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February 20, 2006
Antony and Cleopatra Acts I, II
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety. Other women cloy
The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies.
This shows that despite that Antony may wish to marry Octavia to form an alliance, he cannot leave Cleopatra because of her strong desire for him. Caesar seems to be the practical one in the group and is tired of Antony neglecting his duties to go "fishing, etc. He seems to be only one that is admitting that Cleopatra is damaging Antony. I love the way Cleopatra is described. She is the one who really rules the triumvirate, because she controls Antony by making him desire her so much. Women tend to use their beauty for power, so this happens alot. This is proven when it says “vilest things / Become themselves in her, that the holy priests / Bless her when she is riggish [sluttish]” (II.ii.243–245).
Posted by ErinWaite at February 20, 2006 12:43 PM