Explore how Shakespeare develops the themes of duty
Explore how Shakespeare develops the themes of duty, responsibility, love and loyalty in the "Antony and Cleopatra". Throughout the play "Antony and Cleopatra", Shakespeare develops and explores the themes of duty, responsibility, love and loyalty; from the very beginning of the play Shakespeare places these themes in conflict with one another and these conflicts are embodied in the most obvious sense through Antony's rejection of the Roman Empire and its ideals for the love of Cleopatra and a far more frivolous laid back life in Egypt. And in turn these differences in ideals are conveyed to the audience in the beginning of the first act when Philo and Demetrius come to the stage and discuss Antony's "dotage" over Cleopatra and how it "O'erflows the measure." Philo laments at how Antony, once a powerful warrior, triumvir of the Roman Empire and a "triple pillar of the world" has given up all this power and become "the bellows and the fan [that] cool a gipsy's lust". The language used by Shakespeare at this point in the play helps to establish the antithetical nature of the Egyptians and the Romans; Philo describes Antony with powerful hyperboles and metaphors, evoking potent superhuman, heroic imagery as he speaks of Antony's eyes that glowed like "plated mars", passionately and verbosely referring to his "captain's heart" which was so powerful that it "burst the buckles on
Antony and Cleopatra analysis of Act one Scene one
Antony and Cleopatra analysis of Act one Scene one 'Antony and Cleopatra' by William Shakespeare is a play about a Roman General Antony and an Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. In Act one Scene one it shows how Antony puts Cleopatra in front of his army but Cleopatra just manipulates him successfully. The first part of the play is set in Alexandria. Cleopatra is a powerful woman and she knows she can get everything she wants. She loves the attention being on her, as she thinks so highly of herself. Cleopatra is experienced and manipulating but she is also captivating, 'Everything becomes her.' She uses charisma and charm to persuade people so she always gets her way. Cleopatra has good looks so she can have any man she wants. She knows that Antony is madly in love with her and he will do anything she commands. She is externally fascinating and strong minded. Antony is a General, before meeting Cleopatra he was seen has a respectful and honourable man. Since meeting Cleopatra he has forgotten about how important he is to the rest of his men. Antony has abandoned them for his true love Cleopatra and as suffered the consequences as now they no longer dote him. He has been put under Cleopatra's powerful spell. His heart is now set on a woman rather than war. He used to have a high reputation but now his own men have turned their backs on him. Antony and Cleopatra enter together.
How does Shakespeare use his contrast between Rome and Egypt to present the themes in Antony and Cleopatra ?
How does Shakespeare use his contrast between Rome and Egypt to present the themes in Antony and Cleopatra? In the play Antony and Cleopatra there are two different worlds, Rome and Egypt. Throughout Antony and Cleopatra, we see the hard-working political life of Rome and the luxurious and pleasurable life of Egypt. The effect of the difference between the two places on the main characters, and on the plot, is a key theme throughout the play. Rome is a world in which men compete for power in a high stakes game without clear rules. The eastern world of Egypt is, of course, totally different. Shakespeare's deception of sexuality in Egypt is presented as entirely natural. There is no sign of sin attached to this love unlike there would be from Rome. We can see that Shakespeare clearly wants us to be able to see the political and love side of either of these countries. The split between Rome and Egypt is very controversial as the Romans are so fascinated with Egypt that they cannot leave it alone. This could be the reason that the three greatest Romans, Antony Caesar and Pompey have all had sexual experience with the queen of Egypt. He uses the contrast in difference between the two countries very well and this makes the main themes in the production stand out. In Egypt, women talk openly about explicit sexuality, they express their sexual feelings, joke about sexual matters, and
The presentation of Rome and Egypt in the Play Antony and Cleopatra
The presentation of Rome and Egypt in the Play Antony and Cleopatra One of the foremost of themes in the play of Antony and Cleopatra alongside "tragedy" and "love" is the differences between the two "worlds" of Rome and Egypt. Throughout the play, Shakespeare frequently presents and demonstrates to the audience the reality and differences between these two "worlds" in many ways and forms. In this essay I will discuss how Shakespeare does this and how he presents it to the audience. Antony, who is the primary character in the play, portrays the ideas of the two "worlds" of Egypt and Rome very clearly. Shakespeare presents Antony as a different man when in Rome and a different one when in Egypt. Shakespeare organises the plot of Antony and Cleopatra around the theme of conflict between Rome and Egypt immediately. In the opening scene the two soldiers Philo and Demetrius discuss Antony's surrendering of his military duties to the exotic pleasures of Egypt and Cleopatra. Both Philo and Demetrius discuss the divide in world where one is governed by discipline and reason (Rome), and the other ruled by pleasure and love. Both Philo and Demetrius discuss and claim that Antony's "captain's heart" now serves as, "The bellows and the fan / to cool a gypsy's lust" This reflects their view of the world being divided into two entities. And that Egypt is ruled by a "gypsy", or in
Essentially Antony and Cleopatra is a story of power politics; its theme is not love but empire.
