Ellie

Giorgione's "Three Ages of Man" 1500-01
This painting was created during the Renaissance and seeks to convey the "Three Ages of Man" that were the three stages of human existence on Earth according to Greek mythology. Visually analysing this painting I was able to make comparisons with characters within the play and the language and stage directions Shakespeare chose to use.
Figure One : The oldest of all three figures looks out and onto the paintings viewer. Making eye contact with its audience an intimate and personal relationship is created. Deataching his gaze and presence from the scene taking place this figure reminds me most of Enobarbus. Not only is Enobarbus often conveyed as the voice of reason , an opinion that often comes from age, most of the characters script in Act 3 Scene 13 is set "aside" from the rest of the play. By setting the characters speech away from the plays other members it detaches Enobarbus , allowing his thoughts and opinions to be directed straight to the audience allowing them to almost enter his mind.
 Enobarbus Qoutes from Act 3 scene 13
"Antony only, ...would make his will lord of his reason." pg 211
"his affection should not then have nicked his captainship," pg 212
"shame" pg 212
"Mens judgements are a parcel of their fortunes," pg 213
"Mine honesty and I begin to square." pg 214
"To be furious is to be frighted out of fear." pg 225
"I will seek some way to leave him." pg 225
Figure Two : The youngest of all three men is enclosed by two elder companions . This middle figure represents the adolescence of man , one willing to learn but who also rebels and is lead by desire , passions and temptation. Although the youngest of all three, this figure reminds me most of Antony. The adolescent nature and portrayal of being influenced and manipulated by other male figures is a quality that I feel Shakespeare suggests in Antony and Cleopatra. The elements of rebellion and denial I feel are made most obvious in Act 2 scene 2 when the rivalry and tension between himself and Caesar is at its peak. It is in this scene that the childish nature of Antony is exposed , the constant asking of questions and lack of gratitude is an attitude associated then and now with an adolescent teen.
Antony Quotes from Act 2 Scene 2
"concern you not" pg 130
"My being in Egypt , Caesar, what was't to you?" pg 130
"Thou art a soldier only." pg 134

As for the adolescent qualities of temptation , desire and passions i feel that Cleopatra's hold over the character and her capability to transform this powerful being into an effeminate creature explains it all . Shakespeare's comments on role play , deserting battle and returning to Egypt at every opportunity emphasise this point further.
          " His captain's heart, which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst the buckles on his breast, reneges all temper and is become the bellows and the fan to cool a gipsy's lust." pg 91
           " I must from this enchanting queen break off." pg 103
           " I'th' East my pleasure lies." pg 145