Date of Award
5-2016
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
English
Program
English (MA)
First Advisor/Chairperson
David Wood, Ph.D
Abstract
This thesis uses the formula of classical masculinity to examine Marc Antony’s value as a Roman man in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. Examining Antony’s history as a Roman hero, I distinguish how his reputation is destroyed through his romantic involvement with Cleopatra. Furthermore, I consider the divine representations of Cleopatra and Octavian Caesar as they oppose each other, and how Antony’s role within their conflict defines his value as a classical Roman man. I then deliberate his sexual fetishism for the matriarch pharaoh, and how their relationship functions as sadomasochistic, defining Antony as the masochist and Cleopatra as the sadist. In conclusion, I focus on Antony’s suicide, and determine the masculine value of his final moments within the play.
Recommended Citation
Grams, Timothy N., "Classical Masculinity in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra" (2016). All NMU Master's Theses. 97.
https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/97
Access Type
Open Access
Included in
Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Religion Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons