Appearance In The Merchant Of Venice

The definition of appearance by Merriam Webster is the way someone or something looks or an impression by someone or something. This notion could easily be misleading, as people can look one way, but act another. Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare agrees with the statement that appearances can be deceiving because of how it shows so many examples of outside looks being misleading with the person’s actions. Overall The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare proves that appearances can be deceiving in the form of individuals and objects.

The play shows that are deceiving with how Portia does some things that would not be expected of a well mannered woman at this time. A good example of this is when Portia disagrees with what her dad

In the play, suitors come from all around the world for Portia’s hand in marriage. The only catch is you have to pick the right one of three caskets to have Portia’s hand. As the Prince of Morocco comes to try, he picks the gold because of its wonderful appearance. When the prince opens the casket he reads the letter inside, “All that glitters is not gold- Often have you heard that told. Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold. Gilded do worms enfold. Had you been as wise as bold, young in limbs, in judgment old. Your answer had not been ensorcelled. Fare you well, your suit is cold. (2.8.73-82).” This letter tells the Prince that appearances are not always most important. The appearance of the golden casket deceived the Prince, which is a perfect example of the play agreed with the statement that appearances are deceiving. The next Prince to pick a casket was the Prince of Aragon. He picks the lead casket because lead is currency and as a prince, he is most deserving. After he opens the casket he says, “What’s here? The portrait of a blinking idiot presenting me a schedule! I will trade it.-- How unlike art thou to Portia!.........Did I deserve no more than a fool’s head? Is that my prize? (2.9.58-65)”. The Prince of Aragon reaction was fitting because he was shallow to pick the lead casket because lead is money and go after Portia for her money. So when he opens the casket he

Most people thought of Jews as evil and terrible people. As Antonio asks a big favor from Shylock, Shylock says with anger, “Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last; You spurned me such a day; another time You called me 'dog '; for these courtesies I 'll lend you this much moneys? (1.3.116-139).” Shylock explains how his anger is formed from mistreatment from Antonio. So as most people think he is just an angry jew, it is because of people mistreating him earlier. The way Jessica acts is another way appearances are deceiving. As a girl and as a jew she is expected to be behaved and quiet. As she describes how she likes her life at home she says,“ Alack, what heinous sin is it in me To be ashamed to be my father’s child? But though I am a daughter to his blood. I am not to his manners.(2.4.17-20).” Jessica who is ashamed of her father is not expected because of how prideful Shylock is you would expect Jessica to be the same. But she is not like her father or how she is thought to be like. Overall jews do not act as people would expect them to, by their appearances, which the play makes it about a lot of people in this story are not as they would be expected of.

Appearances can be deceiving in many different ways. They can be deceiving in the form of objects, or more commonly individuals can be deceiving too. Specifically, The Merchant of Venice by