Critical Analysis of Antony and Cleopatra. Act V, Scene 2- Representation of Power and Death

Cleopatra was years ahead of her time in terms of political agenda and intellectual warfare. Cleopatra should be known as an important individual in history because of her influence in the direction of Egyptian history. She was extremely intelligent, calculating, and a master of manipulation. She used her power of sexual appeal to benefit herself and her status with society. Cleopatra had strong relations with powerful men of the era, but she still managed to surpass them with her superior intellect, and abuse their lustful obedience. Her beauty was a subject and also an inspiration for art in popular Western culture. Cleopatra’s importance in Europe should be known because she greatly impacted social development.

The name Cleopatra invokes a striking image in your mind. The Egyptian queen who took on the might of Rome. The way we see Cleopatra’s character changes in the way she has been depicted in movies and television across the years. With each different portrayal she reflects contemporary issues regarding society, the role of women and the historical knowledge available.

In ‘An Ancient Roman Perspective’, Gemma Wilson’s account for Rome’s feelings towards the Queen is one of great hostility. According to Wilson, “at best, the Romans viewed Cleopatra with suspicion. At worst, they hated her.” Cleopatra was of coarse despised for utilizing the two public figures of Rome’s world, Caesar initially and then Mark Antony. Peter Roberts describes how it was Octavian that initiated Rome’s hatred towards Rome, relying on ‘sexual slander’ to tarnish her reputation. Many Roman poets continued this tradition of condemnation such as Lucan in ‘Pharsalia’, referring to Cleopatra as “Egypt’s shame.” Horace continues to embellish this image; “the queen, with a contaminated gang of creatures’ in his Ode XXXVII, referring to

How did Cleopatra rise to and maintain her power? Not much is known about her life since she lived so long ago, but what is known is enough to piece together some of her life story. Cleopatra was a strong and intelligent woman who made it through all the struggle and strife of the ancient world until it became too much for her. Cleopatra’s reign began and ended with tragedy, but was maintained by exploited love connections.

In the world of popular culture, Cleopatra VII is regarded as a woman with heavy eye makeup, a thing of beauty, someone with power sourced from her looks. However, the Cleopatra that history recalls is one of deadly determination and dedication, a teenager with a thirst for power, then a woman with a goal to keep Egypt out of the Roman Empire’s reach. Throughout her life as a leader, Cleopatra VII faced many difficulties, each one of which she met with an intricate strategy that showcase her deep knowledge of the politics and governance of the world around her. As she faced misogyny, bias and turmoil in both her civil and personal life, Cleopatra remained a capable and resilient leader of an imminently crumbling Egypt, and she defied all stereotypes

Cleopatra was a noteworthy Egyptian Pharaoh whose legacy and role was shaped by her experiences and achievements in ancient Egypt. It can be argued Cleopatra was a significant figure and her role and legacy was formed by her experiences, achievements because she stood for a symbol of power and strength in a time where society was male dominated. Cleopatra’s personality and early life impacted the beginning of her rise to power and in 51 BC she became sole leader of the Egypt. The key events in Cleopatra’s reign and the role she played during the alliance between herself and Caesar impacted on her reign. External factors informed her motives, which pushed her to make decisions during her rule, as it significantly impacted her relationship with Mark Antony. Cleopatra’s legacy had short and long-term effects; the consequences of her decisions pushed her to commit suicide, the events and choices she made during her life portrayed her significance.

In the hit movie “Cleopatra”, Octavian’s character is adapted for the movie and does not precisely describe his true quality. In reality, Octavian was a brave ruler who loved to fight. “The movie portrays him in a very negative light, also showing him to be a physical coward who avoided wine, woman, and gambling” (Cane, 13). For example, Octavian is shown as weak when he does not participate in the battle of Philippi because he is sick. Although it is true that Octavian was prone to sickness, he was not a coward, and often showed significant bravery in battle. For instance, Octavian was certainly brave and determined to gain control over the Roman Empire and defeat Antony. In an epic sea battle off the coast of Southwest Greece” (Gill)”, Octavian was undoubtedly active in fighting (successfully) for his position and power. Also, Octavian is misrepresented when portrayed as stingy, never taking part in his own wars, never drinking, or concerning himself with women. In reality, for example “Octavian actually loved gambling with dice and indulged in extramarital affairs” (Cane 14). The writers and producers of the movie probably altered Octavian’s character to make a contrast and set apart his character from the other main men in the plot. The main

