Beginning of Essay
In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare presents the theme; looks can be deceiving. This is seen in the character of Portia. She portrays herself as a pleasant person when it comes to Bassanio, but is deceitful and mean when it comes to her suitors. She also disgui ....

Middle of Essay
.... by their wit to lose" (Shakespeare 39). She says that the Prince of Morocco is "A gentle riddance! I curtains, go. Let all of his complexion choose me so" (Shakespeare 34). This shows not only harsh criticism, but also her prejudices against color. When Bassanio comes in however, Portia responds in an entirely new and opposite manner. She asks Bassanio to wait a while, telling him; "Before you hazard; for, in choosing wrong, I lose your company" (Shakespeare 44). Bassanio chooses the right casket and Portia promises all her possessions to be equally his - on one condition. She gives him a ring saying "Which when you part from, lose, or give away ....