The caskets stand for three different things, and the people who choose them also embody these virtues. The first casket, gold, which symbolises greed and falling for appearances. The second, silver, symbolises empty-handed fools, and arrogant men. The third, lead, one who will risk it all for something worthy. The choice between these caskets will provide the outcome of a man that also symbolises the same things as the caskets.
Portia’s father presents marriage as a man who risks it all and gives everything for the person they love. This is presented through the caskets. He knows that a greedy man will never choose the lead casket, nor will a proud man. Only a man that does not put himself and his needs first, will be able to pick the correct casket, and in doing so, prove that he is worthy of Portia’s hand in marriage.
The caskets can be compared to a number of Christian teachings. The ideas that human beings do not deserve God’s Grace, but he gave it anyway, just as the suitor who chooses the correct casket will know he does not deserve Portia, but loves her anyway. Choosing the casket requires a leap of faith, just as choosing to become a Christian. The virtues and values of a person who would choose the lead casket very closely resemble a Christian person. This is very significant in the play because what we can take away from this is that Portia’s father wanted a very humble man, whose values and virtues were built on faith, to become his daughter’s husband. This casket lottery ensures that a good man will win Portia’s hand in marriage.
To view my brainstorm click this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nB5608iU1Vtb2YDPKxeTQroSOgpn456BvdTxyYyoI98/edit
Personal reflection:
This paper was difficult to write because I had to read the Merchant of Venice play, and that was a bit difficult for me to understand. And then also had to pick a lock and try and understand the symbolism of the 3 caskets. This essay made me think a lot deeper about the meaning of this part of the play.
