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The Influence of Mythology in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra

Ever since the humanist revolution started, Renaissance writers, including

Shakespeare, systematically tried to revive Greek literature and Greek mythology. It was an

attempt to establish an alternative authority to Catholic scholastic dogma that has the stamp of

antiquity. In fact, a thorough understanding of the mythological figures and images in Antony

and Cleopatra like Phoebus, Furies, Venus, Mars, Hercules and Bacchus, can be the best

guideline to a perceptive interpretation of the play. These mythological figures can be mirrors

which reflect the nature of a specific character or the culture of a society. Therefore, the

function of these myths is very important in Antony and Cleopatra being one of the ways to

approach the play.

Cleopatra's nature and royalty are reflected in the images of Phoebus and Fury. The

Furies were the Greek goddesses who were sent to punish the crime. They had black bodies

and snakes in their hair. Cleopatra says to the messenger: ''If not well, /Thou shouldst come

like a Fury crowned with snakes'' (II. v). This means that she will punish him like a Fury,

because of his bad news about Antony. At the same time, that image is a reference to her

primitive nature, when she becomes angry. Her anger is always connected with the snakes'

images, and her primitive nature brings to her mind such fearful figures from the dim past.

Moreover, Cleopatra is identified by Venus, who was the Roman goddess of Love and

Beauty, from a Roman point of view. Antony says to Cleopatra: ''Now for the love of Love,

and her soft hours, /Let's not confound the time with conference harsh.'' (I. i). Here, Cleopatra

is likened to Venus, and many qualities in Cleopatra's character reflect the similarities

between the two. Like Venus, Cleopatra is the presentation of love in the play. She uses the

tricks to keep Antony beside her.

Antony is portrayed as another Hercules, who is also the ''demi-Atlas'', taking for

granted the similarities between their stories. Cleopatra describes her lover ''The demi- Atlas

of earth, the arm/And burgonet of men.'' (I. v). She likens Antony to the gigantic Titan, Atlas,

who supported the sky on his shoulders, according to Greek mythology. This image of Atlas

brings to the mind Hercules' figure. Through this image Cleopatra refers to Hercules, to whom

Antony is likened too. However, at the end, this Herculean character, Antony, becomes pitiful

because of his fall. One of the soldiers says: '' 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,

/Now leaves him.'' (IV. iii) In spite of this fact, he decides to die in a heroic way. He goes todeath, like Hercules, instead of waiting for it.

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The figure of Mars is another guide to understand Antony's greatness as a soldier. The

Romans attribute Antony's power in war to that one of Mars'. Antony, like Mars, is loved by

the Romans because of his greatness in the war. Antony's heroic deeds and victories in wars

are celebrated. Furthermore, at the time of war and danger he rushes to defend his people.

In fact, there are many similarities between the myth of Mars and Venus and the story of

Antony and Cleopatra. First, both of these love stories represent a relationship between a

soldier and a woman who is fond of sexual relationships. Second, both stories are built upon

treasons: Venus and Mars betrayed Vulcan, Venus' husband. Vulcan invited his friend Mars

to his house where Venus and Mars met and loved each other. On the other hand, Antony and

Cleopatra betray their duties toward their nations. Third, sometimes Venus supported Mars,

and he had been disarmed by Venus many times. Also, Cleopatra tries to make Antony forget

his duty to keep him beside her, while once she seems to help him in putting his armour on.

Hence, Cleopatra gives him the spiritual support when he goes to war.

To sum up, these myths are very important in an indirect approach to the play.