More Merchant of Venice

I just want to write down, in plain text, my interpretation of what occurred in part of the book and my interpretation:

Antonio has all these ships on the ocean and expects a large profit from their goods. His little friend Bassiano, wants to marry a rich heiress, Portia. But he needs collateral to marry her (like a dowry). So, he borrows 3,000 ducats from Antonio. Antonio borrows 3,000 ducats from the Jew, Shylock, with a promise to repay with interest. Shylock's servant, Lancelaut, decides he doesn't want to work for a Jew anymore and becomes Bassiano's servant. Jessica, the Jew's daughter, runs away with a Christian Lorenzo. Bassiano then goes to Portia's (who has all of these suitors) along with Gratiano. Bassiano picks the correct casket (lead) and then him and Gratiano get rings from Portia and her servant, Nerissa.

First, what does the lead casket mean? Isn't Portia worth more than lead? Lead is dark and heavy! It is not a precious metal like silver or gold. Also, the anti-Jew sentiments starts here. Lancelaut decides that he doesn't want to become like a Jew and refuses to be Shylock's servant any longer. He also helps his daughter escape and convert to Christianity by marriage. This very strong message early in the book shows how important it is. Also, Portia and Nerissa give the men rings and almost hold a power over the men. It is the like the roles were reversed. Portia is definitely a strong character in the book and I really enjoy that about The Merchant of Venice. (Poor Merchant of Venice, he loses everything!)