Antony and Cleopatra

Antony and Cleopatra is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1606 and 1607. The play is based on the historical events surrounding the relationship between the Roman general Mark Antony and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. The play begins with Mark Antony one of the triumvirs of Rome neglecting his duties to his wife and Rome in order to be with Cleopatra in Egypt. Their passionate love affair is threatened by Antonys political obligations as well as the growing power of his rival Octavius Caesar. As the political situation in Rome becomes more unstable Antony is forced to return to Rome and leave Cleopatra behind. However his love for her remains strong and he eventually returns to Egypt to be with her leading to a final battle with Octavius Caesars forces. The play explores themes of love power loyalty and betrayal as well as the clash between Eastern and Western cultures. It has been praised for its complex characters and beautiful language as well as its portrayal of Cleopatra as a powerful and intelligent woman in a male-dominated society. At the same time it has been criticized for its portrayal of Cleopatra as a seductress and for its romanticization of the relationship between Antony and Cleopatra which ultimately leads to their tragic downfall.