The depiction of constant change and instability in Shakespeare`s Antony and Cleopatra
Introduction
Constant change and instability are themes that are found throughout the play and that are applied by Shakespeare on many different levels. The play differs from his other tragedies in many ways. `McBeth´ for instance -his previous play- has a more stringent, linear plot with logically increasing tension and a fixed Machiavellian motive of the protagonist. The motives of Antony are more complex and later in the play mostly subject to Cleopatra`s art of seduction. The importance of the topic becomes evident in the very beginning of the play.
Philo`s monologue sums up the various changes that Mark Antony has gone through. He is compared to the god of war, Mars, and is described as being one of Rome`s most valiant fighters. …