Almost every pharaoh-queen was named Cleopatra, yet only one is ever thought of, Cleopatra Thea Philopator VII, “The Goddess and Beloved of her Father”. Every moment of her life from 69 BCE until August 12, 30 BCE was a story larger than life, epic in scale, and over the top in its grandeur. As the last reigning pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Ancient Egypt, she is remembered for her ability to rule as a political genius and a strong female leader living in a male-dominated world despite all odds being against her. Firstly, Cleopatra grew up in the Ptolemaic palace living a life of luxury, yet her subjects worshipped and even felt connected to her as more than just their queen. Secondly, after Cleopatra was exiled by her incompetent brother, Ptolemy XII, she came back with an army of mercenaries and took back Egypt to be its sole and more qualified ruler. Lastly, Cleopatra went to any means to secure her power and to ensure her nation’s financial and political strength; therefore what started off as a strategic alliance with Rome slowly became her dominance over most of the ancient world.

The book “Cleopatra Egypt’s Last and Greatest Queen” by Susan Blackaby was a fascinating book about Cleopatra fighting over Egypt with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Octavian, and many other ancient egyptian and roman pharaohs. Cleopatra went through a lot of obstacles to become a great queen of Egypt. Cleopatra was brave, intelligent, and respectful and that's what made Cleopatra a great queen of Egypt. The book “Cleopatra Egypt’s Last and Greatest Queen” has a lot of themes about the impact or change in the course of history.

“Who was Cleopatra? Who is Cleopatra? Portrayed as both goddess and monster in her own lifetime, through the ages she has become both saint and sinner, heroine and victim, femme fatale and star-crossed lover, politician and voluptuary, black and white. A protean figure, Cleopatra defies categorization.”1 So began Prudence J. Jones introduction in her edited text, Cleopatra: A Sourcebook. Jones claims Cleopatra was a chameleon in the skin of an Egyptian Pharaoh. As such she molded herself to fit what would best procure her the much needed tactics to strengthen and maximize the power she inherited. As the world changed, so did their perception of Cleopatra; and, in turn every generation construed her differently: from evil seductress, ill-fated star-crossed lover to renewed empowering feminist icon. The Cleopatra painted in this paper will decidedly be more reserved, acutely un-promiscuous, sharp-witted, resilient, and less beautiful than her literary and culturally shambolic counterpart; the Cleopatra history wished to hide.

Cleopatra, once Queen of Egypt, is one of the most well-known rulers in history. She was born in October of 69 B.C. in Alexandria, Egypt, and died August 12, 30 B.C. also in Alexandria, Egypt. Her reign lasted for more than twenty years, and she killed herself at the age of 39 after Antony was defeated by Augustus. She was the last Egyptian pharaoh, and when her reign ended, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire. Cleopatra is most known by her inheritance of the throne, her effect and influence during the Roman Civil War, and her death.

William Shakespeare’s use of Pathos in Mark Antony’s speech is clearly evident. In order to understand the concept and idea of Pathos, and for it to be effective, one must know what it is. The appeal of Pathos uses words or passages to activate emotions, and strike some sort of feeling in the audience’s body. If written effectively, the appeal of Pathos emits an emotional response from the audience. “My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me” (3.2.106-107). Antony elicits both sadness and sympathy from his audience. The death of Julius Caesar, and the use of Pathos is very important in winning over the audience’s appeal. Antony is obviously very angry with what had happened to Julius Caesar, due to the fact that Antony was a good friend with him. “And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony Would

“She was the one who captured two of the greatest Romans of her day, and completely destroyed herself because of the third.” Cleopatra was born in Alexandria, Egypt in the year of 69 B.C. into the Ptolemaic dynasty. When she stepped up to become ruler alongside her brothers. Together, they controlled the whole eastern Mediterranean Coast. She ruled for twenty two years, and in that time she made enemies and also got many Roman men with her imperial ambitions and motives. At the same time though, the dynasty was quickly diminishing. Although she was the last Ptolemaic ruler, she was one of the Egyptians most influential and remembered rulers. As a ruler, she was mostly described as ruthless, yet intelligent, educated and wise. During her time, she also was lovers with Mark Antony, Julius Caesar and many other men. Her full story

The Cleopatra from Fielding's The Lives of Cleopatra and Octavia and George's The Memoirs of Cleopatra, and a collection of movies including, DeMille's "Cleopatra", Mankiewicz's "Cleopatra", and ABC's "Cleopatra", vary in the extent by which she utilizes her sexuality and intelligence to manipulate Julius Caesar.

Though Cleopatra is guilty of being disloyal, she also falls victim to some acts of betrayal and loyalty throughout the play. Cleopatra in fact, feels as though Marc Antony in the beginning of the play- or at least feels has betrayed her as though Marc Antony will show minimal loyalty to her. Cleopatra expresses these feelings in a conversation with Marc Antony: