Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

Back in Belmont, the Moroccan prince arrives, a dark skinned man dressed in white and followed by four servants. The prince asks Portia not to judge his skin color, but to look more at his beauty. Portia explains that she does not believe beauty is the way to her heart, but then laments that her husband is not hers to choose, either.

The prince decides to take on the challenge of the caskets, despite Portia's warnings that he will not be able to discuss marriage with any other woman if he chooses the wrong box.

Act 2, Scene 1 Analysis

In this scene, we begin to understand more why men have not been willing so far to venture a guess toward the caskets, as they can never marry if they choose incorrectly. Portia's father has placed a great emphasis on character by laying...