Faith and charity are the central values of Christianity, and these values are proposed by the lead casket's injunction to give all and risk all, as one does in making a leap of faith. Portia's father has presented marriage as one in which the proper suitor risks and gives everything for the spouse, hoping for Portia even though they may never deserve her. The contest certainly suits Bassanio, who knows that he doesn't deserve Portia but is willing to risk everything he may have for love. The casket test may also represent Belmont, where the casket test is held. Belmont is more accepting of foreigners and the casket test is based on the wisdom of the suitor, and not their nationality, race, language, or religion. Lastly, the three caskets also seem to represent and symbolize three main types of people in the play, Shylock, who is greedy, and materialistic; Portia, confident and cautious; Bassanio, risk-taking.
"Go with me to a notary, seal me there your single bond; and, in a merry sport, if you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are express'd in the condition, let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me." (Act 1 Scene 3) The pound of flesh represents something more symbolic, as it obviously does not have the equivalent value of money. Shylock, a wealthy Jew who has been humiliated, called names, spitted on, kicked by Antonio, who himself was a Christian proves Shylock's hatred and revenge towards Antonio. Shylock who questions the contrary that he himself being a Jew may never did such unjust and cruel things whereas Antonio, who is a Christian did such inexplicable things. If one has been through extensive periods of horrendous humiliation, one will obviously hold a grudge against another who treats him like that. For instance getting back the money from Antonio isn't any of Shylock's concerns, he's already a wealthy man, but getting his revenge he has long waited for plays a larger significance on why he wants the pound of flesh rather than the three thousand ducats.
Although Othello is set in Venice and Cyprus, the attitudes and values shared in the text are probably reflective of the attitudes and values of Shakespeare's own society. ... Aaron in "Titus Andronicus", and Marocco in "The Merchant in Venice". ...
