"Rare Egyptian" or "Foul Egyptian"? Discuss how Cleopatra is presented to us. What is the audience's final judgement on her? - Antony and Cleopatra

Alice Fodor "Rare Egyptian" or "Foul Egyptian"? Discuss how Cleopatra is presented to us. What is the audience's final judgement on her? Antony and Cleopatra is a very unusual play for a number of reasons. It deals with many different issues and themes, for example the struggle to balance political and personal life, the unconventionality of a female ruler, the different worlds and values of Egypt and Rome, and the sense of identity and public reputation. Because of this, Cleopatra is forced into playing many different roles, such as queen, lover, woman and public icon. One main aspect of Cleopatra's presentation throughout the play is her charm, and powers of seduction. Even in Act 1 Scene 1 she is displaying this, when she first comes onto the stage, laughing and flirting with Antony. Her first line of the play is, "if it be love indeed, tell me how much". This conveys her as a happy, hedonistic, frivolous woman, with nothing to worry about except her love. We are endeared to this image, as it sets a positive tone for the beginning of the play, and most women either can or want to identify with Cleopatra's seemingly successful relationship. It appears successful because we see them giggling together and there is no suggestion of any tension between them; however, very soon after this we see Cleopatra ordering Antony to "hear the ambassadors" and we get the feeling of an

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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

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How does Shakespeare make the audience aware of Cleopatra's 'infinite variety' in the opening act and maintain this impression throughout the play?

How does Shakespeare make the audience aware of Cleopatra's 'infinite variety' in the opening act and maintain this impression throughout the play? Cleopatra was a talented mistress who used her feminine charm for personal gain. She was seductive, lustful, flirtatious, and sarcastic, she had courage, and she was jealous, spiteful, very violent and impatient. She was a woman of many contrasts, facets and changing moods. Shakespeare shows these different aspects of her character in the first act then goes on to build on them throughout the play. In the opening scene straight away we enter into Philo and Demetrius' - friends of Antony - conversation, the subject of which is Cleopatra, Philo is not speaking very highly of her saying she has, '. . .a tawny front. . .' suggesting she is dark-skinned but he is doing so in an uncomplimentary way. In the same conversation he calls Cleopatra a 'gipsy' meaning a loose woman; this straight away gives us the impression that Cleopatra isn't very popular with the friends of Antony. Cleopatra and Antony then enter, we see Cleopatra being flirtatious as soon as she appears on the stage, 'If it be love indeed tell me how much you love me' Antony replies, 'There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd'. Here, Antony is saying that the love that can be exactly estimated must be a poor one. Cleopatra still replies with, 'I'll set a bourn how

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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

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Enobarbus describes Cleopatra as 'a wonderful piece of work' How far would you agree with this view? In your answer you should include detail and reference to the language and action of at least two passages.

Enobarbus describes Cleopatra as 'a wonderful piece of work' How far would you agree with this view? In your answer you should include detail and reference to the language and action of at least two passages. Enobarbus is Antony's right hand man aiding him with important political and social matters. We can see that he is not afraid to speak his mind in the most powerful of company. 'Or,if you borrow one another's love for instant, You may, when your hear no more words of Pompey, return it again. You shall have time to wrangle in when you have nothing else to do' It seems that Enobarbus has the clarity and lack of emotional attachment that Antony requires. Antony is completely infatuated with Cleopatra and Enobarbus is aware that Antony will never leave her .His opinion of Cleopatra comes from a worried friend as well as a responsible political aid to Antony. The statement is a double entendre and can be construed in two different ways. At first we can see that Enobarbus expresses both a genuine admiration for Cleopatra 'Alack,sir,no he passion are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love' He then however implies and expresses the dangerous and unpredictability of Cleopatra personality. This is emphasised by the natural imagery used that brings on connotations of a dangerous and unpredictable personality 'they are greater storms and tempests then almanacs can

