Abstract
Antony and Cleopatra was published in 1623, but already played on stage around 1609. The story is based on real facts and takes us back to Ancient Rome, relating to the life of the emperor Mark Antony. To write his play, Shakespeare found inspiration in the work from Plutarch's title Life of Antony.
Since its creation, the play has been adapted more than fifteen times, whether on television and in cinema, in music or in theaters.
Even though inspired by actual history, Shakespeare romanticized the facts in order to make it an entertaining tale. The story happens at a time when mythology was an important part of an individual's life, which is also retranscribed in the play.
Extract
[...] Even though she is called Cleopatra most of the time, as she is the most famous one, the character of the play is Cleopatra VII, Queen of Egypt from 51 until 30 BC. Historically speaking, she leads an important role in many crucial events, but she is also a symbol. She represents Egypt and its past magnificence. We know for a fact that Cleopatra had several love stories during her lifetime, including Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She actually had several children with the two of them. However, those are completely occulted in Shakespeare's play, to focus on their relationship. [...]
[...] Antony and Cleopatra - William Shakespeare (1623) - How Does Shakespeare Incorporate Several Elements, Both Real and Fictive, in Order to Make it a Consistent Story? Antony and Cleopatra William Shakespeare, Londoner writer from the end of the 16th century, beginning of 17th, is considered to be one of the most important playwrights of all times. He is one of the most translated writers in the world, and has been studied for generations worldwide. His plays are played in many different countries, with various interpretations, whether it is in movies, plays, or other artistic works. [...]
[...] Throughout the read of the play, one main problematic concerning this aspect comes to mind: how does Shakespeare incorporate several elements, both real and fictive, in order to make it a consistent story? First, we will focus on the historical aspect of the play: the characters, especially Cleopatra and Antony, but also the overall events, roles of the characters, and the complexity of the war between the triumvirate, Pompeus Cassius and Cleopatra. Then, it is interesting to take some time to analyze the way the theme of love is approached; while the historical facts are the background, Shakespeare really focus on love, between Cleopatra and Antony obviously, but also the behavior of Cleopatra towards love. [...]
[...] Cleopatra is here a figure of love and seduction itself. Historically speaking, Cleopatra is indeed known for having seduced several men, including two major heads of Ancient Rome: Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. In the play, she appears to be using her seduction powers to get the control over men. Even though she keeps betraying Antony, he always ends up forgiving her. When she meets Octavius at the end of the play, once more, she seems to try to seduce him in order to get him to her mercy. [...]
[...] On the contrary, in Egypt, where the head of state is a woman, Queen Cleopatra, two servants are referring to Isis, queen of the gods. Cleopatra his describing Antony as "demi-Atlas," one of the titans. This highlights the strength of Antony, clearly transpires the love of Cleopatra; but it is also interesting to note than even though Egyptian gods are not the same, Cleopatra is referring to a god of Occident, showing her investment in her relationship with Antony, willing to adapt to his world in some way. [...]
