Antony Cleopatra
Nature, described as mysterious and secretive, is a recurrent theme throughout Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. Cleopatra, the ill-fated queen of Egypt, is both mysterious and secretive, and her emotional power is above and beyond nature’s 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 raunchy, innuendo- filled scene has two of Cleopatra’s close friends and one of Antony’s discussing her and Antony’s life. Charmian, one of Cleopatra’s best friends, Alexas, one of Cleopatra’s servants (as well as the link between her and Antony), Enobarbus, one of Antony’s trusted Lieutenants, as well as a Soothsayers are all prese
Throughout the first act, various characters claim and make references to Cleopatra as being “Egypt” itself. On page __________________. 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,” (pg.56). 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 comparison between Cleopatra and Egypt, but by Antony obliviously stating that Cleopatra “is Egypt”, he reaffirms Cleopatra’s great natural strength. nt and discussing their fortunes. During this discussion, the Soothsayer states, “ In Nature’s infinite book of secrecy/ A little I can read” (I.ii.10-11). The Soothsayer explains to the others that there is little she can do outside of not o
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Approximate Word count = 714
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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