In the play Antony and Cleopatra, the character of Cleopatra is one of many dimensions and be seen a person of complex diversity. Her personality is mainly about taking life as one big celebration most of her time in Egypt. Cleopatra loves the richness of
In the play Antony and Cleopatra, the character of Cleopatra is one of many dimensions and be seen a person of complex diversity. Her personality is mainly about taking 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 woman acting insane. Her sudden changes in behaviour are often difficult to predict or comprehend and happen frequently throughout the play. You can never guess what Cleopatra is going to next. This is why Enobarbus observes Cleopatra as if she has 'infinite variety'. Whether it is an accurate observation is what people question when looking at the famous Enobarbus speech of Cleopatra. She mainly deserves this famous tribute from Enobarbus for many reasons. "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale/Her infinite variety"(2.2.235-236). There are many reasons that Enobarbus' observation of Cleopatra's infinite variety is an accurate observation. Firstly Act 2:Scene 2 sees Enobarbus talking openly to Agrippa and Maecenas about Cleopatra's wild and wonderful ways. He describes in intricate detail the barge she sailed to the harbour in and how even the air would gaze upon her if it could. 'Whistling to th'air, which, for vacancy, /had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too,/ And made
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
By close analysis of the passage (Line 200-250), explain what this adds to our understanding of Cleopatra and how she holds power over Antony
By close analysis of the passage (Line 200-250), explain what this adds to our understanding of Cleopatra and how she holds power over Antony. At this point in the play, Shakespeare has previously established the character of Cleopatra, as well as the nature of her relationship with Antony. She is portrayed as possessive, commanding and dramatic. Her own emotions are of supreme importance to her, and she has a violent temper. The relationship between Antony and Cleopatra appears as though there is an imbalance of power, Cleopatra maintaining the more dominant role. Her influence over men is notorious in the play, as her previous relationships with powerful men such as Julius Caesar are frequently mentioned. When the Triumvirate exit a conversation emerges between Enobarbus and Agrippa, two loyal followers of Antony and Caesar. Enobarbus tells Agrippa of the life they lived in Egypt and describes the first meeting of Antony and Cleopatra. He says that she "pursed up his heart", which is a reference to her power, as "pursed" suggests that she was in control, seducing him. As he describes the boat she was in on the day they met, Enobarbus' language gives connotations of wealth and extremity. He portrays the boat as a "burnish'd throne", that "the poop was beaten gold" and "the oars were silver". Along with references to her "cloth-of-gold", we can see her personality
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
What is the Role Of Enobarbus In This Play?
What is the Role Of Enobarbus In This Play? Enobarbus being the fabricated character in the play has a large importance in the play. Enobarbus is a very high-ranking officer in Antony's army, and acts as, in effect, his right hand man. Enobarbus is very close to Antony as he is allowed to speak freely in his presence, such as in act 1 scene 2 when Antony tells Enobarbus that Cleopatra is "cunning past man's thought". This seems to be a conversation that two friends would have if one of them was having woman troubles. Another example of close comradeship between them is how after he learns of Antony's wife Fulvia's death, he says "give the gods a thankful sacrifice", meaning this is a good thing for Antony. Obviously not just anybody would be able to get away with saying something like that to his leader. This also means that Antony trusts Enobarbus's judgement although he doesn't always listen to what he has to say. It seems that one of the main purposes of Enobarbus in the play is to exaggerate the lives and relationship of Antony and Cleopatra. The 'barge speech' in scene 2 in Act 2 is perhaps one of the most famous speeches in all Shakespeare plays and is deservedly so. This is because of its effect on the play. Up until this time in the play we can only guess at the mythic qualities that have put Antony and Cleopatra into power. In this speech we see the mythic qualities
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
Discuss the Ways Shakespeare Presents the Differences Between Rome and Egypt in 'Antony and Cleopatra'.
Discuss the Ways Shakespeare Presents the Differences Between Rome and Egypt in 'Antony and Cleopatra'. Rome and Egypt are the two main locations where 'Antony and Cleopatra' are set, these two countries are represented very differently within the play. Shakespeare uses characters, language, mood and themes to represent the differences of the countries. The contrast of these two countries is what drives the main plot of the play. Rome is the west and is portrayed as political, strict and masculine where as Egypt, the east, is portrayed as feminine, mysterious and passionate. Egypt is the country which Shakespeare makes his audience warm to. Egypt is an ancient civilisation which is colourful, warm and exotic. Egyptians live life to the full and enjoy socialising, partying, sex and wining and dining. 'Bring in the banquet quickly; wine enough Cleopatra's health to drink.' This is shown through the character of Cleopatra who is the queen of Egypt and one of the few female characters in the play. As she is the queen of Egypt, her seductive, warm personality reflects on her positive country and citizens. 'I'th'East my pleasures lies.' Throughout the play the word Egypt, is regularly referred to the queen showing they are one and depend on each other. 'Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears belong to Egypt.' Rome is presented as strict, hierarchical and hostile. Romans
Enobarbus' actions are an important part of the plot, but his commentaries on the main characters and events are evenly important: Consider the presentation and functions of Enobarbus in the play.
Enobarbus' actions are an important part of the plot, but his commentaries on the main characters and events are evenly important: Consider the presentation and functions of Enobarbus in the play. Enobarbus, soldier and aide appears as an amiable fellow, Loud, likeable and a dependable figure for the eponymous protagonists and to Rome. He is no mysogynist, rather a chauvinist and a comedian, and capable of drinking us under the table. This however is balanced with a quick sobering and ability to take orders while respectfully calling a spade a spade. Enobarbus can be brutally cynical yet enjoys the freedom of the royal courts of Rome and Egypt. He has a pragmatism indicated candidly, and at times sarcastically. For the first three acts, he has little or no romantic or nostalgic opinion. His speech is ironic, it works with concealment and allusion but is presented as direct statement, with a sense of comedy that is at times indelicate. What Shakespeare gives us in Enobarbus an experienced and proficient man-at-arms, tough yet entertaining! Elements of this character in place I have examined in specific and I hope to demonstrate the function and presentation of the character in the workings of the play. Presented as universal down-to-earth persona grata the stalwart veteran is an interpretive commentator in the play. Prior to Antony and Caesar's reconciliation, Shakespeare's
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
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?"