Antony Is Described as a "Demi-Atlas" and "Man of Men". Do You Agree That Antony Is a Tragic Hero?

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Antony is described as a "demi-atlas" and "man of men". Do you agree that Antony is a tragic hero? (– 1795 words) “Demi-atlas” and “man of men” these are great accolades to be placed on any man but for Mark Antony they were received in recompense for his worthy behaviour. I believe it fit for Antony the epitome of the tragic hero. Aristotle defined tragedy as something having “great magnitude” we can apply this to “Antony and Cleopatra” as it includes themes such as forbidden love. It also includes epic battles and sorrowful deaths and it covers 10 years of ancient history. A “tragic hero” is defined as a character that must have greatness and power and has a fatal flaw and Antony’s flaws are excessive pride; he takes Caesars challenge at sea knowing that he will have defeated many and his love for Cleopatra. In ancient Rome passion for a woman was seen as a weakness and I admire Antony for his love for Cleopatra. In the play a comparison is drawn between Antony as Mars the Roman God of War. Essentially, Philo equates Antony with “Mars” the Roman God of War; however he is scathing in his criticism as he disparages Antony for turning his “office” to a woman. His description of Cleopatra is vulgar as he brands her as a “tawny front” that has bewitched Antony. We can see this by the use of the derogatory term “gypsy” as in Shakespeare’s England gypsies were considered “lascivious”, and Cleopatra is defined by her sexuality: the Jacobean audience world would have the same view as the Romans of Cleopatra as a “strumpet” and “whore”. A vicious attack which presents Antony as a fool rather than a hero. In this light Antony's heroic stature is undermined. Furthermore Antony’s claim that he would rather see Rome fall, “let Rome in Timber melt,” than lose Cleopatra does

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