5.Arragon
Still more fool I shall appear
By the time I linger here:
With one fool's head I came to woo.
But I go away with two.
Sweet, adieu. I'll keep my oath,
Patiently to bear my wroth.
(a) Who is speaking these lines and where is he?
(b) Under what circumstances is he speaking these words?
(d) What 'oath' is he talking about?
Please tell and Don't tell useless answers otherwise I report the answer.
Answers
a) These lines are spoken by the Prince of Arragon. He is at Portia's house in Belmont, and has the three caskets lying in front of him.
b) He has just taken the casket test devised by Portia's father. He has failed the test and is upset about it. He wanted to win Portia's hand in marriage, but he selected the wrong casket (silver one) and hence is very disappointed.
c) Question missing.
d) Before attempting the casket test, each of the suitors had to take an oath. There were three conditions in case one failed the casket test- the first was, not to tell anyone which casket he had chosen; the second was to vow not to marry all his life and the third was to leave the place without making any fuss. This is the oath that the prince is talking about.