The Context of Anthony and Cleopatra Act 4 Scene 15

The Context of Anthony and Cleopatra Act 4 Scene 15 The death of Anthony, as with all stage deaths, this is carefully staged ensuring the required response by the audience. Anthony might be cradled in Cleopatra's arms, but the delivery of their final lines has to be heard by the audience creating dramatic effect. Cleopatra's disintegration is apparent after Anthony's death as she to wishes to commit suicide "but resolution, and the briefest end". As Cleopatra falls to the ground, her followers assume she has died, as she stares she regains a certain amount of self-control and calmly contemplates suicide. Her follows appear dismayed, but are positively encouraged to cheer up. Anthony's body is transported out a differing way from his entry. There appears on the whole a lack of activity in the scene in comparison to previous scenes. Anthony dies in Cleopatra's arms, and now contemplates suicide in her lament subsequent to Anthony's death "come we have no friends". Caesar seems adamant that she must live to be paraded through the streets of Rome as part of his triumphant victory. Cleopatra views herself as a trophy of war and an exhibition of Caesars achievements. Cleopatra has makes a subconscious decision to die than be paraded like an object. A battle of wishes ensues and readers look to see who will for fill their goals in the following scenes. In the prior scenes we see

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Enobarbus's famous speech clearly shows an admiring opinion of Cleopatra from a Roman perspective. He begins by intensely describing 'the barge she sat in' had 'burned on the water

'How does this contribute to your view of Cleopatra?' In the course of your answer look closely at the language, imagery and tone of the passage, also comment on what it suggests about Cleopatra and Egypt. This passage paints a very vivid image of the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. Shakespeare uses a great deal of hyperbolic imagery and exaggerated language to achieve this. The tone of Enobarbus seems quite excited and eager; it's clear that he feels comfortable describing his antics in Egypt and the beauty of its enchanting queen. Enobarbus's famous speech clearly shows an admiring opinion of Cleopatra from a Roman perspective. He begins by intensely describing 'the barge she sat in' had 'burned on the water.' This cosmic imagery of the barge reveals to us that it was so captivating it overrides the known fact that water extinguishes fire; Enobarbus is exclaiming that the burning barge is so powerful it reverses the role of the elements. I think this could also symbolise Cleopatra's personality. The elements are also perceived to be in awe of Cleopatra as well as 'her people', and clearly Enobarbus; 'the winds were lovesick' 'the water which they beat... amorous of their strokes.' Shakespeare has personified nature to show that Cleopatra is so captivating and magnificent the elements have fallen for her instantly, much like 'when she first met Mark Antony, she pursed up his

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Compare and contrast Shakespeare and North's version of the first meeting between Anthony and Cleopatra.

Compare and contrast Shakespeare and North's version of the first meeting between Anthony and Cleopatra. Having returned to Rome to meet his fellow triumvirs Anthony has just agreed to marry Octavia, Caesars sister. Anthony agreed to this to close the gap between his and Caesars friendship and to get rid of the rift between them. As a result of this action Enobarbus starts to reminisce about the first encounter of Anthony and Cleopatra. Enobarbus was chosen to make this famous speech because he is a believable character. He seems the most human character throughout this play and acts probably how a member of the audience would in the situations. He is a man of the world. He is captured by Cleopatra's beauty but in theory he is not in love. Many of the actual words used in used in Shakespeare's version are the same, however, North's description in it appeals to the imagination. North's version of this beautiful scene lacks imagery and is so much less figurative than Shakespeare and the images themselves aren't as interesting. Shakespeare uses alliteration to add rhythm; this was done deliberately and sounds more poetic this way. It adds to the flow, "barge she sat in like a banished throne, burned on the water". The word throne suggests majesty. In North's version he fails to make use of alliteration thus taking away the flow and rhythm that is seen in Shakespeare's

