An examination of Shakespeare's treatment towards suicide between Antony, Cleopatra and Enobarbus
An examination of Shakespeare's treatment towards suicide between Antony, Cleopatra and Enobarbus Shakespeare has created three strong characters within the play Antony and Cleopatra. Their attitudes to death and mortality in the play have little similarities as Antony, Cleopatra and Enobarbus all approach the issue differently. Enobarbus, for example, acquires a broken heart after regrettably leaving the side of Antony to join forces with Caesar. He is ashamed at what he has done and feels he has acted wrongly. When the messenger sent by Antony gives Enobarbus his treasure, it makes him feel guiltier for his disloyalty to his close friend. At this point, the option of suicide becomes apparent as Enobarbus speaks of his death which would be a way of ending his broken heart. At the end of Act IV, Enobarbus feels not worthy and exits by saying; 'go seek / some ditch wherein to die...' It isn't until Scene 9 that Enobarbus carries out his suicide. He looks up to the moon and addresses it, as this is associated with mental instability and asks the moon to witness his repentance and for the forgiveness of Antony, and in line 23 he stabs himself uttering Antony's name. Enobarbus' death showed his weakness to carry on with the guilt of leaving Antony. He felt so ashamed of his actions and saw the only way to fix the wrong doing was to end his life as he was the one at fault.
Evaluate his taints and honours, thus enabling us to draw our own conclusions about the character of Antony.
At the beginning of the play, Philo, one of Antony's officers suggests that the once great leader has been transformed "into a strumpets fool". At this early stage the seed has been planted in our minds that Antony's infatuation with Cleopatra has tarnished his former greatness. The thoughts of Antony's officers differ from that of Maecenas' as he feels that Antony's "taints and honours waged equal within him". The statement made by Maecenas and the contrasting views of Antony's followers are thought provoking, causing us to evaluate his taints and honours, thus enabling us to draw our own conclusions about the character of Antony. To enable me to make this decision I will focus on Antony's qualities as a soldier, as a leader, as a friend, and the numerous relationships that he is involved in. It's these factors that shape the character of Antony and play a pivotal role in his rise and fall. The opening scene provides us with an insight into the thoughts of the Roman soldiers on Antony. They feel that Cleopatra has manipulated him into turning his back on Rome and neglecting his public duty as Philo says, "And he is become the bellows and the fan to cool a gypsy's lust" These thoughts are reinforced by Antony himself when he protests, "Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch of the ranged empire fall". It would seem as though the Roman officers are correct in their
"The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpet's Fool." Is this an accurate view of Antony?
"The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpet's Fool." Is this an accurate view of Antony? Shakespeare's chief source for Antony and Cleopatra was Plutarch's Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romanes translated by Thomas North (1579). Plutarch largely portrayed Mark Antony as a vain and dissolute character, juxtaposed against the heroism and virtues of his compatriots. Shakespeare plays down these attributes for more dramatic effect, choosing to make Antony a more complex, three-dimensional, and ultimately flawed character. Antony could be said to be the object of focus throughout the whole play, as his time on stage is spent always in the middle, and while his presence is absent, he is constantly the subject of conversation. Through this we are able to make our own judgements of whether "Antony becomes his flow", or whether we agree with Cleopatra's description of him as a "Herculean Roman". Cleopatra humiliates Antony in front of Demetrius, Philo, Charmian, Iris, eunuchs and Cleopatra's ladies by scalding Antony with her harsh words: "Thou blushest, Antony, and that blood of thine is Caesar's homager." The domestic arguing in the presence of those of lower status is somewhat embarrassing for a "Herculean Roman", and transforms Antony into a "strumpet's fool". In addition to this, Antony surrenders to Cleopatra: "Let Rome in Tiber melt and the wide arch
Examine the ways in which tragedy is presented in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.
Examine the ways in which tragedy is presented in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Shakespeare's presentation of tragedy in this play is very clear, in that he adheres to the accepted formula of what tragedy entails. However, to analyse thoroughly the means by which Shakespeare evokes the tragic elements of the plot, we must first understand what makes a tragedy. Aristotle's Poetics presents a precise definition of what tragedy is. Tragedy involves a person having a negative change of fortune, often leading to their demise. However, this change does not occur because of some moral defect or depravity, rather due to an internal error within the person, which is also intrinsic to their personality. Antony's weakness seems to be his love for Cleopatra and his inability to decide whether he should pursue duty or personal pleasures, a fault made visible by Shakespeare's presentation of Rome and Egypt, and the rapid alternation of scenes between the two. Rome is quickly established as a metaphor for Antony's responsibilities, and of Egypt, represented by Cleopatra, we are told that the "beds ... are soft". The differences between Rome and Egypt are made so apparent not only by the constant shift in scenery between the two, but also by the characters chosen by Shakespeare to represent the two places. The fact that Cleopatra is often called "Egypt", not only in reference to her
Antony and Cleopatra Scene summary Act 3.
Antony and Cleopatra Scene summary Act3 scene 4 Location- Athens At act 3 scene 1 line 36 we learn that Antony intends to go to Athens and at act3 scene 6 line 65 Octavia believes he is still there. According to Plutarch Antony was in Tarentum when Octavia spoke the words given to her in line 12-20 but Shakespeare in this scene departs from Plutarch who reports that she sent them not to Antony but to Caesar, the dramatist presumably wanted to avoid giving Octavia to similar scenes with her brother and decided to give her one with Antony and one with Caesar act 3 scene 6. As a result this present scene prepares the audience for her meeting with her brother in act 3 scene 6, it shows the rift between Antony and Caesar starting to develop rapidly, much more rapidly than in historical fact. Enobarbuses prediction at the end of act 2 scene 6 is now proving correct. Act 3 scene 5 Location Alexandria Several historical events are compressed into the scene including Caesars dismissal of Lepidus from the triumvirate, and the murder of Pompey lines 18-19. The roman world is now divided between Caesar and Antony who are coming closer to outright conflict 13-15, 19-20. Act 3 scene 6 Location- Rome In this scene Shakespeare again closely follows Plutarch, who describes how Antonys arrogance and contempt for the Roman people gradually aroused their hostility towards him.