Aisleen Ward L6COT (final essay) Essentially Antony and Cleopatra is a story of power politics; its theme is not love but empire. Empire is clearly an important theme in Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra'. Love is also a key theme within the play, and, perhaps, an even more central theme than empire. Yet, interestingly, the distinction between the two themes is not as absolute as it may at first appear. The Romans are absorbed in Empire. Scenes involving Rome and Romans are generally shorter and of a much quicker pace. This reflects the Roman's preoccupation with business and action and their disinterest in much else. These scenes are frequent to emphasise the influence that empire has upon the play. In addition, the word 'world' is mentioned approximately 45 times. The triumvirate, '[s]enators alone of this great world', control the world. The frequency of the word's use emphasises the greatness of the Roman Empire and its importance to the play. Furthermore, important plot developments stem from issues central to the Roman Empire: the competition for power, and the constant vying for control. Love, too, is a central theme. Its importance is borne out through the title of the play, 'Antony and Cleopatra'. Moreover, the ending of the play focuses on the pair and their downfall. The audience sees Cleopatra's sensuous and gallant suicide, her means to 'meet Mark
What Do You Consider To Be the Function Enorbarbus Has In Act I and Act II?
What Do You Consider To Be the Function Enorbarbus Has In Act I and Act II? Enorbarbus is Antony's lieutenant and friend and Shakespeare continually develops Enorbarbus' character, role and functions within the plot throughout the first two acts. This cynically acclaimed character is one of the most remarkable in the play and contributes to the drama in many ways. From the very first time the audience sees Enorbarbus we can sense that one of his purposes to the play is that he is very sympathetic and supportive to his friend Antony. In Act I Scene 2 when Antony confesses he wished he had never met Cleopatra; "I must from this enchanting queen break off". Instead of going along with what he said Enorbarbus suggests that if that did happen then Antony would have missed "wonderful piece of work". Enorbarbus shows another service to the play, which is faithfulness, and comradeship that helps to show the kindness of his friend in the course of this action. Enorbarbus obviously does not agree with his fellow Roman comrades, Demetrius and Philo in the opening scene, where they call Cleopatra a "gypsy". 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
Antony and Cleopatra
Cleopatra is not at a disadvantage in a male dominated world. To what extent do you think Shakespeare elevates Cleopatra over the other characters in the play. Cleopatra is Shakespeare's greatest invention; a masterpiece full of colour and vitality. All of Shakespeare's female characters provide vivid contrast to Cleopatra. Juliet, the young naïve girl and Lady Macbeth the powerful figure, are no match for the engaging and intoxicating Cleopatra. Juliet and Lady Macbeth seem to affect little control over their destiny but Cleopatra clearly asserts power over her own fate. She is so much the consummate actress that it is extremely difficult to define her true personality from the façade she adopts. She is a dominant and sensual character who is as ever-changing as the Nile running through Egypt. No single incident in the play could encapsulate Cleopatra's 'infinite variety.' Cleopatra personifies the elusiveness- the enigma which generates desire. In her, Shakespeare presents 'the mystery of woman, sensuality and the exploration of the hidden energies of life.' Instead of being thwarted by her gender, Cleopatra uses her femininity to dominate not only other females, but also male protagonists. We are first introduced to Cleopatra at the beginning of the play through two Roman soldiers as they derogatory label her a 'gypsy' and a 'strumpet.' Cleopatra is felt to
Explore Shakespeare's presentation of Rome and Egypt in Antony and Cleopatra
