Analyse with close reference to the text, the expository function
of Act 1 of Dryden’s All For Love. / Do you think that the first
act is an effective exposition? Justify your answers by giving suitable
reference to the text.
This act
serves to introduce the main characters — Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavius
Caesar; it also outlines the main forces which motivate each of them. The first
scene is set in Alexandria, where two of Antony's men, Demetrius and Philo,
describe the lovers' relationship. Caesar appears in a later scene, and we see
how he perceives Antony and Cleopatra's relationship. In addition, his comments
about Antony reveal a great deal about his own character. We also have ample
evidence in this act that Antony and Cleopatra are deeply in love, but Antony
does not realize the tragic possibilities of their infatuation, yet he is torn
by divided loyalties.
Play opens with the discussion of some
citizens of Egypt. Serapion tells his fellows about the queer supernatural
incidents that he witnessed last night. Alexas, the eunuch, who is in the
service of Cleopatra comes to them and scolds Serapion for telling his cooked
dreams to others and warns him from doing so.Ventidius, a Roman knight comes. Alexas recognise him and tells the citizens that though he hates Ventidius, yet it cannot be denied that he is of the bravest Romans. As Alexas sees Ventidius approaching to him, he announces that Egypt will celebrate Antony’s birthday with great pump and show. Ventidius is displeased with Alexas announcement as Antony’s life is in danger and Egyptians are celebrating his suffering.......................................................................................
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