The play Antony and Cleopatra illustrates the cultural differences between two societies. With the characters of Antony and Cleopatra being a microcosm of Rome and Egypt. Antony is an omnipotent Roman General whose desire for personal pleasure tarnishes his reputation in his military role. However he is also seen in a light that depicts him as courageous and being capable of great leadership. Shakespeare presents Cleopatra as an intensely varied character, as she portrays many roles throughout the play. However the most evident is that of a domineering, lavish Egyptian Queen, this does not only occur when she is present on stage but also when she is absent. Cleopatra is a woman trying to survive in a man's world; she has to manipulate men in order to achieve a sense of power.

The relationship between Antony and Cleopatra is truly exposed in Act one, Scene one. This scene...