# Scene VII explained — The Merchant of Venice

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

## What happens

In Belmont, the Prince of Morocco attempts to win Portia by choosing among the three caskets. He rejects the lead casket for its base appearance and the silver casket for its modest promise, ultimately selecting the gold casket because it promises 'what many men desire.' Upon opening it, he finds a death's head and a scroll warning that 'all that glitters is not gold,' and he departs in defeat. Portia is relieved by his failure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

The gold casket's glittering exterior promises Portia but contains a death's head, illustrating the theme that outward appearances can be deceiving.

### Greed and Materialism

The Prince of Morocco is drawn to the gold casket because it represents what 'many men desire,' prioritizing material wealth over deeper values.

## Character check-ins

### Portia

Observes the Prince of Morocco's choice and expresses relief at his failure, hoping others of his complexion will choose similarly.

### Prince of Morocco

Chooses the gold casket based on its outward show and the promise of gaining what many men desire, but finds a death's head inside and loses his chance to marry Portia.

## Key lines

> All that glitters 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 enfold.

Not everything that shines is valuable; many have sacrificed everything for mere appearances, as beautiful exteriors often hide decay.

_The scroll's message reinforces the theme of appearance versus reality, warning against judging by surface allure._

> Let all of his complexion choose me so.

May everyone of his race choose me in the same way (and fail).

_Portia's remark reflects the racial prejudices of the time, associating Morocco's dark complexion with his failure._

## Links

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