In his play Antony and Cleopatra, William Shakespeare develops a constant theme of conflicting duties and desires that can be seen throughout the play; this theme is most powerfully exemplified through the actions of the main characters and the overall characterization of said characters. Shakespeare wastes no time establishing this theme, as seen in the very first line of the play. The play opens with a monologue by Philo, a character critical of Mark Antony's actions, calling him "a slut's fool." Through this monologue, Shakespeare introduces to the audience that Antony's "heart which in the brawls of great fights has burst" has now "become the bellows and fan to cool a gypsy's lust." With this statement, Shakespeare reveals to the audience that Antony was passionate about war, but is now more fond of Cleopatra. Philo's criticism of Mark Antony sets a precedent that is seen throughout the play and through this, the audience is made aware that the clash between duty and desire is prevalent in Mark Antony's character. Shakespeare's presentation of this feud is more interested in the tension itself, rather than one aspect overriding another. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first act of Antony and Cleopatra plays a crucial role in developing this tension between duty and desire. This is prevalent in the character of Mark Antony, as he is torn between these tensions in a multitude of ways. This is first introduced when news arrives “from Rome”. While conversing with Cleopatra about this news from Rome, Antony proclaims that Egypt is “my [his] place.” Because of this scene, the audience is also made to understand that Mark Antony has a wife, and due to his status in Egypt, Antony is unable to maintain his duties as a husband, therefore succumbing to his desires with Cleopatra. In this way, Shakespeare presents Antony as a disloyal character. Immediately afterwards, Antony exclaims that he wishes “Rome in the Tiber would melt” and “the empire would fall”. The reason this is significant is because Antony rules over a third of the Roman Empire. In this way, the audience is informed that Antonio is so consumed by this quest, that he is willing to see his luck "melt". The presentation of duty and desire in Antony and Cleopatra ultimately provides the basis for the main conflict of this play. . This is first noted in Act 1, scene 4, when Octavius ​​Caesar is conversing with Lepidus. In this conversation, Caesar reveals that he feels “hatred” for the fact that Mark Antony “just gave an audience, or was guaranteed to think he had partners.” In this sense, Caesar feels betrayed by Antony's prolonged stay in Egypt. In this way Shakespeare manages to quickly lay the foundation for the main conflict of the play. Furthermore, Caesar goes on to say that Mark Antony chooses to “confuse such time” in such a way as to jeopardize “his [Mark Antony's] state and ours.” In this way, Caesar reveals that he is troubled that Mark Antony is wasting vital time and resources for their cause, thus endangering Rome's position. This further develops the main conflict of the play, and thus adds to the ever-present feud between duty and desire in the play. In an effort to restore his authority in Rome, make amends with his fellow members of the triumvirate, and begin to pursue duty as opposed to desire, Mark Antony decides to return to Rome and marry Octavia Caesar, sister of Octavius. The motivating factor behind.