ShakespeareS Antony And Cleopatra Essays - , Term Papers

Shakespeare'S Antony And Cleopatra Nature, described as mysterious and secretive, is a recurrent theme throughout Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra. Cleopatra, the ill-fated queen of Egypt, is both mysterious and secretive, and her emotional power is above and beyond natures great strength. Whether described in a positive or in a negative manner, both nature and Cleopatra are described as being great natural forces. Throughout the first act, the two are compared and contrasted by various characters in the play. The first act, set in Alexandria, Egypt, sets the stage for the play and presents the majority of the actors. Scene two introduces one of the major themes of the play, Nature. This scene has two of Cleopatras close friends and one of Antonys discussing her and Antonys life. Charmian, one of Cleopatras best friends, Alexas, one of Cleopatras servants (as well as the link between her and Antony), Enobarbus, one of Antonys trusted Lieutenants, as well as a Soothsayers are all present and discussing their fortunes. During this discussion, the Soothsayer states, In Natures infinite book of secrecy A little I can read (1.2 9-10). The Soothsayer explains to the others that there is little she can do outside of not only her powers, but also what nature allows her to. One of the first references to nature and the mystery that revolves around it, this quote simply demonstrates how little power the people have over something as great as nature. Nature and the elements surrounding it are simply a mystery to the people of Rome. In his discussion with his commanding Lieutenant, Enobarbus refers to Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt and Antonys soon-to- be lover, as a great natural force that is above natures powers. Antony states, She is cunning past mans thought (1.2 152). This statement is then followed by Enobarbus statement about Cleopatra: her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love. We cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can re- port. This cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a showr of rain as well as Jove (1.2 153-158). In this quote, Enobarbus shows great respect and admiration towards Cleopatra. Not only does he defend her from Antonys statement, but also he regards her with such high esteem that he compares her to Jove, the ruler of the gods in charge of rain, thunder, and lightning. In the latter part of the play, Cleopatra affirms the claim made by Enobarbus stating that her powers are greater that natures. Cleopatra states, Ah, dear, if I be so, From my cold heart let heaven engender hail, And poison it in the source, and the first stone Drop in my neck; (3.13 161-164). In her discussion with Antony, Cleopatra is openly asserting her supernatural powers that she believes she has. Not only does she believe she has supernatural powers, but she also believes that she is Egypt. Throughout the first act, various characters claim and make references to Cleopatra as being Egypt itself. These claims are later affirmed several times towards the end of the play. In his discussion with Lepidus and Pompey, Antony states, The higher Nilus swells. The more it promises, (2.7 20-21). In referring to Egypt and its conditions, Antony has made the comparison between Cleopatra and Egypt. In this quote, Antony states two things: That Egypt rises and falls along with Cleopatra, and Cleopatra is comparable to the nature of Egypt. This statement not only makes the compari son between Cleopatra and Egypt, but by Antony thoughtlessly stating that Cleopatra is Egypt, he reaffirms Cleopatras great natural strength. In Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra, nature, the elements surrounding it and its mystery are continuously compared to Cleopatra. In several instances in the play, we see Cleopatras strength over Gods natural powers. Throughout the first act as well as in the latter acts of the play, references are made to both nature and to Cleopatras powers over it. Shakespeare Essays