Starting this week, Nick Leair, Megale Taylor, and Jonathan Shailor of The Shakespeare
Prison Project begin an on-line exploration of William
Shakespeare's great tragedy, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.
We chose this play because it is one of the lesser-known tragedies, and
one that we have been wanting to take a closer look at for quite
some time now.
We welcome you to join us as we investigate the play's characters and themes.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION!
2 comments:
Having read this play before some years ago, I see how much the perspective changes with my own age and experience. I have always been drawn to Ancient Egypt. Forever a fascination. Not one that I have overly looked into, but there. The image of Cleopatra: gorgeous; powerful; seductive; playful; ambitious; flirtatious; desirable; deadly. The tip of the iceberg, because to me, she encompasses so many things, which makes her an intriguing character. As I have begun re-reading Antony and Cleopatra again, I have to put out the images of her that I have in my head, and allow Shakespeare to put it there. I looked at her from the opening scene as perhaps being jealous. A woman who desires a man, loves a man, and is upset that this man, who shares those feelings toward her, is married to another woman back in Rome. However, that is my pre-conceived notion of Cleopatra. What Shakespeare is telling us, is that this is a woman who is antagonistic; spiteful; in a word, mean. Chiding Antony, upon news from Rome from the "scarce-bearded Caesar", with words of "do this, or this; take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that;" Later in Act I, we hear from one of the Queen's own attendants that if Cleopatra loved Antony she would not treat him so poorly, and perhaps follow a more correct course of affection. "if you did love him dearly, you do not hold the method to enforce the like from him."
So the question I ask myself while enjoying the play, is why did I see Cleopatra as something different before? Probably, pushing my own beliefs of myself onto the character. I saw Cleopatra as one who finds love, but never seems to be what it is. Her lover is married, and while a member of the triumvir, still subordinate. A man she sees as one who could rule the world, but doesn't. Perhaps my view of myself being pushed onto Antony as well. Isn't that how we all relate to characters, be it a book, movie, show, a play? Even our family, friends, co-workers...How often do we not understand why Joe in accounting doesn't do the update for the payroll this way. We would. ...That's because, folks, Joe in accounting doesn't have our experiences. He has his. And his own reasons; yet we don't think of that. We are too busy pushing our own beliefs and agendas onto others. Too busy trying to figure the reasons we would do things this way, instead of taking the time to understand the person doing something their way for their reason. I digress...
I have always been drawn to the tragedies of Shakespeare. Perhaps I view my life as one. I relate so well to the characters the way I want to relate to them. I have found myself many a time having the harmony of a woman's voice catching my too diligent ear, only to find out something is not what it seems. Or not practical for what I want and desire. Like Cleopatra, whose lover is Antony. So I saw her as the dejected, scorned woman. And even after my discussions with Jonathan, seeing the Queen in another light, I still feel a sense of "my" interpretation of her. But ahhh, the journey of the words! I look forward to further scenes and acts, and perceptions...
Please feel free to engage in conversation...
nick
Thank you, Nick, for this thoughtful and wide-ranging reflection! Shakespeare offers us such rich and complex characters... ongoing reminders of our own riches and potential. Each time I re-read a play, a scene, or a speech, I am provoked to reflect anew on my own experiences. A character like Cleopatra, though richly drawn as an individual, can also serve as a kind of archetype for us, where we can see aspects of ourselves, and others... Who are the "Cleopatra"s you have met in your life? How is Shakespeare's Cleopatra similar to, and different from these people? What can you learn about the people in your life, and about yourself, through these reflections? Properly approached, any character can serve as a provocation, a koan, bringing us into a more intimate understanding of ourselves, and our world.
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