The Character of Enorbarbus in William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra

The Character of Enorbarbus in William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra

Enobarbus’s character can be seen as the most striking invention of

Shakespeare.

As the lieutenant of Antony, he contributes to the drama in a number

of ways. He is sympathetic to Antony from the start, loyal and fellow

feeling. Instead of agreeing with Antony at the beginning where he

says he wishes he had never met Cleopatra, Enobarbus replies that, had

that been the case, Antony would have missed “a wonderful piece of

work”. (I.2.154-5).

He does not share the perspective of his fellow Roman soldiers Philo

and Demetrius in the opening scene, in fact he seems to enjoy life in

Egypt contributing with appreciative comments on Cleopatra. “Age

cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety. (149

II.2.245) When Antony says of Cleopatra, “She is cunning past man’s

thought”, Enobarbus disagrees, “Alack, sir, no: her passions are made

of/ nothing but the finest part of pure love” (I.2.146-8).

In their conversations at the beginning and in his role throughout,

Enobarbus seems to represent an ordinary reflection of something in

Antony himself, as in a mirror. His humour in response to the

announcement of Fulvia’s death, anticipate the jovial side of Antony

that will manifest itself in the galley scene. Before the triumvirs

meet, the diplomatic Lepidus tries to persuade Enobarbus to keep

Antony calm. Enobarbus however refuses saying that he much prefers

that Antony should speak his mind.

He reminds Antony and Caesar that there will be time enough to quarrel

after they have disposed of Pompey.

To Antony’s criticize, “Thou art a soldier onl...

... middle of paper ...

...ssenger. In a soliloquy “Now he’ll outstare the lightning”

(III.13.194-200) he sees through Antony’s bombastic rhetoric and comes

to his decision to leave Antony.

As Antony addresses his servants as if for the last time, Enobarbus

protests that he is “onion-eyed (IV.2.35). Antony’s reaction to his

desertion, “O, my fortunes have Corrupted honest men!” (IV.2.35) and

his decision to send his treasure to him confirm all that is said of

Antony’s “bounty”. The guilt felt by Enobarbus and his subsequent

depression and loss of will are clearly shown. “No honourable trust. I

have done ill, of which I do accuse myself” (239.IV.35) But his death

in mental torment and the consciousness of disgrace are proof of the

fact that Antony’s “fortunes have/ Corrupted honest men” give a wider

dimension to the tragedy of the protagonists.