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The theme of dissolution pervades Antony and Cleopatra. Is this effective in communicating the relationship between thetwo lovers? Your essay should include some discussion of their personal and political power.
This is effective. Antony and Cleopatra commence as powerful and independent leaders with admirable characters.
Their relationship allows for their military positions to advance but as tensions arise this relationship soon results in
the disintegration of their power and strength of character.
Antony transitions from a noble general to powerless man as his relationship with Cleopatra progresses. He
commences as the “demi-Atlas of this earth” yet as Antony falls in love with the “enchanting queen” his world splits
between his private life and public duty. He “[wills] to his Egyptian dish”, and so wavers in his ability to fulfil both
obligations leading to a power battle ensuing between himself and Caesar. He makes “wars for Egypt” and this
decision to follow Cleopatra leads to his inevitable defeat leaving him “stroyed in dishonour”. Consequently,
“authority melts from [him] and his power dissolves.
Cleopatra commences as an independent leader with both physical and sexual power yet this is soon diluted. She
begins “a most triumphant lady”, “cunning past man’s thought”. “Her power breathe[s] forth” which leads to a
feeling of invincibility as she sides with her lover, Antony in their quest to defeat Caesar. “She hath nodded [Antony]
to her” which allows her to suggest a sea battle at Actium, despite having little military experience. She fails him in
this nonsensical decision which consequently leads to “the fall of Antony” and therefore her own. Her power is
reduced and she is soon at the mercy of Caesar. Cleopatra continues in her changeable manner yet her power is
reduced through her love for Antony as she is willing to “melt Egypt into Nile” and give up her kingdom for an
empire of love.
Their relationship dissolves just as the lover’s political power does and it exacerbates the dissolution of all forms of
power. Initially their “pure love” is untouchable but as tensions arise Antony believes Caesar has “packed cards with
Caesar”. He becomes violent and continues to “offend reputation” as he believes the “foul Egyptian hath betrayed
[him]” yet is unaware of her plan to manipulate Caesar. His power as a general becomes ever more “so leaky” and
their love disintegrates entirely. Their love can no longer exist in the physical world but can do so in the spiritual
realm. Antony believes that Cleopatra is dead and therefore is “valiantly vanquished” in order to try to restore this
love transcendentally.
The initial power Antony and Cleopatra experience soon falters as a result of their union. Challenges prevail Antony
and Cleopatra’s individual lives yet it is their relationship which brings about the true dissolution of their individual
power and character. Ultimately, their love is the catalyst for the disintegration of all aspects of their character,
power and worldly love.
WORD COUNT: [455]
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