a fool. Other characters in The Merchant of Venice either adopt disguises to fool others (Portia and Nerissa) or are fooled by other characters (Bassanio and Gratiano) or are fooled by themselves (Shylock and PortiaÆs unsuccessful suitors). The point of being a fool or trying to fool underscores the theme of duality and right versus wrong that runs throughout the play in terms of law, religion, and love. The Prince of Arragon if arrogant and presumptuous and because of this chooses the wrong casket to win PortiaÆs hand. He is ware of his predicament, ôDid I deserve no more than a foolÆs head? / Is that my prize?...Still more fool I shall appear / By the time I linger here; / With one foolÆs head I came to woo, / But I go away with two,ö (Shakespeare 214).
Gratiano actually acts as the fool or jester of the piece as
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