Gender in Antony and Cleopatra
Gender definitely plays a huge role in Antony and Cleopatra, as Shakespeare introduces his most developed female character ever, Cleopatra. Cleopatra alone sets a precedent for Shakespeare's depiction of a woman in power (which is ironic) but is also dominantly in love with a submissive man. The switching of gender roles gives Shakespeare a unique appeal of a broader audience which I believe is the reason this play is still so popular today.
"SOLDIER
By Hercules, I think I am i' th' right.
CANIDIUS
Soldier, thou art, but his whole action grows
Not in the power on 't. So our leader's led,
And we are women's men." Act 3 Scene 7 Lines 84-87
One of Antony’s soldiers confers with Canidius about the fact that fighting at sea is foolish, because they are weaker there. Canidius proposes that Antony’s actions are not his own, but the power of the woman that leads him. To be led by another’s power is a weakness. A woman's power is weaker than a man's therefore if Antony were to be exercising his own power they would be in a much stronger position when it comes to powerful politics in the military conflict.
I do not believe that Antony is attracted to Cleopatra's power because he also has power and influence of his own, I believe he genuinely respects her opinion, trusts her, and naively loves her. I cannot disagree that Cleopatra uses her sexuality to her advantage to attract the powerful Caesar, Pompey, and Antony so she can gain the most influence. I believe that the way that Antony presents himself and addresses situations, he is femininely passive which directly contradicts roman values which is depicted by the manipulative dominate masculinity of Cleopatra.
By Hercules, I think I am i' th' right.
CANIDIUS
Soldier, thou art, but his whole action grows
Not in the power on 't. So our leader's led,
And we are women's men." Act 3 Scene 7 Lines 84-87
One of Antony’s soldiers confers with Canidius about the fact that fighting at sea is foolish, because they are weaker there. Canidius proposes that Antony’s actions are not his own, but the power of the woman that leads him. To be led by another’s power is a weakness. A woman's power is weaker than a man's therefore if Antony were to be exercising his own power they would be in a much stronger position when it comes to powerful politics in the military conflict.
I do not believe that Antony is attracted to Cleopatra's power because he also has power and influence of his own, I believe he genuinely respects her opinion, trusts her, and naively loves her. I cannot disagree that Cleopatra uses her sexuality to her advantage to attract the powerful Caesar, Pompey, and Antony so she can gain the most influence. I believe that the way that Antony presents himself and addresses situations, he is femininely passive which directly contradicts roman values which is depicted by the manipulative dominate masculinity of Cleopatra.
Although Cleopatra is a very strong female character, I do not believe that she is the only strong female he has. In fact, Shakespeare is known for his strong female characters. Lady Macbeth is a strong matriarch and exercises her power over her husband frequently. Juliet is also a strong character because she defies her father's orders and runs away with Romeo. You say that Cleopatra defies gender roles, however, in Twelfth Night, the female character literally dresses up as a man when she is stranded and alone.
ReplyDeleteI agree with youmst'd've'ly'yaint'nt'ed'ies's'y'es. You also used good quotes to support this. I also really like when you said, "To be led by another’s power is a weakness. A woman's power is weaker than a man's therefore if Antony were to be exercising his own power they would be in a much stronger position when it comes to powerful politics in the military conflict." I think that is completely true.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cat on this one, defying gender roles may be a little bit far for Shakespeare. We know that he is known for female characters like this. Great writing and use of quotes though.
ReplyDeleteHey Kalli. As usual, great blog. Though I'm not sure exactly what you mean when you say that Cleopatra's introduction as a character appeals to his audience. Nonetheless, you make a great point. Also, I think that your observation of Canidius and the point that you made about "being led by another’s power is a weakness" is a great observation. And I'm finally glad someone said what I've been thinking: "Cleopatra uses her sexuality to her advantage to attract the powerful Caesar, Pompey, and Antony so she can gain the most influence."
ReplyDelete