Abstract Shakespeare wrote 'Antony and Cleopatra' towards the end of his career, around 1600. Some scholars support that its historical nature has more to do with Shakespeare's own time than with the Roman era in which it is set (McJannet). These scholars claim Shakespeare is reconstructing English or Roman history from the perspective of his own historical moment.
From the Paper "But the hero who has distinguished himself, what shall be done to him? In the first place, he shall receive honour in the army from his youthful comrades; every one of them in succession shall crown him. What do you say? (Plato 195). Shakespeare wrote Antony and Cleopatra toward the end of his career, around 1600-1607 ("William Shakespeare (1564-1616)"; "Shakespeare Timeline"), and some scholars support that its historical nature has more to do with Shakespeare's own time than with the Roman era in which it is set (McJannet)."
Abstract This paper illustrates how, in Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra", a climax is reached within the ancient Greek themes of creation and destruction that mirrors the distinctions between love and war, and the explicit and implicit communication of love to oneself and another, seen in the play's rendition of male and female love. The writer argues that "Antony and Cleopatra" offers a Christian-mystic-community-pagan parallelism centered around more ancient themes, and that, in the play, fate is in constant countermotion with freedom, which tragically can lead to neurosis, or positively to a romantically balanced catharsis. The writer contrasts the emotive content of the play with its cognitive content, the blurring and refocusing of which create the play's subjective ethical implications.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Contrast between What is and What Could be: Antony's Neurosis
Contrast Between the Written and Spoken Word
Intertextual Interpretations and Influences
The Intertextuality in Antony and Cleopatra: Hercules and Masochism
Hercules as Christian/Pagan Intertext
The Egyptian Other and the Roman Self
From the Paper "One priority in discussing things as complex as works of art, especially plays, is to acknowledge certain presuppositions about the nature of the subject matter. Is the philosophy of literature the same as literature that contains philosophy? While this has been widely debated, I think the issue lies in the distinction between the two, which if blurry, expresses an overlap such that literature can serve as philosophy, somewhat in the way that later Heidegger believed that poetry was the highest form of philosophical thinking."
The paper explores how the images of Roman and Egyptian cultures in Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" reflect the battle of ideologies represented in the play.
Abstract By analyzing William Shakespeare's play, "Antony and Cleopatra", the paper focuses on images from Roman culture such as gods (Mars, Venus), heroes (Aeneas, Dido), Antony's sword. The paper then explores the images from Egyptian culture such as Isis and Osiris, serpent of the Nile. Finally it shows how these images are a reflection of both characters' ideologies and beliefs.
From the Paper "The spectators of Anthony and Cleopatra are inevitably overwhelmed by the splendor of imagery and the richness of images in the speeches of the characters. Opposition and juxtaposition of the images from Roman and Egyptian cultures contribute much to this effect. The use of these images is very intense; it reflects the battle of the ideologies that is fought on the stage. The central thematic conflict in Anthony and Cleopatra evolves from the opposing claims upon Anthony of the values and attitudes symbolized by the Roman and the Egyptian worlds."
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between Marcus Agrippa, Maecenas, and Octavius Caesar in Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra". The author emphasizes how the interaction of these three characters provides insight into their characters. The author feels that this play depicts excess ambition.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two William Shakespeare plays: "Antony and Cleopatra" and "Romeo and Juliet." It provides biographical details of Shakespeare's life. It also looks at the common themes of political and romantic issues in the two plays, the lyrical poetry of both plays and the different appeal of both plays.
Tags: William Shakespeare, plays, Antony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet
Abstract This paper discusses the depictions of Antony's and Cleopatra's respective conflicts, and how those depictions portray the value of romantic love. The discussion begins with Antony's conflict, which is a struggle between reason and emotion, mind and heart. This conflict is a central theme to the play and is even manifest in a geographic and political sense as the struggle between the Western world of Rome and the Eastern world of Egypt. The discussion moves to Cleopatra and shows that she is at the center of the same struggle and is motivated, just as Antony, to choose between political power and love. The paper concludes with an examination of Shakespeare's message about the value of romantic love.
From the Paper "Cleopatra is portrayed to us as a woman of sublime beauty. She is seductive to such a degree that she is considered an enchantress and is referred to as a witch. Her majesty is described in vivid terms in a narration by Enobarbus; one of Antony's most trusted lieutenants (II.ii.196-210). He describes the golden decks of her barge, purple sails and silver oars. He compares her visage to Venus, and mentions her as surrounded by young servant boys and ladies. His description brings to us the enchanting quality of Cleopatra's presence, and her subsequent hold upon Antony."
