Which Chest Does Bassanio Choose and Why?

Bassanio refuses gold because he knows that "all that glisters is not gold." He also refuses silver, calling it "common drudge 'tween man and man," as coins are. He chooses lead because he knows that true worth lies inside, even if the outside doesn't look like much.

What chest does Bassanio choose?

And so Bassanio finally comes to choose the least likely looking casket — the leaden one — and, of course, his choice is the right one.

Which casket did Bassanio finally choose and why?

While the other suitors have incorrectly chosen the gold or silver casket, Bassanio chooses the lead casket and finds a picture of Portia inside, signaling that he can claim her as his bride. Bassanio's choice indicates that he is clever and not easily distracted by superficial charms.