Prince Aragon is a somewhat conceited character who thinks he is Portia's most suitable match for a husband. He does not choose the gold casket because he thinks there is some sort of trick behind the outward appearances, and it seems to him that gold must be the most obvious choice. He thinks gold is pleasing to "the multitude" who only choose things for show. He immediately dismisses the lead casket, because he is not...
Prince Aragon is a somewhat conceited character who thinks he is Portia's most suitable match for a husband. He does not choose the gold casket because he thinks there is some sort of trick behind the outward appearances, and it seems to him that gold must be the most obvious choice. He thinks gold is pleasing to "the multitude" who only choose things for show. He immediately dismisses the lead casket, because he is not willing to give or hazard anything.
The silver casket says that the one who chooses it will get what they deserve. Since he believes he is the most deserving of Portia's suitors, because he thinks he has so many fine qualities, he feels certain this is the right one. But the casket contains only a portrait of a blinking idiot. He learns that he is getting what he deserves and that he deserves this lesson in humility for thinking he deserved Portia's hand without first wooing her or being worthy of her. "Let none presume to wear an undeserved dignity" he says, but obviously his dignity is indeed undeserved.
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