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Antony And Cleopatra

Compare and contrast the way in which Roman values are presented in Act II Scene II and the way that Egyptian values begin to impinge upon the value of the Roman states and know how exactly other Romans fall under the spell Act II Scene II is a rich piece of text, replete with oppositional imagery. We have the duty, honour and strategical strength of Rome pitted against the description of Cleopatra and the world of Egypt in a profligate hyperbolic manner. From the very commencement of Act II Scene II we are met with the third Triumvir, Lepidus, who is neither gallant like Antony nor politically judicious like Caesar. He lacks the power and command of his fellow triumvirs, he vainly tries to maintain a balance of power by keeping Caesar and Antony on amiable terms. He attempts to enlist the support of Enobarbus, Antony's trusted friend. The language Lepidus uses is far from authoritative even though he is a Triumvir, "Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed, and shall become you well, to entreat your captain, to soft and gentle speech." However Enobarbus replies that he will "entreat him / To answer like himself." Here we are met with the opposition of authority within the Romans. Lepidus' opening speech shows that he is, indeed, a meek, mild- mannered man who attempts to please and offend no one. He tells the other Triumvirs, "That which combined us was most great, and let not

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What do you think about the ways in which Shakespeare presents two of his main characters in Act One?

What do you think about the ways in which Shakespeare presents two of his main characters in Act One? In Anthony and Cleopatra Shakespeare uses a variety of methods to present his characters and further develop them. Through their speech, especially their language, tone and syntax we learn a great deal about them. Their course of action also affects the way in which they are perceived, as does other character's views of them. Each of these is an important factor when establishing a character's personality and the playwright must carefully consider all of them. Every word that leaves the characters lips is important and a singular misplaced one can change the way in which the audience view them for the remainder of the play. It is obvious when studying the characters of Anthony and Enobarbus that Shakespeare has carefully considered all of the previously mentioned factors in order to present them exactly as he intended. The audience is first introduced to the character of Anthony through his fellow officer, Philo. They hear how: 'His captain's heart, Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper And is become the bellows and the fan To cool a gipsy's lust.' In this opening speech Shakespeare confronts any of the audience's preconceptions of Anthony being a strong, dominant character and challenges them. Instead, he

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What is the significance of Act four scene eight?

What is the significance of Act four scene eight? Just like before in the play the audience thought that Anthony was down and out. Some of his men had deserted him "that has this morning left thee" and gone to join with his enemy. Even his best friend Enobarbus had left his side "call for Enobarbus, he shall not hear thee" "he is with Caesar" and all odds were against him for winning the war. An Act that began with a defeated Anthony it was expected that it would be his last fight and that he would die in the arms of Cleopatra. In a memorable scene before the great battle Cleopatra had helped Anthony put on his armour and had watched him go "forth gallantly". Anthony had fought as her soldier and her lover, for him all that Rome and Egypt mean to him reunite as if to wish him good-bye before he dies. However, against all odds he manages to defeat Caesar and "beat him back to his camp". Anthony here uses very monosyllabic language, which reflects on newfound unity of self. This is a moment of triumph and glory for Anthony it is also a high point for the audience. Although this is supposed to be Anthony's big moment, he is supposed to bask in glory, his first thoughts are of Cleopatra "Let the queen know of our gests". He wants to let his "Queen" know of his achievements so that she is not to worry. At this point in the play Anthony would be played with great excitement. He

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How, in your opinion, does Shakespeare use language throughout the play to present Cleopatra's

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA How, in your opinion, does Shakespeare use language throughout the play to present Cleopatra's "Infinite variety" to the audience? Enobarbus uses the phrase "infinite variety" to describe the beauty and wonder of Cleopatra to Agrippa and Maecenas in Act 2 Scene 2. In the context of the whole play I believe it is a perfect description of how Cleopatra uses the different aspects of her character. Shakespeare uses language, imagery and structure to show the different sides of her personality. This allows Cleopatra to be interpreted in many ways by the actress and the audience. One of the ways Shakespeare presents Cleopatra throughout the play is as a queen. Cleopatra's language emphasises her royal status in Act 3 Scene 7 when she says "as the president of my kingdom" to Enobarbus before the battle of Actium. Using the phrase "my kingdom" to refer to Egypt highlights her power and authority, which is used to win the argument with Enobarbus over her involvement in the battle. This shows how Cleopatra changes her character to best suit the situation. In both Antony and Cleopatra's final scenes Cleopatra is shown by Shakespeare to be a queen rather than a woman or lover. In Act 4 Scene 14 the character of Antony says to Cleopatra "I'm dying, Egypt, dying", this presents her as primarily a queen and a ruler. I believe this is of further importance to

