In Shakespeare’s play, Anthony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare uses the relationship between Anthony and Cleopatra in order to initiate a critical discussion on the presence and consequences of the severe gender norms and expectations that are placed onto individuals. He utilizes the character of Anthony to resemble the masculine individual struggling with his prescribed gender identity; he then contrasts this figure with the depiction of Cleopatra, who is not under the same pressures as Anthony. Furthermore, Shakespeare uses the dynamics between the two protagonists in order to highlight the mass amounts of hostility aimed toward women, and the role men play in this aggression. Throughout this essay, I will be exploring the arguments of Judith
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More specifically, I will examine how Roman ideals would have formed Anthony into the character he is. In Colleen M. Conway’s book, Behold the Man: Jesus and Greco-Roman Masculinity, Conway inspects the strict set of ideals one must embody in order to be considered masculine. Conway states that an individual needed to display his manliness through practicing virtuous behavior. To emphasize the importance of virtues, Conway states, “virtus, often translated as ‘virtue,’ is etymologically equivalent to ‘manliness’” (Conway 22). The similarity in definition leads to an understanding that in Rome, manliness was unachievable without the presence of virtue. In fact, Conway states the two definitions were so similar that it was “impossible to separate Roman definitions of masculinity from more general notions of ideal human behavior” (Conway 23). The virtues that had to be practiced were self-control, wisdom, justice, and courage—the most important being the former (Conway 23-24). Similarly, one must possess power over his passions in order to be considered manly (Conway 22). This directly contradicts the depiction of Anthony in Anthony and Cleopatra. He appears to be either overpowered by his passions, or, simply chooses to renounce his responsibilities as a Roman warrior. In addition, Anthony appears to hold minimal allegiance to Rome, and his own duties—as can be seen in Act 2 Scene 3. After learning of his prophesized failure against Caeser, Anthony decides to return to Egypt, stating “I will to Egypt; And though I make this marriage for my peace, I’th’East my pleasure lies” (Shakespeare 197). Anthony not only abandons any obligation to his stature as a Roman warrior, but also deserts Rome in pursuit of his passions. Through Anthony’s struggle between passion and
More specifically, I will examine how Roman ideals would have formed Anthony into the character he is. In Colleen M. Conway’s book, Behold the Man: Jesus and Greco-Roman Masculinity, Conway inspects the strict set of ideals one must embody in order to be considered masculine. Conway states that an individual needed to display his manliness through practicing virtuous behavior. To emphasize the importance of virtues, Conway states, “virtus, often translated as ‘virtue,’ is etymologically equivalent to ‘manliness’” (Conway 22). The similarity in definition leads to an understanding that in Rome, manliness was unachievable without the presence of virtue. In fact, Conway states the two definitions were so similar that it was “impossible to separate Roman definitions of masculinity from more general notions of ideal human behavior” (Conway 23). The virtues that had to be practiced were self-control, wisdom, justice, and courage—the most important being the former (Conway 23-24). Similarly, one must possess power over his passions in order to be considered manly (Conway 22). This directly contradicts the depiction of Anthony in Anthony and Cleopatra. He appears to be either overpowered by his passions, or, simply chooses to renounce his responsibilities as a Roman warrior. In addition, Anthony appears to hold minimal allegiance to Rome, and his own duties—as can be seen in Act 2 Scene 3. After learning of his prophesized failure against Caeser, Anthony decides to return to Egypt, stating “I will to Egypt; And though I make this marriage for my peace, I’th’East my pleasure lies” (Shakespeare 197). Anthony not only abandons any obligation to his stature as a Roman warrior, but also deserts Rome in pursuit of his passions. Through Anthony’s struggle between passion and