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In Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra and Octavia are two contrasting characters who come from rivaling societies. The differences between the two women, in both appearance and manner, emphasizes the differing ideals of their respective civilizations. The Roman idea of Egypt is that it is a country of magic and unbridled passion, whereas their account of themselves is one of calm demeanor and rational thought. Both Cleopatra and Octavia seem to represent the ideals of the civilizations they belong to.
Cleopatra is a woman of incredible beauty, charisma and allure. At the beginning of the play, Enorbarbus acknowledges her appeal when he describes the moment when Antony first saw Cleopatra, coming down the Nile River in her barge:
For her own person,
It beggared all description: she did lie
In her pavilion—cloth of gold, of tissue—
O’erpicturing that Venus where we see
The fancy outwork nature. (2.2.207-211)
Cleopatra’s command over Antony and civilization come from her unfaltering command of physical appearance. Indeed,Cleopatra’s almost mystical and magical powers are able to completely take over Antony, who gives up his wife, honor and reputation in order to be her lover. Enobarbus worries about the extent of Cleopatra’s powers, which seem to never diminish. When Maecenas tells him that surely, Antony will one day leave Cleopatra, Enobarbus replies that this cannot possibly be true:
Never. He will not.
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety. Other women cloy
The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry
Where she most satisfies, for silent things
Become themselves in her, that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish. (2.2.244-250)
Power over physical appearance is one that Octavia, who is described by one of Cleopatra’s messengers as being plain, doesn’t have. Where a pouted face is enough to bring Antony home from...