Aug 30, 2008

The Merchant of Venice | Other Characters (Descriptions)

Arragon (The Prince of Arragon)
The prince of Arragon is the second suitor to try for Portia's hand. He reveals the conditions of the trial: all those gambling to win Portia in marriage agree that if they lose they will never reveal their choice, never propose marriage to another maid, and leave immediately upon failing to choose correctly. Arragon rejects the lead casket because it is a base metal not worth hazarding all for. He reads the inscription on the gold casket—"Who chooseth me will gain what many men desire"—and concludes that he is far and above the commonplace...