Act 2, Scene 7 Summary

Back at Belmont, the Moroccan prince is choosing between the caskets. The prince comes upon the gold casket with the inscription telling him that the box contains what many men want. The silver box has an inscription stating that the casket contains what he deserves. Meanwhile, the dull, lead box's inscription warns that the man who chooses the box risks all that he has. After much analysis, the prince chooses the gold casket, for he knows that many men come to woo Portia, and she is what they desire. However, upon opening the casket, he finds a skull with a poem explaining why he has chosen incorrectly. With few words, he takes his leave of the scene. Portia is glad to see him go and hopes that any others like him choose incorrectly, too.

Act 2, Scene 7 Analysis

Portia, though frustrated in...