Antony & Cleopatra Essay A rewrite
The theme of duty versus pleasure; the dramatic element of conflict, and the characterization of Antony v. Octavius in Act 1 of the drama Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare, sets up the rest of the play and contributes to Antony’s overthrow and Octavius’s victory.
The theme of duty versus pleasure is directly advertised in the opening of the play which directly foreshadows the dreadful decisions Antony makes which directly lead to his downfall and Octavius’s victory. The beginning of the play begins with Philo and Demetrius’s conversation, which demonstrates the theme of duty vs. pleasure. For instance, Antony states “There’s not a minute of our lives should stretch without some pleasure now. What sport tonight?” (Act 1, scene 1, page 7). In this quote Antony is telling Cleopatra that they should not just waste time instead they should have a romantic time together. This quote specifically focuses on the theme of pleasure and further signifies how Antony is avoiding his duties towards Rome. Antony presents his carefree attitude when he says “not a minute of our lives should stretch” the readers can easily elaborate upon his downfall as he does not put any focus towards Rome. The words “not a minute” elaborate how all Antony wants is pleasure and Cleopatra by his side. Also, the quote creates a romantic tone as Antony is showcasing his love for Cleopatra. This quote contribute to Antony’s downfall because it highlights Antony’s lack of care towards Rome and how Cleopatra holds so much importance for him. Even tough, Antony is exposed as a carefree man, after Fulvia’s death he has a quick realization of his duties as a husband and as a member of the triumvirate. For example, he states “For not alone the death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches, but the letters too of many our contriving friends in Rome Petition us at home” (Act 1, scene 2, page 26). This quote identifies the theme of duty as it sets up the event of Antony returning to Rome. This is very significant because it allows the readers to be able to contrast Antony’s life in Egypt with his life in Egypt as a soldier. It gives the audience a bit of relief as Shakespeare evidently shows that Antony is aware of his duties. The part of the quote that states “not alone the death of Fulvia” it shows that Antony holds more responsibilities in Rome other than Fulvia however, the death of Fulvia is what is causing him to go to Rome. Before, leaving for Rome he chooses to go to Cleopatra to notify her about him going to Rome this is an important aspect to consider because it shows that even though Antony is acknowledging his duties he still loves Cleopatra more. Therefore, this contributes to Antony’s downfall because he is falling in Cleopatra’s love trap which will persuade Octavius to go to war with Antony as he is neglecting his duties. The theme of duty versus pleasure is carried forward in future events and is heavily shown in Act 3 Scene 10. As Antony is in the process of fighting in a battle he suddenly decides to leave and follow Cleopatra. The messenger then states “she once being loofed, the noble run of her magic, Antony, claps on his sea wing, and like a doting mallard leaving the fight in height, flies after her” (Act 3, scene 10, page 196). This quote is significant because it shows how Antony chose pleasure over his duties. It foreshadows future events that create conflict between Antony and Octavius. The term “loofed” emphasizes upon how Cleopatra just turned around and the one glance Antony had over her caused him to leave the battle. Shakespeare uses “doting mallard” and calls Antony a lovesick duck as he sold off his reputation for such a women. By stating ‘noble run of her magic” readers can interpret that Cleopatra has enticed Antony completely. This event leads up to Antony’s downfall as he creates conflict with Octavius since he left an important war for Cleopatra and forgot he is a member of the triumvirate. It foreshadows Octavius’s victory as this scene shows one of the many poor decisions. The theme of duty versus pleasure is shown throughout the play. This sets up the rest of the play because the theme foreshadows the different conflicts Antony will face. It also sets up the storyline and different characterizations in the play.
In conclusion, the theme of duty versus pleasure, the dramatic element of conflict, and the characterization of Antony and Octavius set up the rest of the play and contribute to Antony’s downfall and Octavius’s victory. This contributes to the climax because it foreshadows events that help the readers identify the resolution beforehand. Antony’s inner conflicts as well as the manipulation and control Cleopatra had over him emphasizes upon his downfall and Octavius’s triumph.