Destructive Power Relations in Antony and Cleopatra The “love” of Antony and Cleopatra is not really about love at all. Their interaction can only be seen as a kind of immature desire-power relationship. Their relationship is superficial, self-centered, irresponsible and destructive. Their attraction to each other centers on infatuation and a kind of selfish rush that they are more important than the world. Just as a man or woman today can try to control the desires of their destiny, Cleopatra wants to manipulate Antony into wanting her: Cleopatra. See where he is, who is with him, what he is doing: I did not send you: if you find him sad, say that I am dancing; if you are in joy, report that I am suddenly ill. Quickly and let's come back. The relationship between Romeo and Juliet was sweet and beyond life. The relationship between Cleopatra and Antony is very worldly (we don't even know if Cleopatra "applied the asp" because she wanted to be with Antony in death or if she just couldn't stand being with Caesar in death). life).GW Knight of the The school of aesthetic critics says of Cleopatra that she is “a good metaphysician, not a moral one – a good one of totality. It is good in the same way that one might say that life is good, or that the universe is good, not because it contains no suffering or bad times, but because even these experiences are worthwhile. to be experienced. Its perfection flourishes from totality and not from exclusion. We end up loving Cleopatra in this play because she is so robust, sensual, unpredictable and capable of so many strong emotions. Here she breaks out against the messenger after he announces that Antony has married: Cleopatra. What do you say? Therefore, horrible villain! or I will reject your eyes like bullets before me; I will... middle of paper ...... and the first stone Fall on my neck: as he determines, then Dissolve my life! the next Caesarion will strike! Until, little by little, the memory of my womb, with all my brave Egyptians, through the dismay of this shoveled storm, remains without a grave, until the flies and midges of the Nile have buried them like prey! The hand of death snatched him away. . . let patient Octavia plow your face with her prepared nails.. . . Fill our bowls once more: Let's make fun of the midnight bell. A 1759 citation about a performance of this play stated that it "did not seem to give the audience great pleasure or to elicit applause." I can imagine it. It's not one of Shakespeare's best plays, but it gives you a good share of history, tragedy and poetry. I think this piece would be perfect for a more modern reinterpretation analyzing destructive power relations..