Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare | Resources

Antony and Cleopatra Sources For Further Study

Literary Commentary

Barroll, J. Leeds. "Shakespeare and the Art of Character: A Study of Antony," pp. 159-235. Shakespeare Studies Annual, No. V, edited by J. Leeds Barroll. Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown Company Publishers 1969.

A thorough analysis of what distinguishes Antony from other characters. Barroll asserts that the character of Antony is defined by his own interpretation of what it means to be a soldier. In other words, for Antony, soldierly virtue includes chivalry as well as courage. However, Barroll points out, those men who serve Caesar believe that soldiers should follow policy- or a practical, Machiavellian form of warfare and strategy.

"The Characterization of Octavius," pp. 231-87.

Shakespeare Studies Annual, No. VI, edited by J. Leeds Barroll. Dubuque, IA Wm C. Brown Company Publishers, 1970.

Discusses the difficulty of settling on a single character description for Octavius Caesar. Barroll observes that unlike Antony, Octavius fails to...
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