The Meaning of the Caskets of Belmont

William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a play that captures both the racial injustices of the English Renaissance and the importance of characters. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses subtle symbols to show his opinion of human nature. An example of this symbolism are the caskets of Belmont. Physically a device to determine the husband of Portia, the caskets give a concrete representation of the personalities of the characters. The gold casket states, “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men / desire” (II.vii.5-6) and states that men most desire aesthetics. The silver inscription delivers, “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he / deserves” (II.vii.8-9), which implies that men deserve foolishness in the face of arrogance. Lastly, the lead inscription says, “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he / hath” (II.vii.11-12). Shakespeare uses the lead casket to represent that great risk demands great sacrifice. The first impression of each of the caskets are not the collective representation, but rather the inside holds the true meaning. The Merchant of Venice suggests that the caskets of Belmont display an overarching theme of deceptive superficial appearances, and that the most base of all metals can be the most beautiful in character.
Aragon is the only one who can be accurately categorized by the silver casket, which exhibits the idea that arrogance breeds foolishness. Within the silver casket is a picture of a fool, and discloses the truth about wisdom: “There be fools alive, iwis, / Silvered o’er—and so was this” (II.ix.74-5). The message says that although people can look wise and have an academic air about them, some of them are just simply fools. The academic air leads to an aura of arrogance, which can be seen especially in the Prince of Aragon. He is arrogant during the time he must choose a casket and sets himself higher than the other suitors, stating, “I will not choose what many men desire, / Because I will not jump with common spirits / And rank me with the barbarous multitudes” (II.ix.33-35). In line 33 of the previous quote, his actions portray his overflowing vanity. When he is choosing the caskets, his approach is superficial in the least. He passes over lead, joking that “You shall look fairer ere I give or hazard” (II.ix.22). The appearance of intelligence draws his attention, which is the reason why he does not acknowledge the gold. The ultimate display of his arrogance is in his complete certainty of the silver casket, to which he says, “ for who shall go about / To cozen fortune and be honorable / Without the stamp of merit? Let none presume / To wear an undeservèd dignity” (II.ix.40-3). Shakespeare uses Aragon as the epitome of arrogant foolishness, and implies that Aragon’s actions should not be repeated.
The gold casket, which delivers the overall theme of human desire and complete love of physical wealth, most accurately portrays Shylock and Morocco. The gold casket holds the carrion of a dead bird, and inside of it holds a note: All that glisters is not gold—
Often have you heard that told.
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold.
Gilded tombs do worms infold.
Had you been as wise as bold,
Young in limbs, in judgment old,
Your answer had not been enscrolled.
Fare you well, your suit is cold. (II.viii.73-81)
The overall understanding is that aesthetics play a small part in the total human character. It further emphasizes that some beautiful people are actually ugly on the inside, which can range from many vices. The Prince of Morocco, the dark-skinned royalty, is an accurate representation of the gold casket. His dark skin acts as a Shakespearian device; racism was prominent throughout Europe and judgements were based exclusively on superficial appearances. Given this, the Prince of Morocco holds appearances as the most important characteristic of a person. He desires this because of the prejudice against him which even Portia shows when she immediately rejects him. Therefore, when he chooses the gold casket, he exclaims, “Why, that’s the lady! All the world desires her. / … / ‘Twere damnation / To think so base a thought. It were too gross / To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave [lead casket],” (II.vii.44, 55-57). His emphasis lays strongly on the physical appearance of Portia, and her abundance of beauty. He dismisses the leaden casket because of how ugly it is, even though it holds Portia’s picture. Because of this, he does not get Portia. Similarly, in regards to physical love, Shylock adores wealth. So much so that he loves money more than family, wanting money more than his daughter, “Stol’n by my daughter! Justice! Find the girl! / She hath the stones upon her, and the ducats,” (II.viii.18-23). His dangerous affection for money is the reason he is attacked throughout the book. He desires repayment for money, going to extremes especially for the “pound of flesh”.