Based on my understanding on ACT I and ACT II of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, I think Antony and Caesar are two extreme people; Antony indulges too much into lust whilst Caesar stresses too much on violence. Antony lost himself in the arms of Cleopatra and neglected his responsibility as a general of his country. Due to his indulgence, he loses the trust of his country people. The rumors of him being idle and enchanted by a woman were spread all over the country. On the other hand, Caesar concentrates too much on the war and violence that he cannot tolerate with Antony’s negligence. Since he takes Antony as a partner, he should be patient enough to lead Antony back to his responsibility. Instead, he blamed Antony to his face, causing an unhappy conversation and awkward relationship between the two of them.
Perhaps, my understanding is not that accurate, yet these are my thoughts after the lecturer with Dr. Edwin. Therefore, I would like to share it with my fellow friends.
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Hi..I agree with your view that Caesar and Antony are people from two different extremes. Although both of them are Roman generals, but they hold conflicting views towards life. Caesar stresses on disciplined lifestyle, where all he could think about is war. While, Antony indulges in pleasure as a result from Cleopatra's seduction. It shows that even people from the same culture can have contrasting ideas, depending on their individual preference and experience.
Well, what can we derive from this if not the theme of clash between the east and the west, the Egyptian world and the Roman empire? I think that Shakespeare had done an excellent job to convey this theme. The more we hate Antony and Caesar for their vices, the more effective these characters are portrayed.
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