[5] Cleopatra. “Where is he [Antony]?” Charmian. “I did not see him since.” Cleopatra. “See where he is, who’s with him, what he does: I did not send you. If you find him sad, [serious] Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report That I am sudden sick. Quick, and return.” (Shakespeare 14) [6] When Cleopatra said, “dancing” she was revealing her neediness through a manipulative plan against her lover, Antony. [7] Cleopatra was the pharaoh of Egypt, however, she was also madly in love with Antony, the general of Rome, which was not the best political move. She attempted to balance love and work through manipulative love as well as seduction. Cleopatra tried to persuade Antony to make decisions that better benefited her when she dealt with Rome. [8] So when Cleopatra …show more content…
[8a] Consciously Cleopatra’s use of “dancing” demonstrated her outward attitude of always being in control. Cleopatra had always displayed this trait ever since she had met her lover. With Antony being the general of the Roman Empire, Cleopatra was able to benefit politically through manipulation and seduction. Antony’s men discussed his dotage of Cleopatra early in Act I. They believed his love for her was unreasonable and interfered with his duties as general. Cleopatra preyed on Antony’s overflowing amount of love and desire for her heart and happiness. When Antony attempted to declare his love for Cleopatra, which was not enough for her. Antony received a letter either from his wife, Fulvia, or Caesar. Cleopatra tauntingly said his wife or Caesar must be calling him home, which would take him away from her side in Egypt. However, Cleopatra did not want him to open it she wanted Antony to ignore the outside world and focus on her instead. With her spiteful statement, Antony must prove his love once again. In response to her wishes, Antony demonstrates the ultimate expression of his love for Cleopatra. He curses Rome and claims he would not care if the Roman Empire fell.