Antony and Cleopatra :: essays research papers

Antony and Cleopatra.The simplicity of the Jacobean Stage and its lack of scenery focused the audiences attention on the actors. Discuss how Shakespeare created the grandeur of the Worlds of capital of Italy and Egypt, and the magnificence of the protagonists, through his use of imagery in Antony and Cleopatra.The play of Antony and Cleopatra was written in 1606, and is mainly set in their respective worlds of Rome and Egypt. Antony and Cleopatra, like Shakespeares other plays was written to be performed on the Jacobean Stage. In Shakespeares time there was a lack of scenery and stage props, but he compensated with his use of language that he gave to the audience, to assist them, bring to life the characters, plot and the setting in their own minds.That was the past, here and now in the present, we go to the Cinema, which is full of special effects, computerised graphics, and exciting camera shots, which all goes towards creating a typical Hollywood blockbuster film. With Antony and Cleopatra this is not inevitable as it is still more legal on the stage than on screen, which is imputable to the elaborate language used, which tests our imagination.Shakespeares plays are written in dramatic verse and his use of imagery is in truth effective, as it engages the audiences attention, to give them a deeper meaning and reality to each and every character.In order to analyse how Shakespeare uses imagery to describe Antony and his world of Rome, and Cleopatra and her world of Egypt, it is necessary to look at how he breathes life into their larger than life personalities by the use of powerful, vivid language.The opening speech raises the audiences awareness of the Roman view towards Antony and Cleopatras relationship. You shall see him The triple pillar of the world transformed into a strumpets fool, which ultimately means that Antony is Cleopatras jester, that would do anything for her and that his imminent downfall is due to Cleopatra the Strumpet.Mark Antonys char acter at the beginning of the play, is that of a big, powerful, triumvir whose heart has been entrapped by Cleopatras enchanting personality. The audience hears many good things or so Antonys character, which is shown through his great past, It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh which some did die look on, which informs us that he was a great warrior which evoke feelings of respect towards him.