Antony tries to make Caesar live for the moment. During Pompey's banquet at Pompey's Gallery Antony and Enobarbus in particular try and convince Caesar to enjoy himself, and encourage him to 'Be a child o' the time.' Caesar's reaction is very rigid and instantly replies by explaining that he would 'rather fast from all four days.' This again shows how Caesar's ascetic nature rejects fun and frivolity. Even Pompey reminds Antony and his close followers that it is not 'an Alexandrian feast.' This reflects what Caesar is probably thinking, however Caesar does not state this idea directly, he avoids the issue of Egypt, because it most probably discomforts him; this again emphasises the characteristics of Caesar; showing the audience his rigid, Patrician character. What Caesar disagrees with is what Antony, pursues when in Egypt. Caesar doesn't admire the weakness of people who enjoy these activities, he believes that it is un-soldierlike. This is slightly hypocritical as Caesar himself is criticised for his lack of action during war. Antony explains how Caesar, during a battle at Philippi 'kept His sword e'en like a dancer.' This shows how Caesar is more concerned with tactics and planning, which shows his organisation and efficiency, however the fact that he admires Antony's soldier-ship seems ironic, as he does little fighting himself. His admiration of Antony makes the reader think that the relationship between the two is in some ways unnecessarily contrasted. Caesar says how Antony 'Was borne so like a soldier.' this compliment towards Antony initially makes the reader think that he respects him, however the reader is told how Antony is a much better soldier than Caesar. Pompey, keenly aware of Antony's superiority to both Octavius and Lepidus on the field, claims that 'his soldier-ship Is twice the other twain.' Pompey fears Antony but not Octavius or Lepidus and Shakespeare uses his objective assessment to confirm the contrast between Antony, the practical soldier, and Octavius the theoretical strategist. This explains why Caesar won't fight Antony, which shows a sensible nature, but also how he is cowardly, the opposite of Antony, yet he is still a gracious victor in his winnings, but he doesn't fight in Wars himself.
What is interesting is Caesar's reaction to the deaths of Antony and Cleopatra. There are suggestions that Caesar believes that they could have been successful partners. He says about them 'that our stars Unreconciliable.' It makes it seem as though Caesar believes it to be almost inevitable, as if it were fate that the ending was so tragic. This cours from coursework.info
The way in which Caesar is compassionate when finding out about Cleopatra's death, again highlights the idea that he does show some regret and remorse concerning his relationship with Antony. Caesar announces, concerning Cleopatra that 'she shall be buried by her Antony.' Caesar is noble and compassionate, which is somewhat out of character in saying this; he is completely against their relationship when they are alive, yet in their deaths he shows respect towards the two as a couple. He refers to them as 'A pair so famous.' This shows that Caesar does have some sentimentality.
This is unexpected due to the fact that it is clear that Caesar admires strength, so one could think that he would look less upon Antony in particular, as he took his own life through love, which is not particularly recognised as an honourable "Roman" act. Caesar is a tactical leader who thinks and leads with his head, not his heart. Using this idea one could assume that Caesar would criticise Antony's behaviour and refer to him as weak and irrational, with no self-discipline. These two ideas contrast each other, however Shakespeare reveals this at the end of the play, which means that a lot of dramatic tension has been produced. Shakespeare does show his complexity subtly throughout the play, but clarifies it right at the end, which shows Caesar adopting an almost opposite attitude.
The relationship between Caesar and his sister Octavia has a certain closeness, suggesting that he is a loving brother, which shows that he does have a heart and not just a tactical head. Caesar refers to his sister as 'a great part of myself' and shows his sentimentality when speaking to her. He tells her how 'time shall not Out-go my thinking on you.' He says this when she is leaving with Antony, his fellow triumvirate, and one person who he disagrees with for the majority of the play. This shows us that Caesar does and can care about things other than War. He is also very protective towards her and also rather haughty. When Octavia returns to Rome she is rather discreet in her entry, which Caesar deems inappropriate. He tells her how 'The wife of Antony should have an army for an usher.' He seems to lavish on status. His attitude is very ostentatious and keeps to Jacobean ideals, however his thirst for perfect entrances and permanent tradition highlights his arrogant superiority, which again shows a complete contrast with Antony. Antony has a very informal relationship with his followers. He has a particularly close relationship with Enobarbus, which can be recognised throughout the entire play. He is also more light-hearted than Caesar, especially when he is in Egypt, and sometimes says things which Caesar would completely disapprove of. Within the opening scene Antony describes how he feels about Rome. He says how they should 'Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch Of the ranged empire fall.' This shows how Antony appears less loyal, towards Rome, but it is clear throughout the rest of the play that he is loyal to other things such as his followers. This is the opposite of Caesar, who is very loyal towards his duties and country, and less so to his soldiers and fellow leaders. Eros tells the audience how Caesar, concerning Lepidus 'made use of him' and 'denied him rivality.' This highlights Caesar's disloyal attitude and his unscrupulous methods of work. This hypothesis from coursework.info
What is interesting is the similarity this has with Cleopatra's attitude. She is very glamorous and extravagant even when she is committing suicide. She requests Charmian and Iras to perform the extravagant act. 'Give me my robe, put on my crown.' This shows us her "loving" of being superior and being gazed at in amazement, which is consequently what Caesar wishes upon his sister and himself, by expecting 'an army for an usher.' Caesar requires and wishes for formalities when even performing simple tasks such as walking down a street. Cleopatra however has different ideas, and is rather more informal. Enobarbus tells the audience how he 'saw her once Hop forty paces through the public street.' This shows the audience her informal nature, which is a contrast to Caesar's rather introverted disposition.
In contrast to this idea that Caesar is a loving and protective brother, the way in which he uses her unscrupulously as a political device shows his cunning, devious, nature. The marriage of Antony and Octavia is no more than a social expectancy. Caesar deems it appropriate for his equal to marry his sister, he blatantly knows that Antony loves Cleopatra, and yet he still allows his sister to marry into a relationship which is clearly produced for political means only.
Caesar contradicts himself in certain situations, for example when visiting Egypt he subtly insults Cleopatra by asking 'which is the Queen of Egypt.' The fact that he has to ask, which one is Cleopatra, firstly is most probably a stupid question, as it is more than likely obvious, and it also shows his immaturity. He acts almost petty, by assuming that she looks or acts no differently to one of her servants. He is also looking down on Cleopatra; he is probably the only person who was not susceptible to Cleopatra's charm, charisma and immense beauty. However within this subtle insult Caesar refers to Cleopatra as 'Queen of Egypt.' This does show a respect amongst leaders, which again shows his efficiency and loyalty to his status and position.coeg egr seegegw oreg egk ineg foeg eg;
It is clever and effective how Shakespeare has portrayed Caesar in 'Antony and Cleopatra' he has a large impact into the tension in the play, due to his contradicting views and attitudes. It is clear how complex the character of Caesar is. The way, in which Corin Redgrave portrayed the character of Octavius Caesar in the 1975 Royal Shakespeare Company performance, has increasingly helped to clarify certain ideas, which arose in the play. His blank, rather monotone appearance, and his limited sign of facial expressions throughout the entire play gave the impression that the character of Caesar is dull, boring and rather more concerned with tactics and war, which does oppose the ideals and attitudes of Antony, and it is these contrasting views and methods of work which enable the audience to understand and recognise the complexity of Caesar's character.