What does the play, in its attack on shylocks value of money and the riddle of the caskets say about the material wealth in Venetian society?

This says that people defined themselves by their material wealth. Only a man of means can have a shot at marrying Portia. The silver and gold caskets are seen as the most obvious choices to win Portia. Christians despise Shylock but his money is not. Jessica knew that she would emotionally and financially ruin her father by stealing his wealth. Antonio was a respected man of business. When his trading ships fail, he feels emasculated or not worthy of Bassanio's affections.