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How Does Cassis Dio Characterize Cleopatra

472 Words2 Pages

In the first part of my essay I am going to discuss how Cassis Dio characterises Cleopatra in the given passage. Throughout the extract there is an ongoing positive characterisation of Cleopatra, what strikes me most is the portrayal of her physical image. We are first introduced to the concept of Cleopatra being a ‘surpassing beauty’ (Cassius dio, page 20) in the opening sentence, it is then a reoccurring theme throughout the text. An interesting point made about her beauty is in the sentence, ‘and she reposed in her beauty all her claims to the throne.’ Not only does this continue the -portrayal- of beauty but this also shows a characterisation of arrogance; this stemming from Cleopatra believing her beauty is the key to power rather than usual qualities you would foresee from a leader. The last main portyal in this passage is the image of Cleopatra being a manipulator, once gaining permission to meet Caesar she ‘adorned and beautified herself,’ in hope to exploit him in helping her win back the throne.
Moving on to another extract by Cassis Dio in the speech Octavian presented to his army, Cleopatra’s portrayal isn’t as positive although once again the theme of her being manipulative is reoccurring. This is illustrated in the quote ‘he is bewitched by that accursed woman.’ (reference here) The word bewitched indicates Antony is negatively …show more content…

Nevertheless, he mentions that although Cleopatra’s attraction isn’t in her looks it is undoubtedly in her charm. This is demonstrated in the quote that she has a ‘peculiar force of character’ and everyone who is associated with the queen of Egypt falls under her characteristic

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