Antony and Cleopatra notes

2 Antony & Cleopatra mini essays

‘Here am I Antony, Yet cannot hold this visible shape.’ (Antony: Act 4 sc 13 lines 13-14) ‘Melt Egypt into Nile, and kindly creatures Turn all to serpents.’ (Cleopatra Act 2 sc 5 lines 78-79) The theme of dissolution pervades Antony and Cleopatra. Is this effective in communicating the relationship between the two lovers? Your essay should include some discussion of their personal and political power.

Antony: ‘These strong Egyptian fetters I must break, Or lose myself in dotage.’ (Act 1 sc 2 lines106-107) Antony comments on the power displayed by Cleopatra and states that this relationship could cause him to ‘lose himself’. Is Cleopatra a woman who ruins a good man?