Greco-Roman Influence in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra Essay

Greco-Roman Influence in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra Greco-Roman mythical images seem to dominate Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra. Ever since the humanist revolution started, conversion writers, including Shakespeare, systematically tried to revive Hellenic literature and Greek mythology. It was an begin to establish an alternative authority to Catholic scholastic dogma that has the postage of antiquity. Shakespeares knowledge of mythology was almost exclusively Roman, especially in relation to tell apart and war. As a matter of truth, the Romans did not have created gods of their own, because They were a deal of deep religious feeling, but they had little imagination. In fact, the influence of Greek art and literature were powerful in Rome. Thus, they adopted Greek gods, and the Greek mythological figures turned into Roman mythological figures to suit their society. For example, Ares, who is the Geek god of war, turned into damage, the Roman god o f war. The Roman liked Mars interrupt than the Greeks liked Ares, because Ares was not a typical deity of war, so Mars became the embodiment of military virtues and the defender of Rome. In fact, a thorough taste of the mythological figures and images in Antony and Cleopatra like Phoebus, Furies, Venus, Mars, Hercules and Bacchus, can be the best road map to a perceptive interpretation of the play. These mythological figures can be mirrors which gleam the nature of a specific character or the culture of a society. Therefore, the function of these myths is very substantial in Antony and Cleopatra being one of the ship canal to approach the play. The values and culture of the Egyptian societ... ...while once she seems to help him in putting his armor on. Hence, Cleopatra gives him the spiritual support when he goes to war. Obviously, the previous mythological figures are not accidentally mentioned in the play. They are another informant which enables the reader t o understand the characters and the cultures of Rome and Egypt in Antony and Cleopatra. Therefore, these myths are very important in an indirect approach to the play. Bibliography Hamilton, Edith. Mythology Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. New York Warner Books, 1969. Miles, Geoffrey. Ed., A Rough run to the Godsand A Mythical History of the World, Classical Mythology in English Literature A Critical Anthology. London Routledge, 1999. Shakespeare, William. Antony and Cleopatra. London Longman, 1981.