Cynicism and Idealism in Antony and Cleopatra

Of all of Shakespeares variations, Antony and Cleopatra is the maven that most dramatically reveals the contend amidst cynicism and idealism. In the play, Shakespeare uses capital of Italy as a token for cynicism, which he frequently refers to as politics, and Egypt to refer to the nonions of idealism. This conflict between Rome and Egypt makes up the fundamental conflict of the play and drives the characters towards most of their actions. Characters in Antony and Cleopatra conspicuously fit in Rome and Egypt with competing points of view (Hirsch, p.175). This is in spite of the fact that, obviously, Romans are able-bodied of idealism and Egyptians capable of legitimateism. though Egypt did non have the uniform impact on European history that Rome had, to do by that Egypt had a history of awed political power and that its rulers must(prenominal)(prenominal) have been capable of practice very pragmatic sanction and cynical decisions is to ignore history. It is this very real history that drives the story inventory in the play. In fact, had Antony and Cleopatra non been rulers of their respective realms, and, therefore, symbols of cynicism and idealism, their hit the sack procedure would not have been tragic. Antony would not have been censured for falling foredate to Cleopatras charms, he would not have been expected to unite another woman, and he may have triumphed in the ultimate battle to rule Rome. However, by falling in love with Cleopatra, Antonys Roman cynicism locomote prey to idealism, and he terminate longer be postal code more than a pragmatic politician. Therefore, it is clear that, Under the draw of historical necessity Voluptas must lose, whether represented by Cleopatra or Falstaff; but the defeat is not the easy and obvious matter of a morality play (Kermode, p. 1345). On the contrary, throughout the play, til now though the audience knows the outcome, there is a constant emphasis between idealism and cynicism, a nd a constant strain round which one should prevail.\nIt is important to...