Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra': Conflict of Love and Power
Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra' portrays a tragic play, with a conflict of love and power. Antony and Caesar both connote a drive towards different passions in which the themes of love and power cause conflict between both parties. The ideals of the two distant lands of Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire ultimately led to a clash and question of whether Antony's love for Cleopatra is worth losing his status and empire for - allowing power-driven Caesar sole power and success.
Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra' revolves around the relationship between a roman general and an Egyptian Queen. Questionable as to whether the Queen of Egypt was a master of seduction or just a savvy politician, potentially using the likes of Antony for her political gaim 'He gave her the establishment of Egypt, made her of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia, absolute Queen', this portraying how Antony has little care for his own political gain but more so his love for the Queen, and wants to gift her with the greatest gift of which he can offer her: power. This is ideal for Cleopatra whose whole upbringing was based around political gain, where it is strongly believed that Cleopatra killed many of her siblings in order to gain political strength, therefore it is not unlikely that she could manipulate Antony through seduction. It leaves the question throughout the play of whether Cleopatra's love for Antony is as sincere as he is believed to be for her, playing emphasis on the dramatic appeal of political rather than personal conflict, It highlights the corruption of love at the time of Antony and Cleopatra and how people married only for money and hierarchy, rather than true affection and love. It plays emphasis to the character of Cleopatra, going against society's normal stereotype or women and love, rather it is Antony that is displaying his true affection and Cleopatra playing games in order for her own benefit. Fitz highlighted that 'male critics feel personally threatened by Cleopatra and what she represents to them', her games and manipulation portray a dedication to her political gain rather than the need for Antony's love.
Caesar exemplifies his need for power and his cold-heartedness by manipulating of others in order for his own succession. Shakespeare made reference to Plutarch's earlier writing in forming 'Antony and Cleopatra' and Plutarch's reference to Octavius is scarcely described but it is more so revealed in what he does than what is said about him. This can be seen in Act four, scene six, where Caesar states 'Plant those that have revolted in the vant', presenting how Caesar wants to put Antony's traitors in the front line as if Antony was attacking his own army. This presents Caesar's lack of empathy and respect for his men and is solely focused on his own succession above all else - Frank Kermode states TIA Machiavellian sense of political reality is the entirety of Octavius t mentality'. Although this could be highlighted as a more personal attack by putting Antony's traitors on the front line, due to Antony's nature it is unlikely he will feel such a need to kill and attack his traitors, therefore making the succession of Caesar more likely. This highlights the play's dramatic appeal in political gain rather than personal conflict between the characters.
It is made clear in act three, scene five that Caesar's tactics and thirst for power are his only purpose for life, and his followers and helpers are totally disregarded he has the Roman mindset of power and masculinity. Caesar defeats Pompey with the help of Lepidus, however 'would not let him partake in the glory of the action' and 'accuses him of letters he had formerly wrote to Pompey', this emphasizes Caesar's total disregard to share credit with others and his need for sole power, unlike Antony who shares his victories as a group effort. This presents how Caesar is not a true winner, as he essentially discredits others' succession by manipulation, in order to be the sole successor, Highlighting the dramatic appeal being from political gain and not personal conflict, as everything Caesar does is for his own succession and power and without it, the play would not be as fluent and interesting.
Therefore, it is clear that the play's dramatic appeal lies firmly in its political conflict as the entirety of the character's actions is dependent on their own political gain and succession rather than personal feelings and emotions.
