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Cleopatra

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Assignment 02 – Reflection on TMA01 Part 1 – Cleopatra
OU Identifier: C8215589
Jamie Barber
The characterisation of Antony and Cleopatra in this passage is clearly in accordance with the popular Roman opinion of them both at the time of the event and centuries after.
Antony’s characterisation can somewhat be seen to be of a more demeaning manner than that of Cleopatra’s, the foreigner who was to blame for Antony’s sinful desertion of his kin and country. When Antony “witnessed this [the desertion of his fleet to Octavian]”, his weakness and cowardice are highlighted by Plutarch, and re-emphasised in his retreat to the city, and his subsequent disrobing of his armour, which ultimately emasculated him. Plutarch’s inference of the first person narratives which allegedly took place detail Antony as recognising himself that he in fact had “less courage than a woman”, and this same statement reduces Cleopatra to a mere woman, in contrast to the revered warhead and queen she had once been. Cleopatra’s betrayal and trickery run as a theme throughout most of the historical representations of her and of the events leading to Antony’s desertion, and are highlighted in this passage by her acts in fleeing to her tomb and betraying Antony once more.
Another relevant theme affecting the couple’s characterisation is that of their relationship and the power dynamics within it. Antony is irrevocably influenced by his adoration of Cleopatra, which is clear from his sense of betrayal at her aiding “the very men he was fighting for her sake”. Again, when news of Cleopatra’s death reached her lover, we see him so completely affected by her loss that he is induced by fate to end his own life. From an unbiased perspective, this detail operates to imply that this is merely a tragic love story, particularly since it became common practice for Ancient Egyptians to also disembowel and mummify themselves once their regal spouse had died.
However this account is far from unbiased - being written centuries after the events and from the perspective of the victors - and Cleopatra is very much portrayed as a controlling figure. The fact that the dialogue and events take place in Egypt and more specifically in Cleopatra’s palace reinforces the concept that this is within her domain, where she is the uncontested ruler. Furthermore, her knowledge of the effect which her death will have upon Antony is remarkably accurate, and further illustrates the image of her as a ruthless leader, controlling him as one would a trophy of war. The effects of this relationship on each’s leadership capabilities appear to be that Antony has nullified his rights to rule Rome, and has gained nothing in Egypt, whereas Cleopatra is allegedly “preparing the ruin of the Capitol” with her allegiance with Mark Antony, and, as Cassius Dio claimed Augustus said: “We Romans…find ourselves spurned and trampled upon by a woman of Egypt”.
In conclusion, it is notable that although this account of Cleopatra is recorded centuries after the events of this Roman civil war, it is reflectively in-keeping with other historical accounts and opinions of the time.
527 words, including footnotes.

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[ 1 ]. Plutarch, Life of Antony (Penguin Books: 1965)
[ 2 ]. Ibid.
[ 3 ]. Ibid.
[ 4 ]. Ibid.
[ 5 ]. Horace, Ode 1.37 (West: 2004)
[ 6 ]. Scott-Kilvert, Augustus on Cleopatra (1987) pp.52-55

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