# Scene I explained — The Merchant of Venice

> Chapter companion for The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In Belmont, the Prince of Morocco arrives to try his luck at winning Portia's hand by choosing the correct casket. He defends his dark complexion and boasts of his valor, but Portia explains she is bound by her father's will. Morocco agrees to the terms and prepares to make his choice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Prejudice and Anti-Semitism

Morocco's opening lines confront racial prejudice, asking Portia not to dislike him for his complexion.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The casket test itself is a central symbol of appearance versus reality, as Morocco's outward bravery may not match his fortune.

## Character check-ins

### Portia

Bound by her father's will, she receives the Prince of Morocco and explains the casket lottery.

### Nerissa

Attends Portia during the Prince of Morocco's visit.

### Prince of Morocco

A suitor who defends his complexion and boasts of his bravery, ready to choose a casket.

## Key lines

> Mislike me not for my complexion, The shadow’d livery of the burnish’d sun

Do not dislike me because of my dark skin, which is like the sun's own livery.

_Morocco asks Portia not to judge him by his race._

> If Hercules and Lichas play at dice Which is the better man, the greater throw May turn by fortune from the weaker hand

Even a strong man like Hercules can lose to a weak one if fortune is against him.

_Morocco acknowledges that luck, not merit, may decide the casket choice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merchant_of_venice_se/chapters