ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
UNDERSTANDING THE PLAY
Political Play
Play with paradoxes – Paradox lies at the heart of the play
Shakespeare colors Antony with magnificence Paradoxically he doesn’t live up to this
image (duty?)
Divide between political worlds (Rome and Egypt)
Shakespeare leaves a lot of moments in the play up for interpretation
Examples of the PARADOX
1. Why did Cleopatra kill herself?
- Pride (doesn’t want to go off with Caesar)
OR
- Heartbroken and cannot be without her lover
2. Is Cleopatra bad for Antony?
- Does she free him from Rome and allow the flexibility of Egyptian
life?
OR
- Has she captured him in “Egyptian fetters”?
ANTONY CLEOPATRA
Roman Egyptian
Ruling Egypt Had affairs w/ J. Caesar, Antony &
Married to Fulvia Pompey
Love over Duty Manipulative and demanding
Hedonist Charming and seductive
Torn between discipline and passion
ROME EGYPT
Stability Exotic
Certainty Sensual
Honour Feminized
CHARACTER SKETCHES (quotes are in bold with descriptions alongside)
We learn about characters and are able to identify traits based on:
WHAT THEY DO
WHAT THEY SAY
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THEM
Cebo Mtshemla | DSG
, ANTONY:
Antony is torn between serving for Rome and pleasing Cleopatra. Caesar suggests Antony is
resilient, courageous and determined. – this is not the Antony we know or necessarily see
throughout the play...
QUOTES/EXAMPLES EXPLAINATION
“Nay, but this dotage of our general’s” Antony is COMPLETELY infatuated
“His captain’s heart, which in the scuffles This quote is from Scene 1 and already
of great fight hath burst” displays the idea of duty versus love. We
question whether Antony is loyal to his
people.
“The triple pillar of the world. This quote degrades both Antony and
Transformed into a strumpet’s fool.” Cleopatra as it implies Cleopatra is a whore
whilst implies that Antony has been reduced
to her level instead.
“Let Rome in the Tiber melt” Will Antony give up anything, including his
nation, for Cleopatra? Again, the idea of
duty versus love is displayed.
“Antony will be himself” Identity crisis. Who is Antony and what
does he stand for? Is he the triple pillar of
the world or a strumpet’s fool?
“Egyptian fetters I must break, or lose These words echo the words of Philo. Is
myself in dotage” Antony aware that he is trapped? Is he
aware that Cleopatra is
manipulative/demanding? Is love for
Cleopatra could cost him everything.
“Poisoned hours” Antony acknowledges that he is not himself
when he is with Cleopatra.
“The greatest soldier of the world, art What Antony was versus what Cleopatra
turned the greatest liar” turned him to
“Herculean Roman” Describing Antony as a bold and
courageous leader
“When he is not Antony” When Antony isn’t being the brave soldier
the Romans know him to be
CLEOPATRA:
QUOTES/EXAMPLES EXPLAINATIONS
“to cool a gypsy’s lust” Degrading, derogatory and insulting
“Melt Egypt into the Nile” Cleopatra is willing to sacrifice her country.
This line imitates Antony saying, “Let
Rome in the Tiber melt.
“Her infinite variety” People are fascinated by Cleopatra. She is
completely unpredictable. Somewhat
Cebo Mtshemla | DSG
UNDERSTANDING THE PLAY
Political Play
Play with paradoxes – Paradox lies at the heart of the play
Shakespeare colors Antony with magnificence Paradoxically he doesn’t live up to this
image (duty?)
Divide between political worlds (Rome and Egypt)
Shakespeare leaves a lot of moments in the play up for interpretation
Examples of the PARADOX
1. Why did Cleopatra kill herself?
- Pride (doesn’t want to go off with Caesar)
OR
- Heartbroken and cannot be without her lover
2. Is Cleopatra bad for Antony?
- Does she free him from Rome and allow the flexibility of Egyptian
life?
OR
- Has she captured him in “Egyptian fetters”?
ANTONY CLEOPATRA
Roman Egyptian
Ruling Egypt Had affairs w/ J. Caesar, Antony &
Married to Fulvia Pompey
Love over Duty Manipulative and demanding
Hedonist Charming and seductive
Torn between discipline and passion
ROME EGYPT
Stability Exotic
Certainty Sensual
Honour Feminized
CHARACTER SKETCHES (quotes are in bold with descriptions alongside)
We learn about characters and are able to identify traits based on:
WHAT THEY DO
WHAT THEY SAY
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THEM
Cebo Mtshemla | DSG
, ANTONY:
Antony is torn between serving for Rome and pleasing Cleopatra. Caesar suggests Antony is
resilient, courageous and determined. – this is not the Antony we know or necessarily see
throughout the play...
QUOTES/EXAMPLES EXPLAINATION
“Nay, but this dotage of our general’s” Antony is COMPLETELY infatuated
“His captain’s heart, which in the scuffles This quote is from Scene 1 and already
of great fight hath burst” displays the idea of duty versus love. We
question whether Antony is loyal to his
people.
“The triple pillar of the world. This quote degrades both Antony and
Transformed into a strumpet’s fool.” Cleopatra as it implies Cleopatra is a whore
whilst implies that Antony has been reduced
to her level instead.
“Let Rome in the Tiber melt” Will Antony give up anything, including his
nation, for Cleopatra? Again, the idea of
duty versus love is displayed.
“Antony will be himself” Identity crisis. Who is Antony and what
does he stand for? Is he the triple pillar of
the world or a strumpet’s fool?
“Egyptian fetters I must break, or lose These words echo the words of Philo. Is
myself in dotage” Antony aware that he is trapped? Is he
aware that Cleopatra is
manipulative/demanding? Is love for
Cleopatra could cost him everything.
“Poisoned hours” Antony acknowledges that he is not himself
when he is with Cleopatra.
“The greatest soldier of the world, art What Antony was versus what Cleopatra
turned the greatest liar” turned him to
“Herculean Roman” Describing Antony as a bold and
courageous leader
“When he is not Antony” When Antony isn’t being the brave soldier
the Romans know him to be
CLEOPATRA:
QUOTES/EXAMPLES EXPLAINATIONS
“to cool a gypsy’s lust” Degrading, derogatory and insulting
“Melt Egypt into the Nile” Cleopatra is willing to sacrifice her country.
This line imitates Antony saying, “Let
Rome in the Tiber melt.
“Her infinite variety” People are fascinated by Cleopatra. She is
completely unpredictable. Somewhat
Cebo Mtshemla | DSG
