How is the theme of appearance and reality brought out in the choice of caskets?
Answers
Question taken from :
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
KINDS OF CASKET :
1. Golden
2. Silver
3. Lead
INSCRIPTIONS ON EACH :
1. Golden casket -"who chooseth me must gain what many men desire "
2. Silver casket - "who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves "
3. Leaden casket - " who chooseth me must risk and hazard all he hath "
REALITY :
1. Golden casket contained a skull and a scroll .
2. Silver casket contained the portrait of a blinking fool .
3. Leaden casket contained Portia's portrait .
Answer:
The theme of appearance and reality is brought out really well in the choice of caskets . Bassanios' speech about gold and silver tells us about the false appearance.He says that the gold shines brightly but it can hide many dark secrets within it.just like people's appearances which can be deceptive.He uses words such as 'snaky golden locks' and 'veiling an Indian beauty' to show how people hide there true self by showing their fake appearance.