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Explore Shakespeare's presentation of EITHER Cleopatra OR Antony in Act three Scene thirteen. How typical is their presentation here of the rest of the play?The presentation of Cleopatra in Act three Scene thirteen

Explore Shakespeare's presentation of EITHER Cleopatra OR Antony in Act three Scene thirteen. How typical is their presentation here of the rest of the play? The presentation of Cleopatra in Act three Scene thirteen is quite ambiguous. Her presentation in the rest of the play is also very contrasting and distinct. I believe Shakespeare concentrated on demonstrating Cleopatra's personality and ambiguity to emphasise that, being the only central female in the play, it is even more surprising that she manages to act the way she does, with such an alarming range of emotions, for example forging illness for attention and accusing Antony of leaving Egypt for the wrong reasons. I think that Shakespeare wanted her character to be spontaneous, dramatic and attractive towards men so that the audience would build up very strong opinions of her, whether they are good or bad. Throughout the play so far, Cleopatra has been presented as a very confident woman who adores playing numerous tricks with Antony. By Shakespeare creating the sense that Cleopatra controls Antony through her witty actions and words, it re-enforces her role in the novel as an independent, slightly deceitful woman. (1.1.14) 'If it be love indeed, tell me how much', this displays Cleopatra's clear determination in wanting to know how she is thought of by Antony. Shakespeare presents Cleopatra like this to prove that

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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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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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Explore the love between antony and cleopatra throughout shakespeares play

Explore the presentation of the love between Antony and Cleopatra. Throughout the play Shakespeare presents the emotion between Antony and Cleopatra in many different ways that could be interpreted as love, or perhaps lust and nothing more. Antony is shown to be besotted whilst Cleopatra is seen as a woman of 'infinite variety' and although high maintenance, in my opinion she did love Antony and seemed to do everything within her power to keep him with her. At the beginning of this play we see Cleopatra testing Antony's love for her. 'If it be love indeed, tell me how much.' Suggests that Cleopatra is demanding of him, she enjoys the compliments paid to her, increasing her ego. This gives the impression of Cleopatra being the dominant figure in their relationship. She continues her demanding nature with 'I'll set a bourn how far to be beloved!' meaning she will limit how far she is prepared to be loved. Antony's response that 'then thou must needs find out now heaven, new earth' shows that as far as he can be concerned there is absolutely no limit that can be defined by human knowledge or experience. 'Let Rome in Tiber melt' shows Antony declaring that his love is so strong that he is prepared to ignore Caesar's demands and his roman duties in order to stay with her. This declaration of his love creates an image to the audience that Antony is actually in love with her. A

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Consider the variety and range of Enobarbus' dramatic contribution to the play 'Antony and Cleopatra'.

Shakespeare uses Enobarbus in a number of ways during the play 'Antony and Cleopatra'. Primarily his strong fraternal bond with Antony allows Shakespeare to reveal Antony's inner thoughts and feelings to a loyal and trusted counsellor. But he has more significance than simply as an 'ear' or a shoulder to lean on for Antony. He also acts as a go-between for the audience expressing support, doubts, caution and warmth as occasion requires. He is a man of intellect, experience, perception, intuition and often Shakespeare uses him to anticipate future events and comment on past follies. At times Shakespeare gives Enobarbus great poetry and at other times the cynical prose of the realist. Shakespeare uses Enobarbus's betrayal of Antony and subsequent death to intensify the feeling of the tragedy as the play draws to a close. The first time Enobarbus begins to build his character is in I,ii, where Antony is talking to him about how he must leave Egypt and go to Rome. This is when we notice the extent of Enobarbus and Antony's fraternity with one another. Shakespeare shows Enobarbus to be more respected through juxtaposition. He juxtaposes an area of speech where Antony is rash and rude to a messenger with a part where he is seeking advice from Enobarbus. This is a dramatic contrast and therefore allows us to see, very clearly how much Enobarbus means to Antony. "well, what worst?"

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