Literary Analysis Essay on Antony and Cleopatra: Tragedy by William Shakespeare

2021-05-28
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1097 words
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Middlebury College
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There have dependably been endeavors to group Shakespeare's plays, utilizing names to place them in classifications that could confine the manners in which the readers may consider them. Shakespears plays fall into three broad categories which include tragedy, comic or historical. And one of his immense tragic plays, Antony and Cleopatra, demonstrates a definitive virtuoso of a tragic drama that does not regard the classifications in the sense that it creates a genuine disastrous feeling but from an entirely comic structure.

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But one may ponder what is particularly catastrophic in this play. A tragedy, for the most part, demonstrates a character that is remarkable by the rank or/and internal capacities they hold, falling into adversity subsequently of destiny, and due to a blunder or a soft spot for which they are not so much dependable. A few such components are in Antony and Cleopatra. The play has characters that have high rank since they are exceptional figures. Additionally, there is an appalling circumstance because there is no trust of a blissful consummation right from the initial opening point of the play. At last, regardless of the possibility that it is difficult to see an amazing quality in real life; the drama demonstrates a disappointment of human flexibility, a determinism in the character's destiny that can be the substance of tragedy.

Most of the heroes in Antony and Cleopatra have high rank and capacity since they are above the level of ordinary citizens. And this is a general element in tragedies. The tragic heroes are exceptional examples of humankind. They can be wonderful for their knowledge, their cold-bloodedness, or their nobleness as a primary concern. Regularly the deplorable legend is of noble blood. Antony, in Shakespeare's play and additionally in Roman history, is a military pioneer of mind-blowing force, insight, and valor. On the other hand, Cleopatra is significant because of her royal rank, beauty, intelligence and audacity. Her dignity gives her an unusual honor which ends up being tragic. Even though she is afraid of death, she would rather end her life than experience the triumph of Caesar.

Most tragic heroes are outstanding, but at the same time, they are not perfect. They are unsuspectingly remorseful of some of the faults that make them somehow warrant the tragedy which happens to them. And this view is apparent in the character of Antony. One cannot deny that his adoration for Cleopatra is a shortcoming and even blame. His passion makes him overlook his obligation as an officer (1.4). He leaves the fight against Caesar because of Cleopatra, and their love makes him an unfaithful spouse to Octavia and Fulvia. On Cleopatra's recommendation, he chooses to battle at sea in spite of the fact that his odds would be significantly improved ashore. Then again, his energy is not willful. He tries to oppose it - by wedding Octavia; he tries to give legislative issues a higher significance than compassion, however, ends up failing.

Another trademark highlight of tragic heroes is that their destiny is constantly in connection to the predetermination of a group. Their despondency is not merely a personal disaster, but rather concerns many individuals. The contention between Antony and Caesar is a catastrophe for Rome since it prompts to conventional war. Antony's passing is the incredible outcome for the Roman Empire (5.1). The fall of Cleopatra is likewise the fall of Egypt, which turns out to be in the long run a part of the Roman Empire. And by killing herself, Cleopatra does spare her respect and pride, as well as the nobility of her country.

Additionally, Antony seems torn between the love that he has for Cleopatra and Octavia. And on the off chance that the contention within Antony himself remains unsettled, the political war is doomed to have a tragic end. Caesar, Antony, and Pompey are in a battle for power and the gathering sorted out by Pompey to bind reconciliation does not trick the readers. After Pompey's demise, the battle amongst Caesar and Antony is inescapable since the two men of such exceptional limit and aspiration cannot be happy with a half of the world each.

On the other hand, even though the play is verifiably a tragic one, it shows some of the elements of Comedy. Its structure takes after that of modern comic drama which makes the show fascinating. In scene 1.1 Cleopatra's bedeviling of Antony is entertaining, similar to her story of dressing her tipsy mate (2.5.19) in her garments. Undoubtedly, in a single perspective Cleopatra and Antony epitomize an old comedy custom, involving a charmed man excited by a conspiring younger lady. A look at scene 1.2 shows a case of the funniness of Egyptian court leisure activities. In section 2.5.61, Cleopatra's abuse of the messenger might not appear to be appealing to certain crowds, but rather such handling of hirelings was yet another customary witty part. The old trooper Enobarbus is additionally a very humorous figure, particularly when he taunts Lepidus in scene 2.7. In the previous act, Lepidus likewise plays a regular comedy part as a stupid drunk, a personality sort of the past times which is still present today.

The amusing parts of the drama indicate Cleopatra and Antony's place in the development of the work of Shakespeare. His previous plays dependably showed a possible disaster, in the conceivable achievement of wickedness, the powers of compassion hindered that. However, in this play this circumstance is switched; catastrophe is in the front and the lighthearted humor of affection in the midst of the law courts of Egyptian stays in a mainly supplementary post. Though, the soul of comic drama recurs at the finishing point in the backing of the last change of Cleopatra. As a result, this foretells the otherworldly greatness that is at the center point of the other scenes. The blending of politics and love, strategy and lust, annihilation and victory describe Antony and Cleopatra.

In conclusion, tragedy assumes an unmistakable position in Antony and Cleopatra and has different perspectives while then again, the funny parts of the play is an explicit representation of the characters Cleopatra and Antonys position in the development of the work of Shakespeare. The play is catastrophic about the significance of the primary characters, and in the circumstance that leaves no plausibility of a happy ending or compromise. In the end, regardless of the possibility that it is difficult to see an amazing transcendence working through the play, there are in the characters, Antony and Cleopatra, many components that demonstrate a determinism which compels the flexibility of the characters, making their free choices to fail miserably.

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