SHAKESPEARE is my Homeboy

Themes in Antony and Cleopatra

In Antony and Cleopatra, Egyptian culture is often characterized by "overflowing" attributes. For example, Cleopatra says at the beginning of the play: "There's not a minute of our lives should stretch without some pleasure now." (I, i, 46-47). For Cleopatra, and the rest of Egypt, this pleasurable life includes lots of sex, drugs (mandragora) and "rock and roll" (ie the musical entertainment provided by Mardian, the Eunuch).Along with excess in all of life's pleasures, Egypt is characterized through Cleopatra as excessive in emotion; melodramatic, passionate and reactionary."We cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report." (I, ii 145-147). Finally, Egypt is projected as the ultimate fantasyland; overflowing in opulant gold and silver. For example, we hear the report from Caesar: "I'the market-place on a tribunal silver'd/Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold...." (III, vi, 3-4).

By contrast, Roman culture is characterized by "measure" or restraint. For example, Romans are characterized as soldiers and the business of war is very serious. Cleopatra describes Antony in the following way: "He was disposed to mirth, but on the sudden/ A Roman though hath struck him" (I,ii, 79-80). In this sense, Roman thought doesn't allow for pleasure and mirth. We also see a recurring trait of self-accusal and punishment. Enobarbus says: "I have done ill,/ Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,/ That I will joy no more" (IV, vi, 18-20). We see examples of this also with Antony, and, at the end of the play, with Cleopatra (in very Roman fashion). Finally, the Roman gods keep excess always in check. Antony's describes what he perceives as punishment for his excessive behavior in the quote below:

O misery on't! The wise gods seel our eyes,
In our own filth, drop our dear judgements, make us
Adore our errors, laugh at's while we strut
To our confusion. (III, xiii, 112-115)

Another major theme which the play explores is the differences between men and women as represented by the very distinct personalities of Antony and Cleopatra. For example, in II. v. 6-9, an exchange between Mardian and Cleopatra highlight several differences in relationship to power. For example, Cleopatra, as queen holds the power in the relationship. In the exchange, Mardian is used by Cleopatra for "play." However, this exchange also has a double meaning. Cleopatra's reference to "play" and "will" suggests the execution of her sexual desires. This passage suggests that Cleopatra, as representative of women in general, not only hold the power in relationship but also in the bedroom in Egypt as well. This is a humorous exchange, since Mardian (as a eunuch) is unable to wield any power in the relationship at all.

Another characteristic of Cleopatra is her excessive nature. We see an example of this in her exchange with the messenger in II. v. 23-25. Often, her language is melodramatic and extreme. However, it is also in her nature to only want the good news from the messenger. As she says to messenger "if thou say Antony lives, is well,/ Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,/ I'll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail/ Rich pearls on thee" (II. v.42-45). In her lovesickness, she is anxious to hear news of Antony, but only the good news. Further, she diplays an excess of sexual innuendo when speaking to the servant: Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears/That long time have been barren (II. v. 23-25).