Write 5 page essay on the topic Cleopatra, a Much Puzzling Character in Antony & Cleopatra.Download file to see previous pages... The character of Cleopatra definitely appears to be treacherously fick

Write 5 page essay on the topic Cleopatra, a Much Puzzling Character in Antony & Cleopatra.

The character of Cleopatra definitely appears to be treacherously fickle or even positively pernicious, unless she is judged in the light of the times and circumstances in which she is placed (Schanzer 181). On the outside, the conflict seems to be between two men that are Octavius Caesar and Mark Antony. But, at a deeper level, the conflict issues forth from a clash between two inherent masculine tendencies within Antony that are love and power (Cahn 236). No doubt, these are the two most potent forces that unexceptionally always have an immense influence on an ambitious man. More than one-half of the play revolves around the theme of power. Interpreting the character of Cleopatra in such a scenario justifies her whimsicality. But, for her boyish exuberance, and seemingly vile ways, she would have ended up as just one another woman in Antony’s life, who at some time is conveniently bypassed or forgotten in the larger quest for power over the coveted Roman Empire (Loomba 143).

Critics do blame Cleopatra of being the most puzzling figure in the play. The fact it is that had Cleopatra been so direct and simpleton in the time and situation in which she was placed, it would have soon degraded her status to that of an ordinary concubine to a Roman general. This was not acceptable to Cleopatra. Perhaps, she may not have been an exceptionally intelligent woman, but no doubt, she was really good at dealing with men who were exceptionally intelligent and powerful. Cleopatra lived as a queen and she died as a queen.