Consider Enobarbus' Role and Function in the Play Antony and Cleopatra

‘Consider the role and function of Enobarbus’

Antony and Cleopatra is one of William Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. The play consists of love, drama, politics and infatuation where power is undermined. In the play, the story of two passionate and power-hungry lovers is told and as the play progresses, a blend of striking occurrences and some complex characterisations are introduced

One of the secondary characters in the play is named Enobarbus. Enobarbus is in Antony’s army and is a high-ranking soldier who is second in command. Enobarbus takes on several important roles in the play and there are many aspects to his character. ‘Shakespeare has invented Enobarbus in order to protect our own judgemental dilemma into a character whose very life depends on comparable choice’. Enobarbus has a great knowledge of military affairs. The loyalty that Enobarbus shows towards Antony throughout the play is admirable and it can be said that even when he decides to desert Antony, it is led by this quality. Antony finds Enobarbus as someone he can confide in and trust. We become aware of this in Act 1, scene 2, when Antony is referring to Cleopatra being ‘cunning past mans thought’. Enobarbus responds,

‘Alack sir, no; her passions are made of nothing but the true parts of true love. We cannot call her winds and waters ‘sighs and tears’

In Enobarbus’ response, we are made aware that he may be more than just a fellow comrade when it comes to Antony. The way in which Enobarbus spoke to Antony, when putting forward his opinion of Cleopatra, and also the way in which Antony has confided in him, gives us a reason to surmise that the relationship between them is that of friends rather than comrades. Some may say that Enobarbus is a cynical character. This is due to his bluntness throughout the play when expressing his opinions. He often speaks in prose, rather than in poetry and this emphasises his bluntness and make him appear as a voice of common sense.

Enobarbus is a...