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 ...
Antony and Cleopatra - Summary, Characters & Themes Analysis
Antony and Cleopatra Summary
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Topic 2.4
Cleopatra is a manipulative temptress, epic lover and self-centered politician
whose power lies outside norms of rules and rational behaviour. An analysis of
her relationship with Antony as well as reference to Caesar and Enobarbus will
show that Cleopatra can be ‘a woman who ruins a good man’.
“Noble Antony” spends “poisoned hours” with Cleopatra, an “enchanting queen”.
Antony is aware that these “poisoned hours” that “had bound [him] up” are the
reason that he began to neglect his public duty and indulge in his private life.
“Cleopatra hath nodded [Antony] to her” as Antony’s continued obsession with
Cleopatra is the end of his honour and disintegration of his power and strength.
Powerful men are drawn to this “rare Egyptian” and Antony is no exception.
During the sea battle, Cleopatra might have no greater motive than to display her
control over Antony, but in doing so she precipitates the final downfall down fall
of both of them, destroying that which she most cherishes – Antony. Antony
violates “experience, manhood, honour” as to bring himself and his world to
shambles. Antony’s tragedy is personal as he becomes “the noble ruin of
[Cleopatra’s] magic”, but his tragedy is not “a single doom” caused solely by
Cleopatra.
Cleopatra flees the sea battle and Antony follows her, causing his men to become
“women’s men.” By standards of Rome, nothing is as shameful and
dishonourable as Antony following Cleopatra. Cleopatra “has robbed [Antony] of
[his] sword” and thus, his masculinity. All the achievements of Antony; such as
his ability to be a great general and swordsman; mentioned in the play, happen
before his relationship with Cleopatra. Antony’s reputation continues to unravel
as he spends more time with Cleopatra.
Although, Enobarbus suggests that Cleopatra’s “presence must puzzle Antony”,
she is not the only reason for Antony’s downfall. The soothsayer warns Antony to
“stay not by [Caesar’s] side”. The soothsayer suggests that as Caesar gains power,
Antony’s power will begin to diminish. “If [Antony] dost play with [Caesar] at any
game, / [Antony] art sure to lose.” Thus, it can be concluded that the more
Antony is around Caesar, the likelier it is that Antony will begin to become “a
noble ruin.”
It is Cleopatra’s manipulative ability and Caesar’s power hungry attitude that
bring about the ruin of Antony. Therefor, Cleopatra has the potential to be ‘a
woman who ruins good men’, yet, she is not the sole reason for Antony’s
disintegration, and loss of his sense of self and honour.
413 words
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