Abstract This paper summarizes and analyzes William Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra" and looks at how the love affair between the central characters, Antony and Cleopatra, is a story of the meeting of two civilizations which are irreconcilable, where the power struggle of world powers plays out between lovers. In particular, the paper examines what the relationship is between Antony's suicide and and his affair with Cleopatra and what this says overall about love, at least when mingled with politics.
From the Paper "More than a pure tragic romance, Antony & Cleopatra is a play that investigates the complex relationship between love and affairs of state, including issues of manipulation, responsibility, duty, and honor. The love affair between Antony and Cleopatra is more than a story of a man leaving his wife for another woman--it is a story of the meeting of two civilizations which are irreconcilable, where the power struggle of world powers plays out between lovers. As such, the text is riddled with metaphor; this is especially visible around the character of Antony and his death scene specifically. Reading this play and focusing on a close reading of Antony's prolonged death, I started to wonder what the relationship is in the text between his suicide and his affair with Cleopatra and what this says overall about love, at least when mingled with politics."
Abstract Cleopatra was a queen of Egypt during ancient times, and is also known for her associations with the Roman empire during the time of Augustus and Mark Antony. Officially, her title was Cleopatra VII Philopator, and although she was an Egyptian queen, she had a Greek or Hellenic background. In this paper, a brief biography of Cleopatra is given, including her association with the early Roman empire through Mark Antony, her achievements and contemporary effects of the times, and her famous death by the suicide poison of an asp.
From the Paper "Cleopatra became queen at a very young age, being only eighteen when she ascended to her high position, and because according to the laws and customs of the time, a female ruler had to have a brother or son as a person of interest in their high court, she had to be married to her brother. Such arrangements were not all that uncommon in royal monarchies of ancient times, as they were often based on complicated systems of bloodline purity and genetics understanding, which led to some amount of intermarriage and often, in one of the unfortuante side effects of such a system, inbreeding. Cleopatra, however, was in no way dominated in her relationship to Ptolemy XII, as he was only twelve years old and she was eighteen. Instead, she effectively took power and control on her own."
Abstract The paper begins with a synopsis of the life and history of Cleopatra VII. It then goes on to explain how Marc Antony's relationship with the Queen of Egypt was the main cause of the Battle of Actium. The increasing tension between Marc Antony and Octavian is studied and the course of the Battle of Actium is followed, showing how Cleopatra acted as a catalyst for the commencement of the battle.
From the Paper "In the history of Egypt, Cleopatra VII was considered as the "Last Pharaoh" of Egypt, particularly, the last descendant of the Ptolemaic rule. Cleopatra's life history is a series of numerous alliances and relationships with different men, although one of the most prominent men who got involved with Cleopatra is Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, all Roman rulers during the reign of the Roman Empire. In Egyptian history, there have been several queens named Cleopatra, although the seventh queen, who was Cleopatra VII, was the only one who became "influential" and "famous" (Tour-Egypt Monthly 1996). Known as Cleopatra VII Tryphaena, Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy XIII Auletes, reigning King of Egypt during the year 51 BC. Cleopatra's father left a will, which states that Cleopatra was to be the heiress to her father's kingdom, and the heir will be Ptolemy XIV, Cleopatra's younger brother."
A comparative analysis of the power struggles that are depicted in William Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra", William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" and the movie "Dr Strangelove".
Abstract This paper examines how William Shakespeare creates the tension between the ideal and the pragmatic in his play "Antony and Cleopatra", but ultimately approves of Antony and Cleopatra's imaginative power over Caesar's practical but corrupted political power. In comparison, it looks at how "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding questions the power of civilisation and altruism in the face of barbarity while the movie "Dr Strangelove", directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a product of its context and depicts the horror of the destructive nature of man, as a result of the power plays that are happening between the most "powerful" men in the world.
From the Paper "The Lord of the Flies (1954) by William Golding is an allegory on true human nature. The text questions the power of civilisation and altruism in the face of barbarity. Golding transforms the novel The Coral Island (1857) by R.M. Ballantyne, changing the optimism in civilized values of English society displayed in the novel, to questioning the ability of civilizations to cope with barbaric impulses, emphasizing this transformation in theme by direct reference to the novel: "Jolly good show. Like the Coral Island", stated by the officer at the end. To create this powerplay between civility and barbarism, Golding symbolizes the respective traits in Ralph and Jack, both characters take from The Coral Island with the same names. Ralph symbolizes the power of civility, democracy and order while Jack symbolizes the power of anarchy, savagery and innate evil."
Abstract This paper considers whether Cleopatra, queen of Egypt and descendant of Ptolemy, engaged in love affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony in the name of true love or simply to further her own political agenda. It also explores relationship of Cleopatra's family as background to her love affairs with powerful men.
