Antony and Cleopatra Essay

If we compare Antony to Cleopatra its seems as though he is more of a tragic character since his suicide provokes more pity from the audience than hers because even in death he is not able to do it right and his suicide is not smooth but instead he clumsily commits suicide. This action however differentiates him from a classical tragic character because through his suicide he actually conquers Caesar by preventing Caesar killing him. Although this means he may not traditionally be regarded as a tragic figure I feel that to a modern audience it produces more emotion and we come to see the action as noble, even if it is not one we would normally consider that way. The play allows us to decide whether Aristotle’s definition is the only correct one or if it is possible that a character which generates strong emotions in members of the audience and leaves an impression even after watching can be deemed a tragic figure even if as well as pity we actually feel the character has succeeded in some ways. Antony’s downfall is not complete because at the end of the play we actually feel pleased that he and Cleopatra are together again, despite that it is in death. Overall I believe Antony’s change in character throughout the play is minimal but his change from the military and Roman man he was to the man we see throughout the play is very significant and although this change could be said to be partially accountable for his fall, I also feel it makes him the likeable and memorable character we empathise with. We feel no regret for his death which raises the question of whether it really can be deemed a tragedy but I feel it is a tragedy of forms in that Antony and Cleopatra had to die in order to stay together.