When Antony says Cleopatra is “cunning past man’s thought” it is Enorbarbus that comes in and objects mentioning;
“Her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love”.
In this discussion and the others in the first two acts Enorbarbus plays the role of a part Antonys ordinary self, like a reflection.
Enorbarbus’ reaction to the death of Fulvia, Antonys wife, is nonchalant and light-hearted with a touch of humour. He speaks in pros and wittingly suggests that Antony should move on instantly and find a new lady;
“Your old smock brings forth a new petticoat”.
His witticism, another function, shows the audience that deep down he feels extremely sorry for Antonys loss but wants his friend to feel better as soon as possible. However it appears too much for Antony and he asks Enorbarbus to stop mocking him with, “No more light answers”.
In Act II Scene 1, before the Triumvirs assemble, the tactful Lepidus attempts to influence Enorbarbus to keep Antony quiet and calm by “entreating your captain”. Enorbarbus once again sticks by Antony and uses a simile to tell Lepidus that he prefers his captain to speak his mind and will not have him silenced;
“Let Antony look over Caesar’s head and speak as loud as mars”.
Another of Enorbarbus’ functions is honesty and he stands up for he believes to be right. He warns Antony and Caesar there is plenty of time to argue after they have both left Pompey. To Antonys disapproval, “Thou art a soldier speak no more” he confidently replies, “That truth should be silent I had almost forgot”. This shows the audience that his character is possibly the only truthful one in the play, without him the play would have no morality.
When Enorbarbus is asked about his stay in Egypt, he goes into elaborate ways of telling his friends of his wonderful and amazing experiences. His normal function is to speak in pros but now along with personification and similes he talks in verse and the rhythm evokes music. Shakespeare I think chose Enorbarbus to describe Cleopatra because he is usually fairly cynical and to have him compliment Cleopatra and have him call her a goddess, “O’erpicturing that Venus” would shock the audience and also highlight his function of honesty.
Another function Shakespeare gives Enorbarbus is tactfulness. This is emphasised when he tries to stop Pompey gossiping to Antony about Julius Caesar and Cleopatra’s old love affair. He comes right out and says to Pompey “ I never loved you much” but is prepared to let him have his claim. Pompey recognises his “plainness”; this shows the audience that the other characters within the play distinguish Enorbarbus’ important functions, in this case honesty in speaking.
In a clever and playful conversation with Pompeys lieutenant Menas, he remains loyal to Antony, but bluntly says “He will to his Egyptian dish again” and he also predicts that the marriage to Octavia will produce even more tension and friction between the “brothers”.
Shakespeare has created a character with such functions as being truthful, honourable, witty and worldly. Without Enorbarbus in the play there would be no clear insights on political and characters personal judgements.
