The casket plot consists of many suitors coming to Belmont to pick – between three caskets – the correct casket. The suitor who picks the correct one gets to marry Portia and inherits all of her father’s money. Out of the many suitors, the behaviour of Morocco, Arragon and Bassanio greatly affects the resolution of the plot. Morocco feels that he is the greatest of all suitors due to his ‘manliness and bravery’. “I tell thee, lady this aspect of mine/ Hath fear’d the valiant:” (2.1.8-9). He believes that he must receive what all men desire (as written on the golden casket) and as a result, he chooses the wrong casket. “…all the world desires her;/ From the four corners of the earth they come,/ To kiss this shrine, this mortal breathing saint:” (2.7.38-40). Morocco chose the wrong casket not only due to his greedy behaviour, but also because of his high self-esteem and his belief that he is the greatest of all men. Arragon, the second suitor who chose wrong, acts and thinks similarly to Morocco. Arragon feels that he must receive what he deserves (as written on the silver casket), in this case it is Portia. Unlike Morocco, Arragon pays more attention to the inscription. For this reason, he believes that he will not be fooled by the golden casket’s beauty. “I will not choose what many men desire,/ Because I will not jump with common spirits” (2.9.30-1). However, …show more content…
Every behaviour ranging from Bassanio’s respectful behaviour to Morroco’s greedy behaviour affect each plot in a different manner. In the play, The Merchant of Venice, characters would be specifically known by their behaviour (e.g. Gratiano was known to be immature at times). As the ‘Golden Rule’ states, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” If one treats others correctly, not only will they receive the same treatment, but it will also have a positive effect in their