From the Paper "So much of what is believed to be true of ancient Egypt and its most famous queen, Cleopatra is a strange mixture of fact and legend. Indeed stories of Ptolemaic Egypt lend themselves so well to legends and romanticism that it is often difficult to piece together the true historical picture of that time. The myth surrounding Cleopatra is perhaps the best example of this as she has been portrayed as a great seductress and love in poetry and art for centuries. Her love affairs with both Julius ..."
Tags:cleopatra, egypt, caesar, antony, ptolemy, political, love
Abstract This paper reviews the life and history of Mark Antony, born Marcus Antonius. The paper discusses how, thanks to the works of famous writers like Plutarch and Shakespeare, Mark Antony has become a legend. The paper further discusses how his actions following Julius Caesar's death in 44 B.C. and his exploits with Queen Cleopatra have made him interesting reading and a source of entertainment for centuries. However, behind the many stories, there was a man who was a brave general, loyal supporter, dedicated Roman and ardent lover.
From the Paper "While Caesar was fighting in Egypt and Africa to defeat the last of Pompey's forces, Antonius was given the distinction of being made Master of the Horse (fact). His role was to be a politician and administrator in Italy while Caesar was out of the country. Unfortunately for him, Antonius was not good in that role and was removed in 47 B.C. and even banished from Caesar's sight for two years (unrv). Nevertheless, Antonius was able to work his way back into Caesar's circle; in 44 B.C. he was the one to offer the crown to Caesar, a circumstance much celebrated in the first act of Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar (unrv)."
Abstract The paper introduces and analyzes the topic of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Specifically it discusses the motive for her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The paper relates that Cleopatra ruled Egypt as a result of her father's death and,at the age of 17, she took over the rule of Egypt until she was ousted from power and fled the country. The paper relates the numerous love affairs she was involved in, her goal being to regain the throne and her power.
From the Paper "Cleopatra's first infamous love affair was with Julius Caesar, who had conquered Egypt and was attempting to decide who should reign over the country in Rome's behalf. Cleopatra wanted the job, and did not want to arouse suspicion in her brother's guards, so to meet with Caesar she had herself rolled up inside a carpet and delivered directly to him. Cleopatra seduced him, and they became lovers. In return, she gained the power and the throne in Egypt, and spent time in Rome with Caesar, as well. One historian notes, "Cleopatra was politically brilliant and secured Caesar's loyalty, certainly not only through sexual pleasure, but through manipulation of her own" (Editors). Cleopatra bore Caesar a son, further ingratiating herself to him, and she used him to regain her power and prestige in Egypt. It is not clear if she really loved him or not, but it is clear that she was shrewd and recognized that this powerful Roman would be a sound ally and advisor. "
An analysis of the power plays and power struggles that are depicted in William Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra" and William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies".
Abstract This paper examines how Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" and William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" explore the interrelationships of different types of power and its effects on society and individuals. It looks at how although the two texts are written 250 years apart and the plots are in no way similar, they do share particular types of power. While one is about the interaction of three historic Roman figures and the other is about the results of a bunch of students who are thrust on an isolated island with no law. It analyzes how the similar powers are the power of the imagination and political power and how the most important difference between the two texts is the result of these power plays.
From the Paper "As power of the imagination is the key power of Antony and Cleopatra, as is political power the main power of Lord of the Flies. Many different political systems are exhibited throughout the novel, and many characters are representations of the ideals of those political systems. The novel begins with an element of militaristic power as a group of choir boys is marched in by Jack, who personifies anarchy and savagery, but soon that is overwhelmed by democratic power. A vote is taken to vote Ralph in as the leader of the group. He is the embodiment of democracy and order. Soon, however, primal instincts gradually begin to take over, and rule and order are destroyed in the way. Slow at first, the boys start testing the borders of the law."
Abstract The paper examines the life of Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator who was the last of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt. While today she is known almost entirely as that queen who committed suicide by allowing herself to be stung by an asp and for her great beauty, such a description does her little justice. The paper shows that she was far more than the 'femme fatale' into which she has been transmuted over the centuries by popular culture and misogyny but rather a proud and ambitious queen whose political failure in the end was in part due to her over-ambitiousness but also due in even greater measure to overwhelming historical forces.
From the Paper "Cleopatra was born into an age in which women had few powers other than the ones that they could gain through men. Her use of her body to attract men was simply a rational strategy on her part. Moreover, she (like other monarchs) was not simply interested in physical pleasure: She also was intent on giving birth to heirs that would help cement relations between Egypt and Rome and that would ensure her dynastic succession."
