The Casket Test - Communicate in English Literature Reader - Class 8 - English

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often referred to as the "Bard of Avon" and is credited with writing 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several narrative poems. His works have been translated into every major living language, and his plays are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18 and had three children with her. He started his theater career in London as an actor and eventually became a playwright and shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men – a playing company for whom he wrote many of his plays. Some of his most famous plays include Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Merchant of Venice.

Shakespeare's plays are renowned for their deep exploration of human nature, the complexity of their characters, and their profound insights on themes such as love, power, ambition, and betrayal. His works have inspired artists through the centuries, and his influence on literature and the arts is immeasurable. Although the exact date of Shakespeare's death is not known, he is believed to have died on April 23, 1616, the same day as his supposed birth date, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to captivate readers, scholars, and theatergoers around the world.

This extract is from "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare, Act 2, Scene 9. The Prince of Arragon is participating in Portia's casket challenge, where he must choose between three caskets - gold, silver, and lead - to win Portia's hand in marriage.

In the beginning, Nerissa, Portia's waiting-woman, informs those present that ...

🥇 Choice and Consequences

This is a predominant theme in this extract. The Prince of Arragon is given a choice between three caskets, and his selection will either bring him success (marrying Portia) or failure. His decision is representative of our life choices, emphasizing that actions have consequences. The Prince chooses the Silver casket, believing it is what he deserves, but it turns out to be the wrong choice, indicating that self-perception does not always align with reality.

🙏Wisdom and Foolishness

Arragon's ...

1. "The Prince of Arragon hath ta'en his oath, And comes to his election presently." This line indicates that the Prince of Arragon is determined to play the 'casket game' in which he must choose the correct casket containing Portia's likeness to win her hand, which introduces a sense of anticipation.

2. "Behold, there stand the caskets, noble prince: If you choose that wherein I am contain'd, Straight shall our nuptial rites be solemnized." Portia sets out the rules of the game for the Prince, intensifying the high stakes for both of them.

3. "'Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.' You shall look fairer, ere I give or hazard." This line ...

1. Portia: Portia is the central character and the beautiful, wealthy heiress of Belmont. She is bound by her father's will to choose her husband based on the casket challenge. Portia is intelligent, patient, and understanding, and while she faces the challenge of losing her freedom to choose her husband, she abides by her father's wishes, granting the suitors the opportunity to participate in the casket challenge.

2. The Prince of Arragon: Another of Portia's suitors, the ...

1. Straight – at once

   She straightened her back and walked at once towards the door.

2. Ta’en his oath – Every suitor has to first take an oath before proceeding to select the casket. The content of the oath is mentioned a few lines later.

   Before choosing the casket, he ta'en his oath as required.

3. Election – choice (of the caskets)

   The election of the caskets was a crucial moment in the play.

4. I am contain’d – here, my picture is kept

   In this locket,................................