I recall back in the dark ages, studying the Merchant of Venice...and being told even then that Shylock's portrayal was how Jews were perceived in the Elizabethan era - unfortunately. We were encouraged NOT to think like Elizabethans. And the speech I had to memorize - Portia's. "The quality of mercy is not strained..." Portia - a role model of a brilliant engaged woman. Sure she had to disguise herself as an attorney - more discussion for the classroom. How unfair it was -- but how far women have come. And how modern day Portias will continue fighting for equality