Antony and Cleopatra is based upon a dualistic vision of experience, the world of Rome pitted against the world of Egypt

        Another important illustration of the contrast between Rome and Egypt is the imagery that depicts the change in Antony’s character.  Through the observations of other characters in the play, Shakespeare makes obvious the deterioration of Antony’s political prowess and power. The description of this decline usually consists of a juxtaposition of imagery of strength and fortitude with that of weakness and submission. The strength of character is associated with the Antony in Rome who held his political duties in high regard. He deteriorates into a “doting mallard” of Cleopatra in Egypt where it appears that the atmosphere of abandon and relaxation has cast a spell over him, making him forget his duties as one of the most powerful men in the world. He is described as “The triple pillar of the world transformed into a strumpet's fool.” This creates the image of deterioration for one who held great power. The imagery of strength versus weakness used in Scarus’ speech in Act 1 Scene 1 also portrays the decline in Antony; “His captain’s heart which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst the buckles on his breast, reneges all temper and becomes the bellows and the fan to cool a gypsy’s lust.” The strength of Antony’s character before his indulgence in the pleasure of the East is enforced by the imagery used in Caesar’s tribute to Antony in Act 1 Scene 4. He describes Antony with images of strength and resilience’ “at thy heel did famine follow, whom thou fought against,”  “thou didst drink the stale of horses

        The contrast between Rome and Egypt also highlights the underlying themes of masculine order versus feminine order as well as the role of the woman . In Rome the masculine ethos which, while having room to honour women in certain limited ways, has little place for them in public life, other than as useful political tools or upholders of very masculine ideals or as producers of soldiers. There is little respect for them as is obvious in the imagery used by various Romans to describe Cleopatra. She is described as a lustful gypsy which is an image used to degrade her character. When Octavius thinks of how his sister should enter Rome in a manner fitting her importance, the only images he can reach for which might express his feelings are ones taken from the vocabulary of military triumphs: “The wife of Antony
should have an army for an usher.” It is significant that he can convey his high esteem and strong feelings for her only in images more appropriate to a returning triumphant general. On the other hand, the woman holds a role of utmost importance in Egypt. Cleopatra’s position as queen is the primary image of this. Enobarbus’ tribute to her also creates an image of her infinite power  and freedom as a woman. something entirely at odds with the Roman emphasis on predictable order, law, and consistency. “Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety.”   In Cleopatra's palace, women talk openly about explicit sexuality. They are attended by men and this creates an image of female superiority. They express their sexual feelings, joke about sexual matters, and establish a close female community. The image of the horse in relation to Antony and Cleopatra’s sexual encounters is one of few images that used to express sexuality. This highlights the ability of the woman to be open and expressive as opposed to that of Rome who is expected to be reserved and serve their men.

        Another major theme of the play to which imagery gives great insight is that of the love between Antony and Cleopatra. They profess their love for each other in an exaggerated style, using images of vastness to describe the extent of their feelings. In Act 1 Scene 1 when Cleopatra claims that she will set a limit (bourn) on Antony’s love, he responds “Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth.” This trend continues throughout the play. Even in death their love is made evident by the imagery used in their speech. Cleopatra’s motivation for suicide is her reunion with Antony in death; “I am again for Cyndus, to meet Marc Antony.” This creates the image of their first meeting and emphasizes the immortality of their love as she wishes to recreate that moment in the afterlife. Cleopatra herself finalizes this as she says “I have
Immortal longings in me."

        Another main focus of the play is politics and the desire for power. This gives rise to ‘worldliness’ of the play as the Romans seek to preserve and expand their empire. The political strategies never remain confined to Rome and there is frequent mention of the capture of neighbouring countries The imagery used reinforces the sense of grandeur and the huge scope of the drama.. It is seen from Act 1 Scene 2 when the messenger form Rome describes Labenius conquering lands from Asia, Euphrates, Syria, Lydia and Ionia. There are also frequent images of the sea and the earth in relation to politics which give a sense of vastness and help to highlight the importance of politics and world conquest. This is illustrated by Cleopatra as she describes war as “the world’s great snare.” Some of the political imagery used to describe Antony also helps to reinforce the huge scope of the drama. He is called “the greatest prince of the world,” “the demi- Atlas of the world,” and “the crown o’th’earth.” He is not only a strong leader in Rome but a “triple pillar of the world” as Rome’s empire extends all over the globe.

        In examining the imagery of love and politics in Antony and Cleopatra, the underlying theme of war versus love cannot be ignored. This is made evident in the imagery in Antony’s words as he struggles to find a balance between upholding his political duty and indulging in passion with Cleopatra. A prime example of this is when Antony is about to leave for war in Act 4 Scene 4. As Cleopatra tries to lace his armour he calls her “the armourer of my heart.” The image of armour gives a sense of impending war but Antony uses it to convey that Cleopatra has captured his heart. This contrasting imagery occurs several other times in the play, even in the same scene when he gives her a “soldier’s kiss.” The juxtaposition of war and love illustrates Antony’s conflict of choice between love and duty. It also helps to illustrate how he downplays the importance of war and politics in the face of love.  Antony himself acknowledges this as he admits that he lost to Caesar at sea because he trusted Cleopatra’s fleet to help him win the battle; “My sword made weak by my affection.”