Caesar and Cleopatra - George Bernard Shaw

Summary

George Bernard Shaw's 'Caesar and Cleopatra' is a historical play that reimagines the relationship between Julius Caesar and the young Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII in 48 BC. Set during Caesar's intervention in the Alexandrian Civil War, the play portrays Caesar not as a ruthless conqueror, but as a pragmatic, wise, and merciful statesman. He discovers a terrified, childlike Cleopatra hiding in the desert and takes her under his wing, educating her in the art of queen-craft and statesmanship. Through their interactions, Caesar transforms Cleopatra from a frightened girl into a formidable ruler. The play explores themes of leadership, the clash of cultures, the nature of power, and the wisdom of experience versus the impulsiveness of youth, all while infused with Shaw's characteristic wit and intellectual discourse.

Book Sections

Section 1: Overture and Prologue

The play opens with a mock-heroic overture, where a god (presumably Ra, or an Egyptian deity) addresses the audience, setting the stage for a story of greatness and the clash of civilizations, but also hinting at the human frailties of its characters. It serves as a slightly ironic introduction to the historical drama about to unfold.

Section 2: Act I

Caesar, having pursued Pompey to Egypt, arrives at the Sphinx by moonlight. He encounters a young girl sleeping between its paws, whom he initially believes to be a common Egyptian maiden. She is terrified but also displays a childish innocence and a fierce pride in her royal lineage, revealing herself to be Cleopatra, the child-queen. Caesar, despite his initial amusement and his age, takes an immediate interest in her. He begins to teach her about courage and leadership, advising her not to be afraid of the "Roman bogeyman" but to embrace her destiny as a queen. Cleopatra is initially overwhelmed but also captivated by Caesar's commanding yet benevolent presence. Their meeting marks the beginning of her transformation.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Julius Caesar	A Roman general, aged 50, wise, pragmatic, charismatic, merciful, possessing a unique blend of intellectual acumen and military prowess. He is a statesman rather than just a soldier.	To establish Roman order and peace in Egypt, resolve the Ptolemaic succession crisis, and teach Cleopatra the responsibilities of queenship. He seeks order, justice, and the betterment of civilization.
Cleopatra	A young Egyptian queen, aged 16, initially childlike, timid, easily frightened, but also fierce, vengeful, and ambitious.	To regain her throne from her brother Ptolemy XIII, assert her authority, and overcome her fear. She desires power and protection, initially out of insecurity.

Section 3: Act II

Caesar, having taken up residence in the Ptolemaic palace, faces the challenges of the Alexandrian court. He is joined by his Roman officers, including the bluff Rufio and the meticulous Britannus. The Alexandrians, led by the astute Pothinus and the learned Theodotus, are wary of Caesar's intentions and seek to manipulate him for their own political gain, particularly concerning the dispute between Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII. Caesar, however, sees through their schemes and maintains his impartial stance, much to their frustration. He continues to tutor Cleopatra, teaching her the importance of appearing regal and asserting her authority. He also demonstrates his clemency by refusing to execute the Alexandrian conspirators, preferring to win them over or control them through diplomacy rather than force.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Rufio	Caesar's rough, loyal, and practical Roman general. He values direct action and efficiency, often puzzled by Caesar's more philosophical or lenient approaches.	To serve Caesar faithfully, protect his leader, and ensure Roman military objectives are met. He is driven by loyalty and a soldier's duty.
Britannus	Caesar's British secretary, meticulous, moralistic, and somewhat prim. He represents Roman (or British, as Shaw hints) administrative efficiency and a strict sense of propriety.	To manage Caesar's affairs, maintain order, and uphold Roman standards of conduct. He is driven by a strong sense of duty, order, and what he perceives as moral correctness.
Pothinus	Cleopatra's guardian, a shrewd and ambitious Alexandrian politician. He represents the established Egyptian court's political machinations.	To maintain his influence and power within the Egyptian court, prevent Cleopatra from becoming too powerful, and potentially control the succession through Ptolemy XIII. He is driven by political ambition and self-preservation.
Theodotus	Cleopatra's elderly tutor, a scholar, and a rhetorician. He represents the intellectual and historical tradition of the Ptolemaic dynasty.	To protect the library of Alexandria and the traditional order of Egypt, and to serve the interests of the established court, believing in the power of rhetoric and intellectual argument.
Achillas	Commander of the Egyptian army under Ptolemy XIII.	To serve the political faction supporting Ptolemy XIII, likely for personal gain and to maintain his military position. He is driven by loyalty to his current power base and military opportunism.
Ftatateeta	Cleopatra's formidable and fiercely loyal nurse. She is a woman of action, driven by a deep devotion to Cleopatra and a vengeful nature.	To protect and serve Cleopatra, often resorting to extreme measures. Her primary motivation is the safety and well-being of her queen, even if it means violence.

