Reflections of the Isis-Osiris Relationship on Cleopatra and Antony in William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra

Influences of the relationship between Isis and Osiris are perceived in the portrayals of Cleopatra and Antony, through the subtle hints provided by William Shakespeare in his play Antony and Cleopatra. This paper compares Cleopatra with Isis, and Antony with Osiris, by drawing references to the ancient Egyptian perceptions of living entities, fruits, and wine. The subtle indications given in the text, in the speeches provided to Cleopatra and Antony, provide intriguing instances of ancient Egyptian understanding of the climate, environment, and gender. Applying these findings, the paper argues that Shakespeare has left his valuable insights regarding ancient Egyptian mythical attributes.