If students today think they have overbearing fathers who determine their social calendar, they only need to read Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice to know what life could be like.

A young heiress, Portia, played by Laura Berg, ?03, left, tells Nerissa, her maid, played by by Jenny Ficklin, ?03, her frustrations at being able to choose her own husband during a dialogue in Greg Stobbe’s English 11 honors class on Dec. 6.

According to Portia’s father’s will, she may marry only the man who chooses correctly a riddle associated with three small chests made of gold, silver and lead. Portia likes none of the suitors thus far and Nerissa comforts her during the class required soliloqy performances.

All English 11 students were required to present either a Shakespearean soliloquy or a dialogue during December as part of the class study of Hamlet. Each student was required to memorize at least one page of script from a play and portray that character in front of the class. While most soliloquies would not qualify for drama credit, these two girls took their parts to heart.

According to Berg and Ficklin, in order for a discerning young man to attract a quality date, he must throw aside his own interests, be selfless and humble. The girls said that a boy who seeks humility while pursuing Godliness will be someone who has high standards and purpose for his life; he will not be afraid to admit mistakes and be bold in seeking spiritual leadership.

All seriousness aside though, they said a quality boy will have or learn to have a sense of humor and treat a girl with respect and honor.