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Discuss what Enobarbus calls Cleopatra's "infinite variety"

Discuss what Enobarbus calls Cleopatra's "infinite variety" In Act 2 Scene 2 of the play Enobarbus refers to Cleopatra as having an "infinite variety", this is conceivably in reference to her ever changing personality and her rapidly shifting moods. Throughout the play a wide range of moods are displayed by Shakespeare through her character, from a loving and caring woman, to an evil and manipulative queen. In the scene where she is described as having "infinite variety" Enobarbus is giving an overall description of her boat and its magnificence which only compliments the beauty of Cleopatra herself. This suggestion of her being of extraordinary beauty is carried right through the play through many other characters actions and descriptions. Not only do we gather the impression that she is beautiful form the way Antony is so seduced and enticed by her but also descriptions from characters like Enobarbus. It is apparent that the boat is set to symbolise her in likeness and beauty. "...like a burnished throne" Quotations like this again exemplify the thought and history of her successful reign over Egypt and her unpredictable success as a female ruler. The Greek historian Mestrius Plutarchus views Cleopatra as a purely negative influence over Antony and this view is displayed in some of his workings. "...if any spark of goodness or hope of rising were left in him,

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Comparative Commentary - Enobarbus' discourse in Act II Scene 2 of Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" & TS. Eliot's poem "A Game of Chess"

Comparative Commentary: Enobarbus' discourse in Act II Scene 2 of Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" & TS. Eliot's poem "A Game of Chess" The particularity about these two passages is that although written centuries apart, they reflect each other through language, subject matter and universality. The verse "The Chair she sat in, like a burnished throne, glowed on the marble" from TS. Eliot's poem A Game of Chess has long been acknowledged as a direct allusion to Enobarbus' description of the genuine and natural Cleopatra in Act II Scene 2 of Shakespeare's tragedy Antony and Cleopatra. Likewise, I believe that the verse "O'erpicturing that Venus where we see the fancy outwork nature," from Shakespeare's play can be interpreted as being an inspiration to TS. Eliot's creation of the materialistic and artificial woman in his poem. Indeed, a major similarity between these two passages is that although they are both essentially about a woman, in neither passage is the woman really described. It is rather the woman's milieu and her effect on her surroundings that are described in great depth and detail. This makes the setting and the atmosphere of the two passages key to the understanding of whom each woman is, since they are the reader's only source of information concerning her. Therefore, instead of being directly and explicitly described, each woman gradually and

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What is Lost and what is Gained by Antony in the Play

What is Lost and what is Gained by Antony in the Play Throughout the play Antony finds himself torn between the Rome of his duty and the Alexandria of his pleasure. He does not know whether to give in to his personal pleasures or maintain his status and fulfil his obligations to the state of Rome. He plays into Cleopatra's hands, who takes over his better judgement turning him from the "Demi-Atlas of this world" to a "strumpet's fool". Even Caesar complemented Antony on how great a soldier he was, "Was borne so like a soldier that thy cheek so much as lanked not." There is also a great clash between the East and West. The Romans are angry towards the East (mainly at Cleopatra) for taking away one of their greatest leaders and generals. They think of Cleopatra merely as a whore with a flair for drama (In the first scene Philo, who symbolically represents the Romans, calls Cleopatra a "Strumpet"). But to view Cleopatra in such a way would be wrong because this is only how the Romans portray her to be. The play is also based upon the ideas of politics, such as when Caesar's sister, Octavia marries Antony so that Caesar and Antony would return to good terms again. It would also show the Roman public that Antony had forgotten about his love affair with Cleopatra and had returned to Rome for good. But when Antony returns to Egypt and Octavia comes back to Caesar her quiet

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  • Subject: English
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