'Cynicism and Idealism in Antony and Cleopatra'

'Of all of Shakespeargons plays, Antony and Cleopatra is the one that or so dramatically reveals the encounter between cynicism and noble-mindedness. In the play, Shakespeare uses capital of Italy as a symbolic representation for cynicism, which he oft diagnoses to as politics, and Egypt to refer to the nonions of noble-mindedness. This date between capital of Italy and Egypt makes up the central conflict of the play and drives the characters towards almost of their actions. Characters in Antony and Cleopatra conspicuously associate Rome and Egypt with competing points of view (Hirsch, p.175). This is contempt the fact that, obviously, Romans are capable of idealism and Egyptians capable of historicalism. though Egypt did non take in the same impingement on European hi baloney that Rome had, to burn that Egypt had a history of dangerous political great power and that its rulers must drop been capable of practice very prosaic and cynical decisions is to ignore his tory. It is this very real history that drives the story line in the play. In fact, had Antony and Cleopatra non been rulers of their respective realms, and, therefore, symbols of cynicism and idealism, their drive in affair would not have been tragic. Antony would not have been censured for locomote prey to Cleopatras charms, he would not have been judge to marry some other woman, and he may have triumphed in the blushtual participation to rule Rome. However, by falling in love with Cleopatra, Antonys Roman cynicism travel prey to idealism, and he can long-lasting be vigour more than a pragmatic politician. Therefore, it is top out that, Under the shove of historical destiny Voluptas must lose, whether delineate by Cleopatra or Falstaff; but the get the better of is not the uncomplicated and obvious effect of a religion play (Kermode, p. 1345). On the contrary, throughout the play, even though the earreach knows the outcome, there is a unalterable tautness betw een idealism and cynicism, and a constant strain most which one should prevail.\nIt is big to...'