Antony and Cleopatra Essay Questions

Antony and Cleopatra is categorized as a tragedy. Are there any other genres it could include?

The official title of the play is The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra, emphasizing the tragic demise of the two lovers. Indeed, the play ends in a tragic manner, with both central characters dying by the final act. However, the play is also deeply rooted in history, and Shakespeare relied heavily on Plutarch's Lives when he was writing the play. While there are clear moments of artistic embellishment present in the play, some have argued that it ought to be considered one of Shakespeare's histories rather than tragedies. This ongoing debate emphasizes the extent to which Shakespeare's drama was often fluid across genres, encouraging audiences to remember the historical precedent of what they witnessed on stage.

Is the love between Antony and Cleopatra believable? Why or why not?

Despite their expressed affection taking up so much time in the play, critics are generally uninterested in considering the extent to which Antony and Cleopatra love one another. Because of the pay's connection to actual historical events, the play has not received the same attention regarding romantic love as other plays like Romeo and Juliet. Instead, the love that Antony and Cleopatra purport to have is almost always characterized as fantasy or obsession; they are simply each too powerful on their own to make the kinds of sacrifices expected of true theatrical lovers.

Why is Antony and Cleopatra generally considered a chaotic play?

While not the most famous text of Shakespeare's oeuvre, Antony and Cleopatra is notorious for its seeming lack of structure. It contains the most scene changes of any Shakespeare play, as the narrative pivots back and forth between Rome and Egypt over five acts. This chaotic structure helps cultivate a sense of desperation throughout the play, as Antony and Cleopatra are running out of options to preserve their relationship and remain loyal to Rome. It also contributes to the many miscommunications that occur throughout the play, where characters lack understanding of one another and act impulsively, without regard for potential consequences.

Who is the hero of the play?

While Antony and Cleopatra are the clear protagonists in the play, many would argue that the true singular "hero" is Cleopatra. She is mythologized in the play by other characters, and when the audience encounters her she is capricious, theatrical, and alluring. Indeed, Antony dies in Act Four of the play while Cleopatra does not die until Act Five. Notably, in her death, she is still triumphant, as she asks to wear her queenly regalia before committing suicide. Finally, the most famous passages from the play are typically descriptions of or quotations from Cleopatra herself, showing Shakespeare's interest in attaching his poetic skill to her character in the particular.

What role does Julius Caesar play in Antony and Cleopatra?

Throughout the play, characters are constantly alluding to Julius Caesar, member of the First Triumvirate and first dictator of Rome. Caesar was murdered by Roman senators after they became wary of his obsession with power. He also allegedly had an affair with Cleopatra when she was very young, a fact that crops up again and again throughout the play. Julius Caesar therefore comes to serve both as an emblem of Cleopatra's youth and as a lingering threat to the Roman government under the Second Triumvirate. The play subtly reminds audiences of Caesar's transgressions and ultimate fate, encouraging tension as members of the Second Triumvirate begin vying for power.