Antony and Cleopatra

Antony and Cleopatra is yet another of Shakespeare’s works. While his writing style isn’t for everyone, his stories are gripping and can easily collude with many readers if updated to make more sense to the common person. Based around Plutarch’s biographies, the story follows Mark Antony, a Roman politician, and Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile. It begins around the Sicilian revolt and ends around Cleopatra’s suicide during the Final War.

The characters are very interestingly written. Cleopatra is portrayed as vain and callous, yet her relationship with Antony still has all the tragedy of a typical star-crossed lover story. This characterization is a point of contention for many critics, but I see it as a good thing. It is a testament to Shakespeare’s skill that he is able to make a character so easily dislikable yet get audiences invested in them.

Romance stories have been done to death as of late, but the appeal of this production in its time can easily be seen. This play isn’t just romance, either, but wrought with tragedy (as Cleopatra kills herself during the play). It can be seen as a spiritual sequel to Shakespeare’s earlier work, Julius Caesar, as Antony is featured in that play as well. The main antagonist, Octavius Caesar, is also in that same play, so it is interesting to see him in both a positive and negative light.

Overall, Antony and Cleopatra is a work of its time. Critics are divided, with some even calling it one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays”. Personally, I liked it, but I am a general fan of Shakespeare’s work. It is all down to how you feel about his writings. You might love it, or you might hate it with all your heart. Regardless of your view, it’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to love something just because it’s a “classic”, regardless of what everyone says. However, I do recommend taking time to read it and judge for yourself.