Explore Shakespeare's presentation of Rome and Egypt in Antony and Cleopatra As the title clearly suggests, Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra is based around the extraordinary relationship among two distinctive individuals, one a Roman general and the other an Egyptian queen. Along with Caesar who is also a Roman general, these entities dominate the play's tragic storyline progression. However whilst Antony and Cleopatra centres around a provocative love affair, Shakespeare makes it evident that there is a good deal larger tensions involved, a collision course between two worlds. Antony and Cleopatra details the conflict between Rome and Egypt, it demonstrates the differences between Eastern and Western cultures, however it does not make a clear statement over which culture ultimately triumphs. In the play the Western and Eastern cultures of the world are symbolised by those who reside in them. Caesar for example, personifies the strict and unbending duty of the West. While Cleopatra, in all her pretentious magnificence, embodies the graceful passions of the East. Caesar's anxieties right through the play are undoubtedly imposing: he means to occupy foreign lands in order to endow them with traditions of his own. But the play opposes siding with this imposing impulse. The Roman perceptiveness of Cleopatra and her kingdom seems very shallow. To Caesar Cleopatra is a
Rossetti's poetry has been described as
Rossetti's poetry has been described as "both controlled and passionate". Making clear what you understand by the terms discuss which of these two views you have more sympathy with and why. Refer closely to atleast three of the set poems. Christina Rossetti poetry uses concise structures but through these she expresses immense emotion; in this respect her poetry can accurately described as "both controlled and passionate" yet the two words are almost a paradox as passion is frequently seen to be at odds with controlled tight structures. Other poets have also followed in Rossetti's footsteps by combining tight structured poetic forms with emotion e.g. Dylan Thomas. L.E.L is a prime example of Rossetti's technique; it combines a complex structure with a very emotive outcry. The structure is very precise with each verse not only rhyming within itself, in an A, B, A, B, C, C, C pattern, but also within pairs of stanzas containing a pattern between them on the 5th to 8th lines. The 2nd and fourth lines provide visually rhyming lines throughout the poem connecting each verse although when the poem is read aloud the lines do not rhyme verbally. Rossetti also plays with structures in the poem, beginning with an elegiac stanza form ("a Quatrain of four iambic pentameters rhyming A, B, A, B" - Pears Cyclopaedia) before diversifying into her own version ending with C, C, C. The elegiac
Antony and Cleopatra - Act one scene one in structure and imagery is a microcosm of the play - Examine this scene in detail assessing what clues there are about the future.
Chloë Morris Antony and Cleopatra English Literature Act one scene one in structure and imagery is a microcosm of the play. Examine this scene in detail assessing what clues there are about the future. Act one scene one of 'Antony and Cleopatra' is a microcosm of the whole play, it miniaturises the fundamental themes from the play and sets the atmosphere and tone for the rest of the play. It gives a general idea of the characters personalities, their relationship with each other and possible future plots. The first scene is opened by Philo, a fellow Roman soldier and colleague of Antony's, the fact that he begins the whole play criticising Cleopatra and her country creates a bias view of her before she has even entered the scene. This is true of the whole play and even the scenes set in Egypt are greatly influenced by Roman perspective, as is the way Cleopatra is portrayed to the audience casting aspersions about the relationship which is being represented as doomed from the start. Antony's dilemma is constantly nagging in the back of his mind and he is continually reminded of his predicament by the invariable intrusion from his roman contemporaries, this is evident in this first scene and right the way through the play. The language used by Philo describes Rome and Egypt very contrastingly again generating a negative reflection of Egypt. "And is become the bellows
