The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra

Asps amidst the Figs

This book analyzes textual cross-references and mirroring figurations in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. Zak argues that the play represents the manner in which unwitting narcissism fails the genuine love that would have elevated the lovers above the tragedy they instead merely endure—both privileging “easy ways to die” to the “strenuous labor” required to deliver a birth of richer life into their passion.