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
How does Shakespeare present the idea of Cleopatra as a powerful character?
Hannah Greenslade English Coursework Jan2004 How does Shakespeare present the idea of Cleopatra as a powerful character? The essential part of Cleopatra's motivation is towards Antony. She also needs to be the most powerful person in their relationship, for example when they first met, she insisted "it should be better he became her guest" (2.2.231). She likes to have the final say in things and maintain control over him, such as near the beginning of the play when she makes him listen to the messenger, "hear them, Antony" (1.1.20) One of her largest statements of power over him is when he follows her when she flees the sea battle. This shows her need to have power over him as a woman and in their personal relationship rather than as the Queen of Egypt with a need for power over Rome; her and Antony are fighting on the same side. There is use of hyperbole here when Antony says, "the shirt of Nessus is upon me" (4.12.43). He sees parallels between himself and Hercules, destroyed by Cleopatra as Hercules was by Deianira. This shows Antony's high opinion of himself and his status As a woman she loses out in love to Octavia. The point in which Antony first leaves her is when the audience sees the first signs of Cleopatra's love for him. She calls for narcotics to "sleep out this great gap of time/ My Antony is away."(1.5.5) Cleopatra believes that she
Cleopatra's credibility as a bewitching and paradoxical, "Royal Wench," relies heavily on Shakespeare's deliberate structure and use of language In Act 2 Scene 2?
Cleopatra's credibility as a bewitching and paradoxical, "Royal Wench," relies heavily on Shakespeare's deliberate structure and use of language In Act 2 Scene 2? In this scene Cleopatra is portrayed as a very bewitching and seductive woman. The just and unbiased Roman, Enobarbus, the truth teller of the play explains, to two followers of Caesar, his thoughts and feelings regarding Cleopatra. Enobarbus begins by telling us "the barge she sat in, like a burnished throne, Burned on the water." Shakespeare immediately uses language that enlightens us about Cleopatra's personality and figure. He uses this metaphor to tell us that Cleopatra is so seductive and fiery that she sets barges on fire with her amazingly seductive looks and unlimited lust. This action of water being on fire is transcending the impossible; this could be a reference to Cleopatra's capability to surpass the impossible, that she is such a woman that could do this. It is also a paradoxical statement, linking to Cleopatra's paradoxical and contradictory personality. The concept that an individual can be paradoxical implies a supernatural character. A physical depiction of this paradox is shown in this quotation. Enobarbus then goes on to use a lot of colour in his speech. For example, "purple," "silver," and "gold" are all very deep, royal and rich colours, adding to her sensuality. Gold and Silver are two
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,
How does Shakespeare use language to convey Enobarbus's wonder at Cleopatra nd her effect on the environment and Antony ?
How does Shakespeare use language to convey Enobarbus's wonder at Cleopatra and her effect on her environment and on Antony? Antony and Cleopatra is an historical tragedy by William Shakespeare first performed in the early 1600's. Cleopatra, one of the most seductive women of all time, renowned for her allure was Queen of Egypt and a lover of Julius Ceasar. She was very aware of her beauty and used it to toy with many men. One of these was Mark Antony - a Roman leader and one of the Triumvirates (one of three rulers of Rome alongside Julius Ceasar). At the time Egypt was under Roman rule having been conquered by their great armies. In Act Two, Scene Two Enobarbus is sitting at a table with two other Roman men (Agrippa and Mecaenas). They are both confused and curious as to Antony's behaviour around Cleopatra. Enobarbus is attempting to explain why Antony appears to be acting like a fool rather than as a leader of Rome. Enobarbus makes it quite clear that, in his opinion, Antony fell in love with Cleopatra the first moment he laid eyes on her, "She pursed up his heart upon the river of Cydnus." Her "triumphant" demeanour appears to have captivated Antony even before they had met and Enobarbus conveys that wonder through his vivid language. Through Enobarbus Shakespeare conveys to the audience that she is a regal and powerful woman, "The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd
It is said of Enobarbus that he understands everyone but himself. Do you agree?
