Why is gold referred to as gaudy (in the merchant of venice)
Answers
At her house in Belmont, Portia pleads with Bassanio and reveals her preference for him. She asks him to hang out with her for a month or two before he takes the casket test, as she'd rather have him around for a while before he's forced to leave her company if (when?) he makes the wrong choice. She carefully says her feeling isn't love, but also she wouldn't have such feelings if she hated him. (It's the Shakespearean equivalent of "I sort of don't hate you so maybe you want to hold hands at recess?")
Portia quibbles on what's just, given her father's will. She'd like to teach Bassanio how to interpret the challenge (read: cheat) so he'll choose the right casket, but that would be breaking her oath. Of course, if he makes the wrong choice, she'll sin anyway by wishing she had broken her oath.
Answer:
the gold is refered to as gaudy because it gives a false appearance than can fool anyone. It gives off a shiny appearance but it can hide many dark secrets or scars that can trick people.