Antony and Cleopatra: Egypt vs

Discuss the central conflict of the play suggested by this extract.

In Antony and Cleopatra we witness the complex struggle and conflict in great people on one level and between two different worlds on opposite ends of the spectrum on another. Antony versus Caesar, Cleopatra versus Octavia, Honour versus Love and old Rome versus new Rome are the major struggles in the play, but all of these can most undoubtedly be included in Egypt versus Rome. Antony and Cleopatra is thus based on two dualistic visions pitted against each other: the vision of Rome embodied by the cold, politically expedient character and sharp intellect of a Caesar. And the vision of Egypt embodied by the beautiful, sharp witted, frivolous and enchanting queen of Egypt, Cleopatra. As the play progresses Shakespeare’s dichotomy is cause for the complex struggle in the main character Antony, between his honour and integrity as a roman on the one hand and his love for his queen Cleopatra, on the other. Antony’s immenent destruction is consequence of his choice of the latter. Realists, like Romans may argue that his lust an

Shakespeare is thus not neutral in his treatment of Rome and Egypt. There is a subtle devaluing of Roman values and a corresponding appreciation of Egyptian ones. We take sides involuntarily, through Shakespeare’s depiction of characters and are emotionally drawn to Antony and Cleopatra as they develop into heroic beings.

In conclusion I would like to point out that it is Antony’s ignorance to realise that both his loyalties, Egypt and Rome were never compatible and his efforts to bring the two together could only lead to fatal consequences. It is his inability to reconcile the conflict of Roman and Egyptian values within himself that forces him to choose between the two. The latter passionate world is Antony’s choice and who can blame him when presented with the alternative. And although Antony’s choice may have lead to his downfall on a materialistic level his choice of love in itself is a victory for his personage. Ultimately it is Antony and Cleopatra who triumph over Caesar in their all exalting love which knows no boundary.

And, breathless, power breathe forth”

Some topics in this essay:
Realists Romans, Rome Pompey, Antony Cleopatra, Cleopatra Gallus, Egypt Central, Antony Cleopatra’s, Roman Egyptian, Bethal Words, Octavia Octavia, Nadim Mahomed, antony cleopatra, roman values, honour integrity, love cleopatra, antony’s choice, egypt rome, character antony, conflict roman, egypt course, complex struggle,