Antony and Cleopatra
Antony’s flaw and tragic downfall.
Internal
Factors
External
Antony’s Flaw (Act I)
►
Antony is a respected and honourable general whose
reputation as a great man precedes him but a conflict
within himself arises when he arrives in Egypt and falls in
love with the Queen, Cleopatra. Antony’s inner conflict is
the physical representation of the differences between
these two worlds: Rome symbolises war, honour and duty,
where military and political power are prized above all else.
This contrasts with Egypt where court life is filled with
passion and desire; sensuality and love. Antony’s tragic
flaw is his desire to be part of these two contrasting, and
at times opposing worlds: wanting to retain his power and
reputation within Rome as a fearless soldier and
magnificent leader but also wishing to live a care-free life
with Cleopatra.
Exposition
►
Exposition: ACT I: Antony’s nobility as well as his flaw
introduced through characterisation, setting and language.
Theme of duty and honour highlighted through Antony’s
conflict: the draw of duty and honour in Rome fighting with
passion and freedom.
►
Structure of whole act is antithetical (alternates between
Rome and Egypt) which emphasises conflict and how
Antony is cut between the two.
Act 1, Scene 1

Structure, characterisation and language: Philo and
Dimitri’s conversation reveals Antony’s past honour and
reputation but also his current conflict. Language
(antithesis and imagery) highlights central conflict.
Language also reveals Roman values and dislike of
Egyptian values. They are very critical of his FLAW.
►
“The triple pillar of the world transformed
into a strumpet’s fool. Behold and see.” (1.1.11-12)
“He comes too short of that great property
which still should go with Antony.” (1.1.58-59)
►
Duty v Passion

Messengers used as a device to emphasise conflict (they
appear 5 times; Antony never free from pull of duty and
Rome; messengers always interrupt relationship with
Cleopatra: ‘Let Rome in Tiber melt…The nobleness of life is
to do thus.’ (1.1.33) Even in Egypt he is not free.
►
But should he be allowed freedom? He is one of the
triumvirate. Why should he not be forced to do his duty by
Caesar?
Act 1, Scene 2
►
►
►
►
Antony learns of a series of difficulties in Rome via the
messengers (plot device to heighten drama) – including
war waged by his wife and her death.
Antony’s inner conflict highlighted when Cleopatra
comments:
“He was disposed to mirth, but on the sudden
A Roman thought has struck him” (1.2.77-78)
Antony recognises his “idleness” has caused this and
decides, “I must from this enchanting queen break off”
(1.2.123)
Closing speech of this scene is businesslike and shows
political awareness. In contrast with the extravagant
language he used when talking to Cleopatra – shows
Antony’s political side – decisive and focussed.
Extrapolation: Whole Play
►
What other key evidence would you offer, drawn from the
rest of the play, which would support your line of thought?
Tragic Downfall: External Factors
►
While it is clear that Antony’s contribution to his own
downfall is significant, it should be acknowledged that
other contributing factors play an important part too.
►
In many ways these external factors mirror Antony's
internal conflict, and they do overlap, but it is fair to say
that in their own right, they contribute to Antony's tragic
demise.
Tragic Downfall: External Factors
► Characterisation
 Cleopatra
 Octavius Caesar
► Setting
 Egypt
 Rome
► Theme
 Fate/Destiny
Cleopatra
►
“infinite variety” She is constantly changing; an unreliable
ally in wartime.
► She is manipulative
► She is enchanting: imagery suggests he is bewitched; it is
out of his control.
►
Find at least 3 examples from across the text to support
this viewpoint.
Caesar
►
The time of universal peace is near.
►
Intent of world domination and sees Antony as a threat.
Young and determined where Antony is old and forgiving.
►
►
Find at least 3 pieces of evidence from across the text to
support these assertions.
Setting
►
►
►
►
►
Rome an extreme culture where duty is
everything. Empire and expansion are the
main goals of Roman leaders at this point in history.
Antony cannot escape this.
Egypt is the country of Cleopatra: passionate, wilful,
seductive.
Antony cannot escape this either.
Make sure that you have at least 3 pieces of evidence from
across the text to support the significance of each of these
settings to Antony, and to support the view that this
conflict contributes to his downfall.
Destiny
►
►
►
Fate. Downfall foreshadowed by soothsayer. A device to
show events are out of Antony’s control.
History acts as fate: the audience know the outcome. It is
inevitable that Caesar will win so any attempts to
overcome the problems is futile.
Act 2, Scene 3 – Soothsayer advises Antony to leave Rome
and go back to Egypt. Soothsayer to Antony in reference to
Caesar – “Thy lustre thickens, when he shines by” (2.3.278) – Your light dulls when he is near.
Characteristics of a Tragic Hero: Noble Birth
►
Usually of noble birth: he is usually a king, a leader of men
- his fate affects the welfare of a whole nation or number
of people. Peasants do not inspire pity and fear as great
men do. The sudden fall from greatness to nothing
provides a sense of contrast.
►
This works equally for Cleopatra, a queen and ruler, upon
whose position her entire nation depends.
Antony’s Demise
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
Act IV (10, 11, 12)
Covers the final battle and Cleopatra’s desertion and
“betrayal’”for the second time.
N.B. Antony’s pride:
”I would they’d fight in i’the’fire or i’th’air;
We’d fight there too.” (4.10.98-9)
foreshadowing his downfall.
Flaws: Quick to believe the worst of Cleopatra (scene 12)
without any proof of why her ships left. Believes she
intends to go to Caesar and become his lover. Quickly
resorts to sexist Roman language. Flies into a lover’s rage
when he sees her then falls into self-pity rather than
continuing to fight/lead his army.
Antony’s Demise
► Act
IV (14)
Antony’s suicide
► Dramatic Irony: We know Cleopatra is still alive. How does
this affect our sense of pity?
► Has he learned a lesson? Is he dying for honour or love or
saving face?
►
Antony’s Demise
►
Act IV (15)
►
BUT Tragic:
So forgiving of Cleopatra. Last words are for her to save
herself and seek a deal with Caesar: ”Of Caesar seek your
honour with your safety.”
Does his forgiveness suggest he does recognise his own
part in his downfall and acceptance of responsibility for his
own flaws? OR is it evidence he is weak and too forgiving.
►
►
Compare and contrast with Cleopatra's demise…
Cleopatra’s Demise
Act IV (13/14)
► Cleopatra: Immature, manipulative,
lacks foresight of the consequences of her actions.
► BUT:
► Realises error and redeems herself – self-awareness.
►
►
►
►
Act V
Her manner of death –
 Beauty preserved
 Escaping Octavius and his plans
 Joining Mark Antony in the afterlife
Weak or courageous?
Resolution
► “The
meaning of Antony’s death hinges on
Cleopatra’s response to it.” (Shapiro)
► The audience experience emotional release –
catharsis. Antony’s death forces Cleopatra to
develop into someone worth of admiration and
Antony’s devotion.
► She stays true to herself (and Antony) by refusing
to become Caesar’s trophy. Sacrifices her life to
maintain her honour.
► Bride and bridegroom references – love conquers
over Roman politics and duty – can finally be
together as husband and wife in death.