Will Alsagoff (8064)

Antony and Cleopatra (Block 2)

01/08/2016

Cleopatra is one of Shakespeares strongest female characters who

is portrayed mainly through her infinite variety and the control she has
over numerous situations. Her position as the absolute queen of Egypt,
Lower Syria, Cyprus, and Lydia is acknowledged by the predominantly
male Romans as she weaves her way through their leadership construct.
The critic Cook argues that Cleopatra plays with gender, not in order to
overcome social or familial obstacles, but to transform conventional
definitions, roles and boundaries. Her use of power and resources to
portray her distinctive qualities effectively ensnares the Romans. In this,
while her feminine strength is clear in the play, her flaws in governance
subverts the notion that she is a feminist literary icon.
Her female strength is primarily shown through her role and status
as Queen of Egypt which is acknowledged by many characters in the
play. This is shown when Egypt falls to the hands of Caesar, and she
believes that they will become Egyptian puppets and strumpets if
they give in to Caesars wishes. The critic Jameson puts forth the idea,
"Cleopatra could have endured the loss of freedom; but to be led in
triumph through the streets of Rome is insufferable." In this, the audience
explores the relationship between Cleopatra and her people, particularly
her servants. She is aware of the situation and as queen, she shows
concern for the well-being of her people. The fact that she plans her own
death tells the audience that she refuses to have Caesar gain control over
her. In return, her servants use the asp to commit suicide afterwards
indicating their respect and loyalty to their queen. With that, her position
as queen and the Egyptians trust for her referent power highlights to the
audience of her feminine strength.
The audience also sees her strength when they consider the control
and dominance she has over a situation. In one case, she is aware of her
power as she makes an impactful first impression in her first meeting with
Antony. Enobarbus comparison of Cleopatra to Venus, goddess of love,
highlights the extent of her power to the Romans. He even describes the
barge as a fancy outwork nature to symbolise how it successfully
creates a gap in nature. In this, her individuality is clearly shown as she
attempts to portray herself in a transcendental manner. Her selfawareness and lavish use of resources to demonstrate her sensuality
gives the audience an image of her femininity and her effective attempts
to rule as a woman in a mans world. The fact that she is able to
transfigure Enobarbus, changing his language which is usually described
as thy plainness is a clear example of her strength. Hence, her feminine
strength is clearly shown through her actions and prominence as a female
leader.
The notion that she is a feminist literary icon is overrated to the
extent that she does not exercise her power properly as a powerful leader.
Her constant need to verify the level of control she has over a situation

Will Alsagoff (8064)

Antony and Cleopatra (Block 2)

01/08/2016

shows the audience of her discomposure as a ruler. This is clearly shown

in several scenes, especially when she orders her servant to find out
where he [Antony] is and once again to a messenger, Didst thou behold
Octavia? after whom was married to Antony. The fact that she hauls a
servant up and down upon discovering that fact clearly shows her
discomposure and a huge contrast to the idea of her being an icon. In
this, it is clear that her continued reliance to ensure that Antony is under
her control and her over-dependence on him to improve her social status
does not allow her to become an icon, for it is truly not an iconic way to
rule. Her use of her gender to gain strength and not by diplomatic means
does not allow her to become an effective leader as compared to the
Romans. Hence, her insecurities and lack of self-confidence in her acts
diminish her feminist icon status as she constantly seeks affirmation to
guarantee her power.
In conclusion, Cleopatra is clearly a strong female character written
in a context where an audience is ruled under the female power of
Elizabeth I. The fact that Shakespeare challenges the unorthodox idea of
gender equality in his age lets the audience think that Cleopatra is a
feminist literary icon. The critic Dusinberre has mentioned, Cleopatra is
always in control of her own image. She lost the sea battle, but as she
reveals in the last act she is in control. While it is true that she does
exercise power as a queen, Cleopatra uses control and manipulation to
rule and this does not align with feminist ideas. Her use of resources and
awareness of the situation do tell the audience that she is an icon of
femininity, but ultimately her dependence towards the male gender does
not make her feminist icon.