Portia is an ideal image of woman in this play,she is beautiful,cultured,courteous and capable of rising an emergency.Meanwhile,the image of Shylock is also powerful,besides being an avaricious money-lender,he is a Jew of pride and deep religious distincts.He has suffered much from the hands of the Christians.His revolting bond is counterbalanced by Antonio's arrogant treatment toward him.So his loud protest against racial discrimination can't be altogether ignored by the audience.The Merchant of Venice is a "grave" comedy.