In many of Shakespeare's plays, Shakespeare uses multiple settings to contrast opposing ideas that are central to the meaning of the play. In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare uses the settings of Venice and Belmont to represent opposing ideas. The city of Venice is an international market. Venice is diverse and full of people from many countries practicing their own religion. Venice is characterized by its cultural melting pot and friction, along with its focus on business and greed. In contrast, Belmont is a town where people flee to get away from the realities of commerce. The city of Belmont is characterized by harmony and peace. Many of the story's characters leave the greedy city of Venice to reside in Throughout the story, Venice is the backdrop to cultural and religious friction. Many discussions and controversies take place here. The play begins with a mention of Antonio's investments at sea and inability to lend money to his friend. Antonio tells his friend that he is depressed because he cannot lend money to another friend, Bassanio. Bassanio says: “It is not unknown to you, Antonio, how much I have invalidated my estate, with something that shows a more swollen port than my feeble means could guarantee continuity: nor do I now complain to be shortened by so noble a rate ; but my main concern is to free myself fairly from the great debts in which in my time something too prodigal has left me involved. Bassanio says that his large debts in Venice deprive him of a noble rate, and that prodigality has left him gagged. Here Bassanio mentions his grave debt and that wealth or lack of it plays an important role in Venetian society. The religious conflict in Venice can be seen where Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is approached by Antonio, a Christian, to obtain a loan. Shylock agrees to make the loan, on the condition that if it cannot be repaid, Antonio gives Shylock a pound of flesh. Antonio and Shylock have a deep-rooted hatred for each other because of their religion. This hatred is spurred by the greedy interest-bearing loan offered by Shylock. Shylock says: You call me a miscreant, you merciless dog, and spit on my Jewish gabardine, […] 'Right sir, you spat on me last Wednesday, you despised me on such a day; another time you called me dog; and for these courtesies I will lend you so much money