Antony and Cleopatra Flashcards
key quote love vs duty
scene and act
explination
“Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch Of the ranged empire fall!”
act 1 scene 1
The quote shows Antony’s overwhelming passion for Cleopatra by prioritising his love over his Roman duties
key quote on power of attraction
act and scene
explination
“Eternity was in our lips ans eyes Bliss in our brows”
act 1 scene 3
Cleopatra uses her charm and wit to manipulate Antony and gain power over him
key quote on reputation
act and scene
explination
“I am fire and air; my other elements I give to baser life.”
act 5 scene 2
In this quote Cleopatra describes herself as the most high as well as distancing herself from the real world as she prepares to die
key quote on reputation
act and scene
explination
“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale Her infinite variety: other women cloy The appetites they feed; but she makes hungry Where most she satisfies; for vilest things Become themselves in her; that the holy priests Bless her when she is riggish.”
act 2 scene 2
Enobarbus paints a vivid and iconic portrait of Cleopatra’s enigmatic allure.
explain antony as a character
A roman general torn between love and duty
Struggles to balance his Roman responsibilities with his love for Cleopatra
His inner conflict between Rome and Egypt drives the tragedy of the play
cleopatra as a character
Cleopatra is the Queen of Egypt, renowned for her beauty, charisma, and wit. She is passionate, manipulative, and deeply emotional, often blending theatricality with genuine emotion.
Cleopatra is driven by a desire to maintain her power, her legacy, and her identity as a sovereign ruler.
Her love for Antony fuels much of her motivation, but it is intertwined with her ambition to assert dominance over her own life and fate.
Cleopatra plays a central role in the tragedy, serving as the catalyst for much of the conflict. Her relationship with Antony challenges his loyalty to Rome, causing political and personal turmoil.
octavian (agustus) as a character
Octavian is one of the triumvirs of Rome and the future first Emperor of the Roman Empire. He is characterized by his pragmatism, ambition, and cold political calculation.
Octavian is driven by a desire to consolidate power and bring stability to Rome. His ultimate goal is to eliminate rivals, particularly Antony, and secure his position as the supreme ruler of the Roman world
Octavian serves as a primary antagonist in the play, representing the rigid, calculating force of Rome in contrast to the passionate, chaotic world of Antony and Cleopatra.
enobarbus as a character
Enobarbus is a loyal follower and trusted lieutenant of Mark Antony. He is pragmatic, witty, and deeply insightful, often acting as a commentator on the events of the play.
Enobarbus is motivated by loyalty to Antony, though his allegiance is tempered by his practicality and awareness of Antony’s weaknesses.
Enobarbus serves as a bridge between the audience and the grand, larger-than-life characters of Antony and Cleopatra.
charmian and iras as characters
Charmian and Iras are loyal attendants and confidantes to Cleopatra. They are devoted to their queen, providing support, companionship, and advice.
Charmian and Iras are motivated by unwavering loyalty to Cleopatra. Their devotion is not merely a matter of duty; they genuinely care for her well-being and share her triumphs and sorrows.
Charmian and Iras play essential supporting roles in the play, illuminating Cleopatra’s character and her relationships. They act as a sounding board for Cleopatra’s thoughts and emotions, providing insight into her inner life.
roman ideals vs egyptian hendonism context
Roman Culture: In the play,
Rome represents discipline, loyalty, and order. Romans, like Octavian, value duty, reputation, and the strength of the empire.
Egyptian Culture: Egypt, represented by Cleopatra, embodies sensuality, luxury, and the pursuit of pleasure. This contrast often results in tension between Antony’s Roman values and his desires in Egypt.
hystorical figures and myths context
Antony and Cleopatra is based on real historical figures, whose love affair and political drama fascinated audiences even in Shakespeare’s time.
However, Shakespeare’s portrayal blends historical fact with myth, emphasizing larger-than-life characters.
Cleopatra’s portrayal, in particular, is influenced by contemporary attitudes toward the “exotic” and powerful women.
elizabethan attitudes context
Elizabethan audiences were fascinated by foreign lands, often viewing them through an Orientalist lens. Cleopatra’s depiction as both alluring and dangerous reflects these mixed attitudes.
love vs duty theme explination
Antons divided loyalties between his love for cleopatra and his duties as a Roman leader
This theme explores the conflict between personal desires and public responsibilites
identity and reputation theme explination
Cleopatras manipulation of her image to maintain power, and Antony’s struggle with his roman identity
The play examines how characters’ identities and reputations influence their action and choises
tragedy of politics theme exlpination
Antony’s internal conflict as he realizes his political downfall is tied to his personal passions and failure to navigate the power struggles of Rome
This theme reveals how politics, with its inherent demands for strategy and sacrifice, leaves little room for personal loyalty or love, creating a world where triumph often comes at the cost of tragedy.
