The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 9 summary
Act 2, Scene 9 of 20 · 4 min to read the scene
In Act 2, Scene 9, the Prince of Arragon chooses the silver chest because he believes he deserves Portia, but finds a fool’s portrait and leaves under his oath. A messenger then announces an approaching lord, and Nerissa hopes the visitor is Bassanio.
What happens
- Nerissa prepares the room, and Arragon repeats the three conditions binding anyone who tries to win Portia.
- Arragon rejects lead as unattractive and gold as the choice of ordinary people, then chooses silver on the strength of his supposed merit.
- Inside the silver chest, he finds a fool’s portrait and a message that mocks his judgment.
- Arragon leaves with his attendants, and Portia remarks that elaborate reasoning can lead suitors into failure.
- A messenger announces a lord’s approach and valuable gifts; Portia wants to meet his advance messenger, while Nerissa hopes for Bassanio.
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In this scene
What to notice
Portia identifies the gap between careful argument and sound judgment. Arragon’s lengthy defense of merit does not protect him from choosing wrongly.
Quick check
Why does Arragon choose the silver chest?
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