Soon thereafter, Portia gives Bassanio a ring as a token of her love. What does thisgift symbolise?

The ring that Portia gives to Bassanio in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" symbolizes several things:

1. A Token of Love: The ring is first and foremost a symbol of Portia's love for Bassanio. She gives it to him as a token of her affection, signifying that she has chosen him as her husband.

2. A Test of Loyalty: The ring also serves as a test of Bassanio's loyalty to Portia. She makes him promise never to lose it or give it away, and later in the play, she tests this promise by disguising herself as a lawyer and asking for the ring as payment.

3. A Symbol of Power: Finally, the ring symbolizes power and control. By giving Bassanio the ring, Portia is essentially giving him a part of herself. However, she also uses it to manipulate him and test his loyalty, demonstrating her power in their relationship.

In conclusion, the ring in "The Merchant of Venice" is a multifaceted symbol, representing love, loyalty, and power.