Antony And Cleopatra Essay Research Paper Love — страница 3

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the lamps of night in revel; is not more manlike than Cleopatra. In questioning Antony s manliness, Caesar makes possibly the biggest criticism of possible of Antony, showing the aggression and competitiveness of politics in the play. This dissatisfaction with Antony s attitude is brought to the fore in Act two scene three, where the two men confront each other. The language used in this scene is perfect evidence of the manner in which Shakespeare creates the world of politics in the play, particularly in such contrasting fashion to the scenes of love. Again, the language used is unembellished- but a new factor is present- that of diplomacy and political caution. The scene opens with Enobarbus and Lepidus talking about the situation. Lepidus is desperate to avoid conflict

courteously, and somewhat indirectly, asks that Enobarbus ensure Antony be civil and calm. Enobarbus replies in a fashion typical of the style that is to follow- polite, plain, and clear in presenting his intentions. I shall entreat him to answer like himself to which Lepidus counters tis not a time for private stomaching (meaning to express ones personal feelings) This conversation is an excellent portrayal of the way language evokes the world of politics in the story. In sharp contrast to the heated spontaneity and exaggerated passion of Antony and Cleopatra’s arguments, here we have two diplomats doing their best to suppress any evidence of emotion, and retain an air of neutrality, with Caesars representative urging the other it is not a situation to express oneself. Once

Antony and Caesar arrive on stage the language, and hence the mood, remain much the same. Both are polite and formal, addressing the other as sir and approaching the issue indirectly- when Antony asks what it matters to Caesar if he was in Egypt, Octavius replies n a typically over polite and diplomatic way no more than my residing here at Rome might be to you in Egypt The whole process feels unnatural and tense, especially with Lepidus attempting to mediate and reconcile the pair. Again, this atmosphere is obviously a device intended by the author, as a direct result of the language used. This is, in my opinion, symbolic of everything Caesar is in the play. He is calculating, manipulative and dispassionate where Antony is wilful and generous (as we see in his reaction to

Enobarbus defection) As a representative of the military and political power of Rome, Caesar is contrasted against Cleopatra, whose language is driven by passion, and (by no coincidence) rejects politics wholly, as can be seen by her total lack of appreciation for her lovers duties, and her disdain for any military advice in Act five. Thematically, the story centers around Antony s fall form grace , and whilst Caeser is left at the end of the play in complte political control, the audiences hearts lie totally with the dead lovers. Shakespeare has essentially crafted two separate worlds, one of love, whose language is dominated by impulse, passion and individuality, and one of politics that uses words of order, reputation, and diplomacy. Antony is trapped between the two, unable

to choose between them. Ultimately, the audience feel he chooses love, and the qualities that go with that have, in my opinion, been shown in a more sympathetic light throughout the play. Antony s decision is what makes the tragedy so memorable as a love story, rather than a lesson in political downfall, and what makes Caesars victory so hollow.