The Dogfish and Salmon as Women

In response to issue of the salmon and the dogfish both being represented as women, I think that the Duchess is incorporating different levels in this story, surrounding ideas of marriage and social class. In my opinion, by characterizing both the salmon and the dogfish as women, the Duchess is saying that women are petty about social class, and should be thankful at the very least they are alive rather than pridefully squabbling over social rank. If it is assumed that the nets are the nets of marriage, perhaps the Duchess is saying that it is better for women to avoid these nets rather than get caught up in the misery that ensues. Although she loves Antonio, her marriage to him has proved to bring about much strife. I don't think this is quite a feminist dialogue, however, considering she goes on to defend her husband through this metaphor saying "men oft are valued high, when they're most wretched" (l 138). By this the Duchess is saying that although her husband is of low social rank, his honorable character traits are what matter more, contrary to her brother's wretched character, but high social standing. The virtuous traits of the salmon are what makes the salmon more desirable as a commodity in a market, showing the value of virtue rather than rank in heaven. I think the Duchess presents multiple layers to this parable, possibly saying that, in this context, marriage to an honorable man will only bring misery, but those honorable traits are what really matters in the afterlife.