In a number of plays Shakespeare presents aTwo Worlds Theme. InA Midsummer Night’sDream, for example, the city of Athens is stiff and rule-oriented, artificial and harsh; but the forest outside of Athens is magical and natural. A journey into the forest results in bringing its positive effects back into the city. InThe Merchant of Venice, Belmont and Venice are two different worlds. And only a person from the magical, fairy-tale world of Belmont can resolve the difficulties imposedbythe harsh, merciless laws ofVenice.