Previous
Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Act 1, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Clay:
In Act 1, Scene 1, Antony reassures Cleopatra of his love and loyalty after announcing to her that he must leave Egypt and return to Rome. Pledging his oaths of affection, Antony makes use of an apt metaphor to describe their relationship:
Let Rome in Tiber melt and the wide arch
Of the ranged empire fall. Here is my space.
Kingdoms are clay. Our dungy earth alike
Feeds beast as man. The nobleness of life
Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair
And such a twain can do ’t, in which I bind,
On pain of punishment, the world to weet
We stand up peerless.
Related Themes:
Act 1, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Cleopatra, Serpent:
In Act 1, Scene 5, Cleopatra continues to lament the absence of her lover. She imagines what Antony might be doing or saying in Rome, wondering whether she's on his mind. She utilizes metaphor to describe herself as she imagines she'd appear in his thoughts:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He’s speaking now,
Or murmuring “Where’s my serpent of old Nile?”
For so he calls me.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Antony as Atlas:
In Act 1, Scene 5, Cleopatra alludes to Greek and Roman mythology, comparing one specific figure to her lover, Antony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The demi-Atlas of this Earth, the arm
And burgonet of men.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Trick Pictures:
Upon hearing the news of Antony's engagement to Octavia, Cleopatra becomes distraught, lashing out at those around her—in particular, the unfortunate messenger who brings her this distressing news. At the end of Act 2, Scene 5, Cleopatra utilizes a combination of metaphor and allusion to insult this messenger:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Let him forever go—let him not, Charmian.
Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,
The other way’s a Mars.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Antony the Fish:
In Act 2, Scene 5, Cleopatra uses an extended metaphor to describe her general philosophy regarding Antony, her lover:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And when good will is showed, though ’t come too short,
The actor may plead pardon. I’ll none now.
Give me mine angle; we’ll to th’ river. There,
My music playing far off, I will betray
Tawny-finned fishes. My bended hook shall pierce
Their slimy jaws, and as I draw them up
I’ll think them every one an Antony
And say “Aha! You’re caught.”
Related Themes:
