An exploration of the way in which Shakespeare presents the character of Enobarbus and his role in 'Antony and Cleopatra'. Domitius Enobarbus is a significant character throughout the play

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Stewart Dickson 6yo

An exploration of the way in which Shakespeare presents the character of Enobarbus and his role in ‘Antony and Cleopatra’.

Domitius Enobarbus is a significant character throughout the play and his presence serves many functions. Unlike Charmian and Iras, he doesn't merely play a supportive role and he could be considered one of the main characters in the play. Shakespeare has developed the character of Enobarbus quite extensively and in doing so is able to use him to reveal more about the other characters.  Enobarbus is ‘the moral heart’ of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, being the truth teller, the cynical observer and the audience’s guide. He dies of a broken heart after being torn between the two sides of his character, self preservation and his loyalty to Antony. Shakespeare uses Enobarbus on many occasions to shape the audiences reaction to a character or event they have just seen. Along with his ability to ignore political untruths and see things exactly how they are, Enobarbus becomes a pivotal character in the play and it is these attributes that create the impression of a cynical, forthright soldier.  

Enobarbus often functions as a commentator on events and on other characters. His judgments are generally detached and objective. Frequently, however, they are ironic or cynical as well. He scoffs at the great ones of the world and makes fun of the poses they assume. He comments on the political posturing between Caesar and Antony, ‘Let Antony look over Caesar’s head and speak as loud as Mars.’ It is his refusal to participate in political posturing that leads to his comments about the union to defeat Pompey.

‘If you borrow one others love for the instant,

you may, when you hear no more words of Pompey, return it

again. You shall have time to wrangle in when you have nothing

else to do.’

There is a cynical change in Enobarbus’ tone of voice, which shows his contempt of the situation that he is in. His understands the political posturing of the two leaders and tries to explain that it will only prevent their split for a short while. He is very strong of mind and is not afraid to speak it even in the most powerful company. Antony tries to quieten Enobarbus who calls himself the ‘truth’ when responding to Antony.

‘Antony - thou art a soldier only. Speak no more.

Enobarbus - That truth should be silent I had almost forgot.

Antony - You wrong this presence, therefore speak no more.

Enobarbus - Go to, then; your considerate stone.’

Twice he ignored a direct order given by his superior, in his sarcastic tone; this shows his refusal to participate in the act of deceitful political sham. It is this blunt attitude that allows him to realise that Antony and Octavia’s marriage will ‘Strangle’ the alliance between Antony and Caesar, whilst others believe not, he shares the audience’s thoughts with Maecenas.

        ‘Maecenas – Now Antony must leave her utterly.

        Enobarbus – Never; he will not:’

        There is a sense of finality in Enobarbus’ voice when he says ‘never’ he understands the connection between Antony and Cleopatra, something I will build upon further later on.

He is a very sardonic commentator on Lepidus and Caesar, for example he asks Agrippa ‘Will Caesar weep?’ pretending to be surprised that such a great man would show a human weakness. He also describes the masters of the world, saying ‘they are his shards, and he their beetle’; although this can be construed in two ways the most probable was of the dung beetle and pats of dung. Even using the insect imagery it is a very derogatory way of talking about superiors. It belittles Caesars power.

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Enobarbus reacts quickly when hearing the news of Lepidus’ impending execution by saying, ‘World, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more’ this image of destruction, dissolution and annihilation portrays Enobarbus forcast of war between the two most powerful people in the world.

When Antony first hears of Fulvia’s death we are offered an example of Enobarbus’ freedom to speak his mind, in that he tells Antony to ‘give the gods a thankful sacrifice’, essentially saying that Fulvia’s death is a good thing also claiming that ‘this grief is crowned with consolation;/ your old smock brings forth a new petticoat,’ ...

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