It always comes up very first in any discussions I have with my roommate, how young Romeo is, and how fickle. He is in love with one girl on moment, and the next with Juliet. He reminds me of Cleopatra, she has had lots of lovers too, but she and Romeo both seem loyal to Antony and Juliet respectively during the plays.
These are both major tragic romances. These couples have something special between themselves, and yet . . . they act so strangely with each other. In some ways I think Romeo and Juliet are more rational (and excusable) than Antony and Cleopatra. Romeo loves Juliet - they get married. Antony love Cleopatra - he marries Caesar's sister. - What the heck? If he loves Cleopatra, he should marry her. Doesn't he know his own heart well enough to be true to it?
Antony ultimately causes the downfall of his empire because he isn't strong enough to stick with the fight. He could be such a strong character, but he lacks the will to go on. He runs away from his own battle when Cleopatra leaves, and then blames his losses on her. Instead of trying to work things out he banishes her from his presence, threatening to kill her. - Then, when Cleopatra sends word she has died of grief, he tries to commit suicide - even though he was planing on killing her himself.On the other hand, Romeo makes a major problem when he kills Juliet's cousin. He's young and hot tempered, but still. - He just got married, what's the best way to show his love? - he'll kill her cousin.
Both of these romances end because of mis-communication and, ultimately, haste. Romeo runs of to meet Juliet and then kills himself minutes before she wakes up - ahh! Antony falls on his sword, mortally wounding himself - once again, minutes before Cleopatra's servant arrives to inform him she really isn't dead.Left on their own, the only thing that seems to be left for Cleopatra or Juliet to do is to kill themselves in order to reunite themselves with their lovers. Cleopatra does it for Antony, but also for dignity - she is a conquered queen. Juliet seems to kill herself purely out of love for Romeo. No matter what people say - Romeo and Juliet really had something together, no matter how illogical.
Thoughts?
Every time I read these plays it drives me crazy! Antony and Cleopatra, by the time they die, it almost seems fitting. Antony has lost his standing in life, as has Cleopatra, and the only 'honorable' thing left to do seems to be death. Romeo and Juliet on the other hand - are so much more tragic to me. They are SOOOO close! Minutes away - but then again. Minutes away from what? They're so young, and their families hate each other so vehemently. . .
Maybe the plays end in the best way they could. Perhaps letting these lovers die, and live together in history forever is more charitable on Shakespeare's part than letting them live on. It's like a picture, frozen the way it is. They will always love each other - no late night fights, no breaking up, no more battles, or tears. They are saved forever, together.
