Act One, Scene Two

Portia's father's inspiration was to concoct a game that would result in the correct choice of husband for his daughter. It was a game and a riddle, designed to eliminate inappropriate suitors and ultimately the best man would win. The way her father has the boxes set up (gold, silver, and lead), as well as the riddles involved, are to insure the man who chooses correctly will be deserving of his daughter's love.