William Shakespeare's Presentation of Domitius Enobarbus in Antony and Cleopatra

William Shakespeare's Presentation of Domitius Enobarbus in Antony and Cleopatra

Traditionally Shakespeare's use of the role of a chorus is seen to

have been used as an insight for the audience into the prophesy of

future events and what to expect throughout the play, usually by a

secondary character. In 'Antony and Cleopatra', Shakespeare expands

the role of the chorus within his presentation of Enobarbus. Enobarbus

does not merely illustrate what consequences Antony's and Cleopatra's

actions will have but plays a significant and vital character whose

actions earn the admiration of the audience.

Amid Antony's aficionado is Enobarbus. Enobarbus is high ranking

officer who within the play is one of Antony's closest friends. Among

the audience Enobarbus is seen as the thematic and moral centre of the

play. Through the admired Enobarbus the power of love and loyalty are

seen to overshadow the logical reason and common sense of the mind.

For example his emotional break down and reaction of his betrayal and

desertion of Antony and of Antony's munificent response creates a

sense of desolation behind his death.

"I am alone the villain of the earth,

My better service when my turpitude

Thou dost so crown with gold!"

At times, Enobarbus is very much a chorus figure observing the

behaviour of those around him. His interpretation of certain

situations brings understanding to the play. Shakespeare's

presentation of Enobarbus as a character who envisages the future

creates a picture like image for the audience which allows the

appreciation of following scenes.

For instance. Antony "will do his Egyptian dish again. Then shall t...

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...rovides further

evidence that Enobarbus has far more emotional depth than a simple

soldier and is capable of imaginative response on levels equivalent to

Antonyand Cleopatra.

Enobarbus's desertion to Cesar leaves him heart broken. The

realisation in the mistake of changing sides creates a sense of guilt

around Enobarbus which is intensified by the magnanimous gesture by

Antony. "Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows my heart" the

emotional impact of his grief leads to Enobarbus committing suicide,

the most honourable death seen by both the Roman's and the Egyptians.

This is undercut by the fact that he dies in a ditch illustrating that

Enobarbus was not a hypocrite he knew that he did not deserve a heroic

death but one that showed repentance for his treachery.

"I will go seek

Some ditch wherein to die"