Elizabeth Taylor’s role of Cleopatra in 1963 had a lot of historical events taking place during that time. Her iconic portrayal kept the very lustful appearance however was a more assertive and authorial queen with female right movements now bigger than ever. Her political stature is highlighted during a time of political up rising such as African Americans fighting for equal rights. A notable reference is the following when Cleopatra demands that Antony kneels before her:
“I asked it of Julius Cesar, I demand it of you!” – ‘Cleopatra’, (1963)
Cleopatra’s dominance over her male counterpart would have given inspiration especially to female viewers. Another notable reference to the issues with events of the time is when Cleopatra is standing at the tomb of Alexander the Great.
‘Standing at the tomb of Alexander, this queen talks of creating a single world culture suggesting the influence of the United Nations and the rhetoric of contemporary figures like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King’ – (AA100), DVD1, Cleopatra
However the 1999 adaptation brings Cleopatra to the 21st century. At a time where women have equal rights to men, her fighting style and leadership skills reflect a time of female independence. A more accurate description now would be ‘Warrior Princess’ perhaps influenced from previous female dominated television shows such as Xena Warrior Princess.
Cleopatra has widely believed to have a Greek ancestral background however these are not evident in the 1934 and 1963 adaptations. A none-white leading actress may had resulted in a box off failure and with the cost productions especially that of the 1963 film is was something they couldn’t afford to take the chance on. However 1999 production the racial possibility of Cleopatra was shown.
Word Count: 525
Part 2:
Read the following passage from Marlow’s Doctor Faustus. Discuss how the passage contributes to the portrayal of Faustus as a tragic hero, paying particular attention to Marlow’s use of language.
From the reading of the passage Faustus shows he is ready to accept and take responsibility for his desire to learn forbidden knowledge. Faustus chooses to use his powers to summon Helen of Troy to be his lover as poetically said in the line:
“That I might have unto my paramour.” – Doctor Faustus, The A Text, Pearson Longman, Act 5, Scene 1, line 84
Despite Faustus’s recently found appreciation of the consequences of his actions, Faustus still prefers his personal desire. So much so that Faustus quotes:
“And keep mine oath I made to Lucifer” – Doctor Faustus, The A Text, Pearson Longman, Act 5, Scene 1, Line 88
Faustus now believes he is damned and beyond God’s mercy. However Faustus’s more famous lines can also be thought of his own personal fantasy.
“I will be in Paris, and for love of thee” – Doctor Faustus, The A Text, Pearson Longman, Act 5, Scene 1, Line 98.
It is interesting how Faustus compares himself as Paris from Greek lore who was not a hero by lore and speaks of battling a weak Menelaus.
“And I will combat with weak Menelaus,
And wear thy colours on my pluméd crest”
– Doctor Faustus, The A Text, Pearson Longman, Act 5, Scene 1, Lines 99-100.
Even though Paris and Menelaus battled one another in ancient Greek mythology Menelaus was seen as stronger than Paris. It was the God’s interference in which Paris was able to save himself and doom his city and his people. Instead Faustus for the sake of Helen re writes it in his mind; all for his own needs. His reference to Achilles;
“Yea, I will wound Achilles in the heel” – Doctor Faustus, The A Text, Pearson Longman, Act 5, Scene 1, Line 102
Helen of Troy according to lore shot Achilles in the heel with a flaming arrow delivering a fatal blow; with the heel being the only part he was vulnerable. But instead that was now Faustus himself imaging his own fantasy in his vision was a Greek Hero.
Mephistopheles is more than happy to oblige knowing full well Faustus has accepted his fate turning his back on redemption as said in the passage:
“Faustus, this, or what else thou shalt desire,
Shall be performed in twinkling of an eye”
- Doctor Fausus, The A Text, Pearson Longman, Act 5, Scene 1, Lines 89-90
Mephistopheles; stating the twinkling of an eye suggests eagerness to please Faustus during his remaining time. Stating what else he should ever desire could be his, perhaps a distraction to his impending fate.
The passage as a whole shows Faustus’s fall and damnation confirmed as he chooses Helen of Troy over the chance to have his soul saved. This falls into Aristotle’s definition of tragic hero for someone of importance has risen and fallen but has gained deeper knowledge and understanding in the process. The passage also shows his preference for greed and personal desire over repentance, how he would rather spend his remaining time in lust knowing that this choice will seal his fate. This is evident in the line:
“Brighter art thou in flaming Jupiter
When he appeared to hapless Semele,”
-Doctor Faustus, The A Text, Pearson Longman, Act 5, Scene 1, Lines 106-107
Faustus references the lover of Jupiter who wished to see the Gods, only the true vision destroys her. The true beauty of Helen of Troy was too great for Faustus to accept his saviour.
Word Count: 569
Bibliography
The Open University, AA100, Reputations, Milton Keynes, The Open University
The Open University, AA100, Reputations, Cleopatra, pp 24-26, Milton Keynes, The Open University
The Open University, DVD1, Cleopatra with Tim Chappel
Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus, The A Text (1604), Pearson Longman; (2008)
Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus, Act 5, Scene 1, Passage 79-110, The A Text (1604), Pearson Longman; 2008
‘Cleopatra’ (1934), Cecil B. DeMille, Universal, DVD
‘Cleopatra’ (1963), Joseph L. Mankeiwicz, Fox Studios, DVD
‘Cleopatra’ (1999) Mini Series, Frank Roddam, DVD