Antony: ‘The honour is sacred which he talks on now,
Supposing that I lacked it.’ (Act 2 sc 2 lines 85-86)
To what extent is Antony driven by his code of honour? Remember to explain your understanding of ‘honour’ in your discussion.
This is an effective form of communication. Antony and Cleopatra begin as
unconventional, authoritative and powerful leaders with commendable and unique
personalities. Their relationship allows for promoted military postions but the
increasing tension causes the disintergration of their characters and power.
“Noble Antony” starts as the “demi-Atlas of this earth” yet, after falling in love with a
“rare Egyptian”, his battle between his public duty and private life begins. Antony’s
longing for “[his] precious queen” causes a battle between himself and Caesar, as Antony
cannot fulfill his public duties. After Antony follows Cleopatra away from the battle of
Actium, he is “stroyed with dishonour.” Thus, “authority melt[s] from [him]” and brings
about the start of his dissolution of character
Cleopatra has commendable physical and sexual power that is reduced and demeaned
throughout the course of the play. She begins as “a most triumphant lady”, “cunning past
man’s thoughts.” “Her power breathe[s] forth” as she sides with her lover in his battle
against “the sole sir o’th’world”. She suggests a sea battle as “she hath nodded [Antony]
to her.” “The fall of Antony” is caused by Cleopatra’s irrational and careless decision, and
therefore her own ‘fall’ of power begins. Her loss of power lands her at the mercy of “the
universal landlord.” However, this “royal queen” is still willing to “melt Egypt into Nile”
as her love for Antony remains intact and strong.
Orginally, their “pure love” is inaccessible but Antony begins to believe Cleopatra is a
“triple-turned whore” who has “packed cards with Caesar.” Antony becomes violent as
he belives “this foul Egyptian hath betrayèd [him]” and continues to offend reputation.
“a most unnoble swerving.” His valiance and noble nature becomes dejected and
therefore, their love disintergares. The love between Antony and Cleopatra can only
exist in the spiritual world. After Antony believes his “dear lady” is dead, he is “valiently
vanquished” in an attempt to restore Antony and Cleopatra’s love transcendentally.
The starting power of Antony and Cleopatra that they both experience at the beginning
of the play soon wavers as a result of their unbreakable union. Many difficult and harsh
challenges are faced by Antony and Cleopatra in their personal lives. It seems as though
their relationship is the true and real cause of their dissolution of their individual
character and power. Essentially, their love is the agitator for the dissolution and
disintergration of all conditions of their persona, earthly love and power.
407 words
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