In The Merchant of Venice, before the play’s action begins, Portia’s father had carefully created a plan that he thought would result in a good match for his daughter after his death. The idea that she must abide by the results of his competition also indicates the high level of control he wished to exert. Still, he did not choose a husband for her, even while he was alive. Instead, he considered the kinds of suitors that his orphaned daughter—a relatively wealthy heiress with no siblings—would attract.

By setting out three caskets, two of which were made of precious metals, her father aimed to weed out men who were primarily interested in money or valuable material objects. He also expected to isolate an intelligent man who could figure out his plot. The first two suitors, Morocco and Arragon, choose the gold and silver caskets. Even though they claim to associate the woman with the fine qualities of those metals, their demeanor clearly indicates that they are more interested in valuable things than they are in Portia’s personal characteristics. The scrolls inside chastise them for being greedy and foolish.

Bassanio, in contrast, chooses the lead casket largely because he rejects the other two. He also understands that appearances can be deceiving. The gaudiness of gold and the association of silver with money are sufficient to make him conclude that they would be the wrong choices. Although he may have ulterior motives—as he is constantly short of money—he has proven he is perceptive and patient, which are two qualities her father sought.