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In Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, what do the choices of caskets made by the Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Arragon show about their...

The prince of Morocco chooses the golden casket because he believes that the caskets reflect Portia's physical beauty. He also believes that picking the lead casket is too risky and thinks that he is too esteemed to waste his time with a casket of such low value. The prince of Morocco does not appreciate Portia's inner beauty more than he does her physical beauty.In contrast, Portia is a magnanimous individual who is more concerned...

The prince of Morocco chooses the golden casket because he believes that the caskets reflect Portia's physical beauty. He also believes that picking the lead casket is too risky and thinks that he is too esteemed to waste his time with a casket of such low value. The prince of Morocco does not appreciate Portia's inner beauty more than he does her physical beauty. In contrast, Portia is a magnanimous individual who is more concerned with inherent goodness than she is with outward appearance, which makes him an unsuitable candidate.


The prince of Arragon rejects the golden casket because he believes that he does not share the desires of the "barbarous multitudes." He chooses the silver casket because he believes that he deserves Portia and is worthy of her love. The prince of Arragon is an arrogant fool who does not deserve to marry Portia. Unlike the prince, Portia is not concerned with social status or merit. She deserves a person who is willing to risk everything they have and selflessly cares about others. The prince of Arragon is selfish and conceited, which is reflected in his choice of casket. His personality and decision makes him unfit to marry Portia. 

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