CLEOPATRA’S CHARACTERIZATION

In the second scene of the second act Cleopatra is characterized as a great woman. This characterization is communicated by Enobarbus that is talking to Agrippa in Lepido’s house. Before Enobarbus speaking, Maecenas talks about Cleopatra saying “She’s a most triumphant lady, if report be square to her”. The word “square” refers to measure, perfection and balance. The first image of Cleopatra is related to one of the four elements of nature : water. Indeed the first meeting between Anthony and Cleopatra was upon a river. Water represents something that is changing and escaping, it hasn’t stability. This metaphor is in opposition with the word “square”, indeed water represents what, in Romans opinion, Cleopatra bring in Anthony’s life (instability, disorder and excess). Cleopatra is also characterized as a strong woman, as shown by her first interaction with Antony, when she makes him her dinner guest, rather than vice versa. Enobarbus describes Cleopatra’s love as addictive and dangerous: it only makes Antony want more of it, she put men on fire. So Cleopatra is characterized by another nature element : fire, that represent love passion. Enobarbus’s description of Cleopatra, also testifies Cleopatra’s power. Her beauty is so incomparable, her charms so strong that the “vilest things / Become themselves in her, that the holy priests / Bless her when she is riggish” ( vv. 243–245). Her talent for transforming the “vilest things” into things of beauty, and for overturning entire systems of morality so that priests alter their understanding of what is holy and what is sin, is Cleopatra’s greatest strength.