And SiXSwordS says “Except for the fact that she says the wound is self-inflicted.”
Going back to Chronos’ idea that the wound she speaks of is her maidenhead, could “voluntary” mean freely accepted rather than self-inflicted? I don’t have access to an OED, but most of the choices under voluntary seem to fit this idea.
I’m not sure how that interpretation fits into the rest of the speech, though.
Not to mention: Giving myself
I appreciate the interpretation, and it may hold as a double meaning, but reading Plutarch as APB suggests, I’d have to admit that the obvious reading makes the most sense. Portia (Porcia) went to extremes to prove herself worthy of full disclosure.
What is so wonderful is that today the actress can look at the audience and wink.
I’m not sure if you can justly lable William as a sexist.
But,
His ‘mother’ characters leave a lot to be desired.