Ribner continually refers to both Antony and Cleopatra's actions throughout the play as both sinful and evil for they were not acting, as he terms it: Morally. ... "Antony and Cleopatra uses as a moral exemplum to teach the evils of lust, with Cleopatra as the embodiment of animal lechery and Antony the drunken, prodigal fool ensnared by her duplicity, discarding an empire and damning his soul." ... Shakespeare's play seems to demonstrate a continuing struggle for power, whether it be Cleopatra's ever long battle to keep Egypt hers, for she had already made Julius Caesar lay dow...

• Word Count: 797
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The political ramifications of such an alliance was huge for both Cleopatra and Antony. Antony wanted to ensure the loyalty of Rome client kingdom, Egypt and Cleopatra wanted to ensure Egypt's independence and power maintained, already gained through her relationship with Caesar. ... It was obvious that Cleopatra wanted to make a lasting impression, one that would seduce, as Egypt's fate was in Antony's hand. Cassius Dio and Apian all agree that Antony was "instantly smitten"" by Cleopatra. ... Cleopatra mothered a number of children by Antony including the twins Cleopatra Selen...

• Word Count: 2591
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

"People and Princes without exception refused their assistance to Antony yet the men who were being kept for gladiatorial combats, who were among the most despised, showed the utmost zeal in [Antony and Cleopatra's] behalf and fought most bravely "7 Despite Dio's antipathy and dislike towards gladiators on the whole it is apparent that he did, in fact, believe that some gladiators and, by extension, common men were indeed worthy of trust and respect. ...

• Word Count: 1225
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Born in 59 BCE, he would have been a child during the Gallic Wars of Caesar, a teenager by the time Cato the Younger had committed suicide, refusing to accept Caesar's clementia, and an adult approaching middle age by the time of Octavian's victory over Antony and Cleopatra. ...

• Word Count: 2928
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Shakespeare once said "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them"- truly I believe he himself is greatness for his simple devotion and love for art and literature. Known as one of the finest poets of all time, Shakespeare is also acknowledged for the beaut...

• Word Count: 2217
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate