Show how Shakespeare brings out the duality in Antonys character in Act 1.

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Show how Shakespeare brings out the duality in Antony’s character in Act 1.

        “Antony and Cleopatra” by William Shakespeare is a play revolving around the destructive duality of Antony’s character. Shakespeare uses Antony’s transformation from Roman to Egyptian to cause constant conflict between the Roman side of Antony, defined by Empire and duty, and the Egyptian side of Antony, defined by folly and lust. “Antony and Cleopatra” is a tragedy involving Antony, one of the triumvirates who rule the world, who falls in love with, and has an affair with Cleopatra: the seductive queen of Egypt. Throughout the whole of the play Antony is caught in a tug-of-war between Antony the lover and Antony the leader. Shakespeare makes repeated references to Antony’s duality in character through the views of many characters throughout the play.         Philo and Demetrius’ views of Antony at the very beginning of the play give the audience their first impressions of Antony’s character. Cleopatra and Octavius Caesar’s comments throughout Act 1 on Antony allow the audience to distinguish between his differing personalities. Furthermore, Antony’s own statements reinforce his duality.

        From the onset of the play, it is not entirely obvious to the audience that there is a duality in Antony’s character, however Antony’s responses throughout Act One give the audience clues of his split character.  In Act 1 Scene 1, Antony is approached by a messenger bringing news of Rome. Antony’s initial reply of “Grates me! The sum” suggests that he is uninterested in Rome which highlights his irresponsibility. Antony’s uninterested view of Rome is further emphasised when he states:  “Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch/ Of the ranged empire fall!” Shakespeare is highlighting the idea that Antony has abandoned all responsibility and sense of duty to Rome. From this, it can be deduced that Antony’s Roman side has been tarnished and a new unpatriotic view for Rome has been created. The view that Antony has lost touch with his Roman side is shown further when he declares:

        “There’s not a minute of our lives should stretch

        Without some pleasure now.”

Antony seems to be saying all that matters is self-indulgence and love. Antony seems to only be concerned about the pursuit of pleasure. Antony’s character’s loyalties have been split as a result of his infatuation with the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. This is made evident towards the end of Scene 1 when Antony proclaims:

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        “Whom everything becomes – to chide, to laugh,

        To weep; whose every passion fully strives

        To make itself, in thee, fair and admired.”

Antony’s obsession and infatuation with Cleopatra is made clear here. Antony is describing how enchanting and fascinating Cleopatra is. She is a woman who every emotion becomes. No matter what she does, she does it attractively. Attraction is the absolute essence. Antony follows his description of Cleopatra’s fascination with a request that she and Antony should “wander through the streets and note, the qualities of people.” The audience would view this as a very irresponsible and silly ...

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