In The Merchant of Venice, in what ways may Portia's subjection to her father's will be regarded as parallel to Antonio's subjection to Shylock's...

While Portia's situation is different from Antonio's in
that she had no say in her father's devising the casket riddles/test for her future
mate, both she and Antonio are bound to someone else because of their "bonds" or
"contracts." If Portia does not abide by her father's wishes, she loses everything; so
she is bound to her deceased father in that way. Similarly, if she does subject herself
to her father's requirements for her mate, then she is bound to her future husband to
whom Belmont will be entrusted. Antonio is also under another person's control because
of his contract with Shylock. If he does not fulfill his part of the contract, his life
is in Shylock's hands.

Additionally, one person stands to
benefit from both Portia's and Antonio's bonds--Bassanio. If Portia follows her father's
will and Bassanio chooses correctly, then he will inherit all of Portia's wealth and
power. By Antonio entering into the bond with Shylock, Bassanio gains access to the
funds that he needs to impress Portia and win her over.