"I may neither choose who I would, nor refuse who I dislike; so is the will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father"

"I might neither choose who I would, nor refuse who I do not like; so is the will of a living daughter suppressed by the will of a dead daddy" is a quote by William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet. This quote is drawn from his play "The Merchant of Venice," Act 2, Scene 1.

In this quote, the character Portia is expressing her frustration at being not able to select her own partner, as her deceased dad has actually left a will determining the way in which her future spouse will be chosen. The quote highlights the struggle in between individual desires and the constraints imposed by societal expectations and familial responsibilities, particularly for ladies throughout Shakespeare's time.

Translating this quote, we can comprehend that Shakespeare is exploring the theme of private autonomy versus external control. Portia, as a living daughter, desires the freedom to make her own options, especially in matters as considerable as picking a life partner. However, her daddy's will, a sign of patriarchal authority, curbs her ability to make these choices, even after his death. The quote highlights the continuous impact of the past on today, and how traditions and social norms can sometimes restrict individual freedom and specific option.

In summary, this quote from William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" looks into the stress between personal desires and external restraints, specifically the power that social standards and expectations can have over individual choices. In the context of the play, the quote highlights the battle of a young woman to assert her autonomy in the face of an overbearing patriarchal tradition.