Shakespeare challenges the assumption that men hold more power than women. He subtly implies that the power men possess is superficial when Jessica dresses like a boy, and later when Nerissa and Portia dress up as men in The Merchant of Venice. Masculinity is just a costume that can be put on or taken off at will; therefore, the power associated with it can also be removed and redistributed. Shakespeare emphasizes gender barriers, but also challenges them to show their inconsistencies. In court, the Duke sets out the common assumption that men represent the educated and professional members of society. As he anticipates the arrival of the “learned young doctor” (IV i143), he asks: “Where is he?” (IVi 144). The Duke has not yet read Bellario's letter; he therefore infers that the doctor is a man, based on a preconceived prejudice that doctors are generally men. Nerissa and Portia are well aware of this discrimination, which is why they assume the roles of men rather than dressing up as women when they appear in court. They successfully fool everyone at Shylock's trial into believing that they are men and not women, thereby challenging the gender barrier that assumes women are not sophisticated enough to be experts. Gratiano suggests that there are no barriers between the sexes when he calls Jessica “sweet” (II vi 51). He makes a pun on the word, which can refer to a refined lady or gentleman, implying that the two may be indistinguishable. In the final scene, when Portia asks Bassanio about his ring, he states: “No woman had it, but a civil doctor” (V i210). He suggests that the two could not represent the same person. By continuing to speak, he reinforces the differences between the sexes; he describes Portia as "sweet" and "good", then references middle of paper ... the influence Nerissa now has on him. Shakespeare subtly addresses gender conflicts and massively proves them wrong. It allows Jessica, Portia and Nerissa to cross gender barriers and disguise themselves as men. As they transform, their actions illustrate masculine deception. Portia makes Balthasar look excellent and therefore proves that women can surpass men in terms of intellect. Women end up challenging male power and honor through their reluctance to act like men. After proving that men do not always possess more power than women, Shakespeare concludes the play with a scene that physically shows women having the upper hand. Women use masculinity simply as a costume, and when they “take it off,” they retain the power, proving that the two are not always coupled. Works Cited Shakespeare. Merchant of Venice. New York: Viking Penguin, 1965.