Comparisons Between Cleopatra and Octavia in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra

In Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra and Octavia are two contrasting characters who come from rivaling societies. The differences in the midst of the two women, in both appearance and manner, emphasizes the differing ideals of their respective civilizations. The roman print idea of Egypt is that it is a country of magic and unbridled passion, whereas their cypher of themselves is unrivalled of calm demeanor and rational thought. Both Cleopatra and Octavia bet to represent the ideals of the civilizations they belong to.
Cleopatra is a woman of incredible beauty, personal appeal and allure. At the beginning of the play, Enorbarbus acknowledges her appeal when he describes the moment when Antony starting saw Cleopatra, coming d protest the Nile River in her barge:
For her own person,
It beggared all description: she did lie
In her pavilionâ€"cloth of gold, of meanderâ€"
Oerpicturing that Venus where we see
The fancy outwork nature.(2.2.207-211)
Cleopatras curb over Antony and civilization come from her unfaltering command of physical appearance. Indeed,Cleopatras almost mystical and magical powers are competent to completely take over Antony, who gives up his wife, honor and genius in order to be her lover. Enobarbus worries about the extent of Cleopatras powers, which seem to never diminish.



When Maecenas tells him that surely, Antony will one day let Cleopatra, Enobarbus replies that this cannot possibly be true:
Never. He will not.
eon cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety. Other women cloy
The appetites they feed, alone she makes hungry
Where she most satisfies, for silent things
Become themselves in her, that the sanctum priests
Bless her when she is riggish.(2.2.244-250)
Power over physical appearance is one that Octavia, who is described by one of Cleopatras messengers as beingness plain, doesnt have. Where a pouted face is enough to bring Antony menage from Rome, Octavia is unable to get any attention from him. This is partly because she lacks...If you take to get a full essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com



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