both Portia and Isabella occupy centre stage and stand out through their subtlety.