LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL REVIEW - Concordia Lutheran Seminary

14 LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL REVIEW XII
7. Lechery
“A man who commits adultery lacks judgement;
whoever does so destroys himself.” (Prov. 6:32)
Antony and Cleopatra
The theme of lechery looms large in Shakespeare: Hamlet accuses his
mother of adultery, two of King Lear’s daughters lust after the same man,
Othello is convinced that his wife is unfaithful. The clearest exposition of
this theme is in Antony and Cleopatra. One can, as Frank Kermode says,
“easily discover in the play a simple moral scheme … in which Antony
neglects his rational responsibilities out of pure sensual indolence” (RS,
1344).
With Lepidus and Octavius, Marc Antony is a member of the Second
Triumvirate, 44-30 BC. In the play’s opening speech, Philo laments, “you
shall see in him / The triple pillar of the world transform’d / Into a
strumpet’s fool” (I.i.11-13). Why should Antony care? He has given himself
over completely to his lusts. “Let Rome in Tiber melt,” he says, “here is my
space” (I.i.33). But duty calls him back to Rome, where Octavius pleads,
“Antony, leave thy lascivious wassails” (I.iv.55).
Tension mounts as Pompey gathers an army to oppose the Triumvirate.
Antony agrees to a politically expeditious marriage to Octavius’ sister.
Cleopatra is enraged. Antony returns to her in Egypt, angering Octavius: “He
hath given his empire / Up to a whore” (III.vi.66-67). A master of land
warfare, Antony unwisely decides to fight Octavius by sea in the Battle of
Actium. Cleopatra flees in her ship, and Antony follows, disgracing himself.
“I have fled myself,” he grieves (III.x.7). Octavius sends an ambassador to
win favour with Cleopatra. Antony explodes with anger when he sees him
kiss her hand. Cleopatra easily charms Antony, and laughs at his bluster.
A second campaign against Octavius ensues. Antony wins the first battle
on land, but loses the second battle at sea. He vows revenge against
Cleopatra, who flees to her monument and feigns death. Antony falls on his
sword, and is carried to the monument where he dies in Cleopatra’s arms.
Octavius arrives and mourns Antony. Cleopatra fears capture and kills
herself with a poisonous snake. Octavius buries them both together.
For the pleasures of the flesh Antony falls into disgrace. Jesus remained
chaste in this life to save Himself for His future bride: “Blessed are those
who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (Rev.19:9).