Meaning: This quote, "I am not bound to please thee with my answer," comes from the play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare. In this play, the character Portia speaks these words during the famous courtroom scene in which she disguises herself as a male lawyer in order to defend Antonio, who is on trial at the insistence of the moneylender Shylock.

The quote reflects a sense of independence and self-assuredness. Portia, in her disguise as the young lawyer, is making it clear that she is not obligated to conform to the expectations or desires of those around her. She is asserting her autonomy and refusing to be swayed by the demands or pressures of others.

In the context of the play, this quote is significant because it encapsulates Portia's strength and intelligence. She is a character who defies traditional gender roles and societal expectations, and her words convey a sense of defiance and self-possession. By stating that she is not bound to please anyone with her answer, Portia asserts her right to speak and act according to her own principles and convictions.

Furthermore, this quote can be interpreted as a broader statement about individual agency and the right to assert one's own beliefs and decisions. It resonates with themes of independence, free will, and the refusal to be coerced or manipulated by others.

In the context of Shakespeare's works as a whole, this quote reflects the playwright's exploration of human nature and the complexities of individual identity. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare delves into the inner workings of the human psyche, depicting characters who grapple with their own desires, motivations, and inner conflicts. Portia's declaration in "The Merchant of Venice" aligns with this thematic exploration, showcasing a character who is unyielding in her sense of self and unwilling to compromise her integrity.

Moreover, the quote also speaks to the broader cultural and historical context in which Shakespeare was writing. During the Elizabethan era, notions of individualism and personal agency were beginning to emerge as significant philosophical and social concepts. The Renaissance period saw a renewed emphasis on humanism and the individual as a rational, autonomous being. Portia's words can be seen as embodying this spirit of individualism and self-possession that was gaining traction during Shakespeare's time.

In conclusion, the quote "I am not bound to please thee with my answer" from "The Merchant of Venice" encapsulates themes of independence, self-assuredness, and the refusal to conform to external pressures. It reflects both the character of Portia as a strong, independent woman and broader themes of individual agency and autonomy that resonate throughout Shakespeare's works. Shakespeare's enduring exploration of human nature and the complexities of individual identity are encapsulated in this powerful declaration of self-possession.