It is said of Enobarbus that he understands everyone but himself. Do you agree? Enobarbus, Antony's most loyal supporter, is worldly and cynical; Enobarbus is friendly with the subordinates of both Pompey and Caesar, yet stays faithful to his master even after Antony makes grave political and military missteps. The fact that he is worldly and cynical could mean that he is quick to criticise and speak about others but what does Enobarbus know about himself? Being Antony's most loyal supporter Enobarbus shows not resistance or fear to be able to speak freely, mainly in private, with Antony, and often is used as a person to whom Antony confides in. This is demonstrated in Act I, Scene ii, as Antony explains how Cleopatra is "cunning past man's thought" (I.ii.146). In reply to this Enobarbus speaks very freely of his view of Cleopatra describing that '...her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love. We cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report. This cannot be cunning in her; if it be she makes a shower of rain as well as Jove.' (I, ii, 147-152). This quotation, spoken by Enobarbus, is showing that he has no fear in talking about people who are considerably more superior to himself. It is also showing that he not only has a rough understanding of Cleopatra but a detailed one, as he
Antony and Cleopatra
Antony and Cleopatra In Shakespeare's tragedy/history/Roman play Antony and Cleopatra, we are told the story of two passionate and power-hungry lovers. In the first two Acts of the play we are introduced to some of the problems and dilemmas facing the couple (such as the fact that they are entwined in an adulterous relationship, and that both of them are forced to show their devotion to Caesar). Along with being introduced to Antony and Cleopatra's strange love affair, we are introduced to some interesting secondary characters. One of these characters is Enobarbus. Enobarbus is a high-ranking soldier in Antony's army who it seems is very close to his commander. We know this by the way Enobarbus is permitted to speak freely (at least in private) with Antony, and often is used as a person to whom Antony confides in. We see Antony confiding in Enobarbus in Act I, Scene ii, as Antony explains how Cleopatra is "cunning past man's thought" (I.ii.146). In reply to this Enobarbus speaks very freely of his view of Cleopatra, even if what he says is very positive: ...her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love. We cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report. This cannot be cunning in her; if it be she makes a shower of rain as well as Jove. After Antony
In Shakespeare's tragedy/history/Roman play Antony and Cleopatra, we are told the story of two passionate and power-hungry lovers.
In Shakespeare's tragedy/history/Roman play Antony and Cleopatra, we are told the story of two passionate and power-hungry lovers. In the first two Acts of the play we are introduced to some of the problems and dilemmas facing the couple (such as the fact that they are entwined in an adulterous relationship, and that both of them are forced to show their devotion to Caesar). Along with being introduced to Antony and Cleopatra's strange love affair, we are introduced to some interesting secondary characters. One of these characters is Enobarbus. Enobarbus is a high-ranking soldier in Antony's army who it seems is very close to his commander. We know this by the way Enobarbus is permitted to speak freely (at least in private) with Antony, and often is used as a person to whom Antony confides in. We see Antony confiding in Enobarbus in Act I, Scene ii, as Antony explains how Cleopatra is "cunning past man's thought" (I.ii.146). In reply to this Enobarbus speaks very freely of his view of Cleopatra, even if what he says is very positive: ...her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love. We cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report. This cannot be cunning in her; if it be she makes a shower of rain as well as Jove. (I, ii, 147-152) After Antony reveals that he has just heard news of his
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
The Character of Enorbarbus
The Character of Enorbarbus Enobarbus's character can be seen as the most striking invention of Shakespeare. As the lieutenant of Antony, he contributes to the drama in a number of ways. He is sympathetic to Antony from the start, loyal and fellow feeling. Instead of agreeing with Antony at the beginning where he says he wishes he had never met Cleopatra, Enobarbus replies that, had that been the case, Antony would have missed "a wonderful piece of work". (I.2.154-5). He does not share the perspective of his fellow Roman soldiers Philo and Demetrius in the opening scene, in fact he seems to enjoy life in Egypt contributing with appreciative comments on Cleopatra. "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety. (149 II.2.245) When Antony says of Cleopatra, "She is cunning past man's thought", Enobarbus disagrees, "Alack, sir, no: her passions are made of/ nothing but the finest part of pure love" (I.2.146-8). In their conversations at the beginning and in his role throughout, Enobarbus seems to represent an ordinary reflection of something in Antony himself, as in a mirror. His humour in response to the announcement of Fulvia's death, anticipate the jovial side of Antony that will manifest itself in the galley scene. Before the triumvirs meet, the diplomatic Lepidus tries to persuade Enobarbus to keep Antony calm. Enobarbus however refuses saying that he