Racist?

Portia seems elated that the Prince of Morocco picked the wrong casket. Although he was praised for acting like a gentleman for not storming off and keeping calm, Portia was somewhat relieved. Could Portia be someone who is racist?

Portia's obsession


It is obvious that Portia wants to marry Bassanio. Yes, we realize this is an unfortunate choice given that Bassanio wants Portia's wealth and seems to value his relationship with Antonio more than with Portia. Portia wants Bassanio so badly that when Bassanio shows up to try his luck at the casket lottery, she has her band of personal musicians play a little tune that helps Bassanio make the right choice.

Prince of Morocco choosing a casket

Act II Scene VII. The Prince of Morocco chooses a casket. He gives a long speech on which casket he will choose. He chooses the Gold Casket which he says represents Portia's beauty.

Lead, Silver, Gold

Portia can't get to choose her own husband, because her dad organised a little contest involving three caskets to ensure that his daughter marry the "right" man, and every potential suitor is out to get their hands on her wealth. Portia's dad found out that how attractive Portia would be as a rich, single girl, so he made sure that his daughter would marry the man he chose.

Relation between Nerissa and Portia

Nerissa is Portia's servant but they act as friends most of the times. Nerissa advises Portia, often telling her about her duty to her father who is dead, especially when the suitors who want to marry Portia are choosing their caskets. 

Nerissa join in when Portia disguises herself as a man in the court room scene at the end.  After this, they play tricks on their husbands - after all, these women are smarter than their men.

They have a close relationship, even though Portia has a higher status than Nerissa.

Portia

                   

 

Nerissa

Suitors: Prince of Arragon

A man who also tries to win Portia’s hand by picking a casket. Like the prince of Morocco, however, the prince of Arragon chooses unwisely. He failed, picking the silver casket, which gives him a message calling him an idiot instead of Portia’s hand.

 Suitors: Prince of Morocco

 

 A Moorish prince who has come to get Portia’s hand in marriage. The prince of Morocco asks Portia to ignore his dark skin tone and seeks to win her by picking one of the three caskets. Certain that the caskets reflect Portia’s beauty and stature, the prince of Morocco picks the gold chest, which appears to be wrong.