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
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
Antony and Cleopatra Summary.
Antony and Cleopatra Summary Mark Antony one of the three rulers of the Roman Empire, spends his time in Egypt, living a life of decadence and conducting an affair with the country's beautiful queen, Cleopatra. When a message arrives informing him that his wife, Fulvia, is dead and that Pompey is raising an army to rebel against the triumvirate, Antony decides to return to Rome. In Antony's absence, Octavius Caesar and Lepidus, his fellow triumvirs, worry about Pompey's increasing strength. Caesar condemns Antony for neglecting his duties as a statesman and military officer in order to live a decadent life by Cleopatra's side. The news of his wife's death and imminent battle pricks Antony's sense of duty, and he feels compelled to return to Rome. Upon his arrival, he and Caesar quarrel, while Lepidus ineffectually tries to make peace. Realizing that an alliance is necessary to defeat Pompey, Antony and Caesar agree that Antony will marry Caesar's sister, Octavia, who will solidify their loyalty to one another. Enobarbus, Antony's closest friend, predicts to Caesar's men that, despite the marriage, Antony will surely return to Cleopatra. In Egypt, Cleopatra learns of Antony's marriage and flies into a jealous rage. However, when a messenger delivers word that Octavia is plain and unimpressive, Cleopatra becomes confident that she will win Antony back. The triumvirs meet
In the play "Antony and Cleopatra", the character of Cleopatra is one of many dimensions and she can be seen a person of complex diversity.
In the play "Antony and Cleopatra", the character of Cleopatra is one of many dimensions and she can be seen a person of complex diversity. Her personality is implied to the reader that Cleopatra takes life as one big celebration most of her time in Egypt. Cleopatra loves the richness of her own queen status and loves the celebration that comes with it. Her personality varies because she can change from being a woman with dignity to a playful woman. Her sudden changes in behaviour are often difficult to predict or comprehend and happen frequently throughout the play. The audience can never guess what Cleopatra is going to do next. This is why Enobarbus observes that Cleopatra has 'infinite variety'. Whether it is an accurate observation is what people question when looking at the famous Enobarbus speech of Cleopatra, is the question. When looking at Enobarbus, because he is Roman, he may have put his feeling across in the speech for political reasons, for example to be in a favourable position in Antony's views, and yet this speech is rich and almost Egyptian in its sentiment. He disapproves of Cleopatra in principle, yet is overcome by her appearance on the barge. His appreciation of Egypt and its queen, together with his wit and humour make him the perfect vehicle for the exotic description of Cleopatra given to his peers from Caesars entourage. But she deserves this
How is Cleopatra's infinite variety' reflected in the language that she uses? In your answer, you should include detailed references to at least two passages from the play.
How is Cleopatra's infinite variety' reflected in the language that she uses? In your answer, you should include detailed references to at least two passages from the play. Annette Ankrah In my essay I will take 'infinite variety' and use it to describe Cleopatra's changing personality. From the outskirts of the play she is seen as being an unstable character, but emphasises various different characteristics, which I will explore, using the language she uses. The passages I will cover will be the messengers bad news, the messengers return and Cleopatra's conversation with her ladies in waiting. Her 'infinite variety' can be reflected well in these three passages. Cleopatra is initially portrayed to us as being deeply in love with Antony as she is constantly worrying over him. 'Antony' dead' Cleopatra says this to the messenger in Act two Scene five, this shows her anticipation and love for Antony as she jumps to the conclusion that he is dead. This brings a sense of dramatic irony to the play, as the audience is aware of Cleopatra' love for Antony may be too intense. Cleopatra waits to hear the news about Antony from the messenger; she uses metaphorical language to make it clear to the messenger that he should not bring bad news. 'Thou shoulds't come like a fury crown'd with snakes, not like a formal man'. This is a sign that she can be easily angered, the metaphor she
Antony and Cleopatra
Antony and Cleopatra "I will seek some way/to leave him" Looking closely at the sequence of events in Act III discuss why Enobarbus decides to leave Antony. At the start of the scene we see the more cynical side of Enobarbus as he is talking with Agrippa and mocking the leaders of the triumvirate. Enobarbus says "but how dearly he loves Mark Antony" and Agrippa "O, how he loves Caesar". This in my opinion is Shakespeare foreshadowing Enobarbus leaving Antony for Caesar. This short conversation between the characters also brings into question Enobarbus' loyalty to his superiors, mainly in this case, Antony. Later in the Act we see Cleopatra and Enobarbus in the middle of a heated discussion about the forthcoming war. Cleopatra insists that she will be in the battle representing Egypt as "the president of my kingdom" and she says that she will "Appear there for a man". Enobarbus can't understand this and his confusion is apparent through the repetition in the replies to Cleopatra, for example "but why, why, why?" and "Well, is it, is it?" Enobarbus seems to be the only character in the play that has the courage to criticise Cleopatra. He doesn't give into her, but persists in arguing. This was also demonstrated earlier in the play were Enobarbus spoke out in the forum towards Caesar. Enobarbus tells Cleopatra that "your presence needs must puzzle Antony/Take from