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
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Introduction
'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. ...read more.
Middle
Another association of water and love. Enobarbus creates a brilliant image of the barge, he explains 'purple the sails' connoting royalty and luxury, as the colour purple was alleged to be very rare and only extremely wealthy people, such as royalty would be able to afford it. This emphasizes the portrayal of Egypt and its luxurious environment, and that the amazing queen would expect nothing less. This cosmic imagery of luxury in Egypt is also suggested at the start of the passage when Maecenas asks 'eight wild boars roasted whole at a breakfast... is this true?' Enobarbus's embellished response is 'this was but as a fly by an eagle.' ...read more.
Conclusion
Shakespeare also uses a liet motif of food relating to s*x, 'other women cloy the appetites they feed, but she makes hungry where most she satisfies.' Enobarbus's never ceases his overwrought description of Cleopatra right till the closing of the scene, and also exclaims that 'age cannot wither her' these comments suggests that no one can compare to Cleopatra and that you can never get bored of her because she is so infinitely exciting. Shakespeare's use of hyperbolic and cosmic imagery, embellished and admiring language, and the eager and excited tone throughout this passage creates a vivid and intense image of Cleopatra; it contributes greatly to my view of her because the influential opinion is from a Roman perspective, and the Roman view towards Cleopatra hasn't usually been flattering, 'tawny front' 'gipsy' 'strumpet.' ?? ?? ?? ?? Katie Ashworth ...read more.
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