In William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice', what condition must the Prince of Morocco agree to before he may choose from among the caskets, in order to marry Portia ?

Question

Accepted Answer

In William Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice', the Prince of Morocco, like all suitors, must agree to a specific condition before attempting to win Portia's hand by choosing a casket. Option 2, "That if he chooses wrong, he will never marry," is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the oath he must swear.

Here's why Option 2 is correct and the others are incorrect:

*   **Why Option 2 is Correct:** Portia's father, in his will, devised the casket lottery. A key component of this lottery is the oath each suitor must take. This oath explicitly states that if a suitor chooses the wrong casket, he must leave immediately and *never* seek to marry again. This is a crucial element of the play's plot and character motivations. The Prince of Morocco is fully aware of this condition and accepts it before making his choice.

*   **Why Option 1 is Incorrect:** Option 1, "That if he chooses wrong, he will give all his wealth to Portia and leave forever," is incorrect. While the suitors do risk something, it is not their wealth. The primary risk is the forfeiture of any future chance at marriage. The play emphasizes the suitors' pride and ambition, making the loss of future marriage prospects a significant deterrent.

*   **Why Option 3 is Incorrect:** Option 3, "That if he chooses wrong, he will have to marry a woman of Portia's choosing," is incorrect. There is no mention of the suitors being forced to marry someone else if they fail. The consequence is simply that they can never marry at all.

*   **Why Option 4 is Incorrect:** Option 4, "That if he chooses wrong, he will become Portia's slave," is incorrect. The play does deal with themes of servitude and freedom, particularly in relation to Shylock, but this is not a condition imposed on the casket suitors. The penalty for choosing incorrectly is the loss of the opportunity to marry.