PORTIA. I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House;

Question

Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.—

Why dost thou stay?

LUCIUS. To know my errand, madam.

PORTIA. I would have had thee there and here again

Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there.

[Aside] O constancy, be strong upon my side;

Set a huge mountain ‘tween my heart and tongue.

I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might.

–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,

William Shakespeare

What does the image of "a huge mountain ‘tween my heart and tongue” suggest about the meaning of this passage?

Portia does not want Lucius to find out that she is in love.
Portia misses the freedom to enjoy being out in nature.
Portia knows that Lucius is one of the conspirators.
Portia wishes for help to keep from saying what she knows and feels.

Answer 1

The image of "a huge mountain ‘tween my heart and tongue” suggests that Portia wishes for a barrier to prevent her from expressing her feelings and secrets. She is grappling with her emotions and the weight of the knowledge she possesses, and she desires strength to keep her thoughts and feelings contained. Therefore, the most fitting interpretation is:

Portia wishes for help to keep from saying what she knows and feels.

This reflects her internal struggle between her feelings and the expectations placed upon her, emphasizing her desire for control over her emotions and the situation.