Section 4: Act III

The conflict between Caesar's small Roman force and the larger Egyptian army, led by Achillas and advised by Pothinus, escalates. Caesar finds himself trapped in the lighthouse on the island of Pharos, separated from his main forces. Cleopatra, increasingly assertive, assists Caesar in his efforts to send a message for reinforcements. During this act, the young Ptolemy XIII is presented to Caesar, and his faction attempts to kidnap him. Caesar manages to escape a perilous situation by swimming to safety. This act emphasizes Caesar's resourcefulness and bravery under pressure, and Cleopatra's growing ability to act decisively, showcasing her development under Caesar's tutelage. The scene highlights the danger and political intrigue surrounding Caesar.

Section 5: Act IV

Caesar and his remaining forces are under siege in the palace. The Roman forces led by Rufio manage to connect with Caesar, providing some relief, but the situation remains tense. Cleopatra, now far more confident and ruthless, desires Pothinus's death due to his betrayal. Ftatateeta, acting on a silent cue from Cleopatra (or perhaps on her own vengeful initiative, which Cleopatra tacitly approves), murders Pothinus. Caesar is appalled by this act, seeing it as a savage and short-sighted crime that undermines the principles of Roman justice and statesmanship he represents. He reprimands Cleopatra, explaining that such actions create more enemies than they eliminate. He expresses his disappointment in Ftatateeta’s violence and reveals his true nature as a merciful leader, who prefers to win hearts rather than shed blood. However, he does not punish Cleopatra, understanding her raw, undeveloped sense of justice.

Section 6: Act V

With the arrival of Roman reinforcements, including the formidable legionary commander Lucius Septimius, the tide turns in Caesar's favor. The Egyptian forces are defeated, and Ptolemy XIII drowns. Caesar prepares to leave Egypt, but not before having one last significant interaction with Cleopatra. He has fulfilled his mission of stabilizing Egypt and establishing Cleopatra on the throne. Cleopatra, now a queen in her own right, is sad to see him go but understands his departure is inevitable. She has matured significantly, learning to temper her childish impulsiveness with a growing awareness of political realities. Caesar promises to send her a young Roman general, hinting at Mark Antony, setting the stage for her future historical romance. The play concludes with Caesar's departure, leaving Cleopatra a more capable but still evolving ruler, forever changed by his influence.

Literary Genre

Historical play; Tragi-comedy; Problem play (Shaw's term for plays that explore social and philosophical issues).

Author Facts

• George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist, and political activist.
• He was a leading figure in the development of modern English drama, known for his witty, intellectually stimulating, and often provocative plays that challenged social conventions and political institutions.
• Shaw was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925, though he initially refused the money.
• He was a prominent Fabian Socialist and used his plays as a platform for his social and political ideas.
• His other famous works include Pygmalion (which later became My Fair Lady), Man and Superman, Major Barbara, and Saint Joan.

Morale

The play emphasizes that true leadership requires wisdom, practicality, and mercy, not just brute force or cunning. Caesar's approach demonstrates that persuasion and the establishment of order are more effective and sustainable than vengeance or tyranny. It also suggests that true greatness lies in influencing and elevating others, as Caesar does with Cleopatra, transforming her from a frightened child into a capable queen. Shaw also subtly explores the clash between youthful impetuousness and mature, pragmatic statesmanship, and the idea that moral progress comes through rational thought and humaneness, not savage instincts.

Curiosities

• Historical Inaccuracy (Intentional): Shaw deliberately took liberties with historical accuracy, portraying a much younger Cleopatra than the historical record suggests. The real Cleopatra was 21 when Caesar arrived in Egypt, not 16, and already a shrewd political player. Shaw's intention was to highlight Caesar's role as a mentor and educator, transforming a child into a queen.
• Shaw's Preface: In his extensive preface to the play, Shaw critiques Shakespeare's Julius Caesar for being historically inaccurate and for presenting a melodramatic rather than a truly psychological or political drama. Shaw aimed to portray Caesar as a realistic and complex "Superman" – not in the Nietzschean sense, but as a practical, insightful, and progressive leader.
• Anti-Romanticism: Shaw famously disliked romantic love as a primary dramatic motive. His portrayal of Caesar and Cleopatra's relationship is largely intellectual and pedagogical, deliberately avoiding the passionate romance often associated with the historical figures.
• The Sphinx Metaphor: Caesar's opening monologue at the Sphinx is highly symbolic, positioning him as a figure confronting the mysteries of ancient civilizations and his own destiny. It sets the tone for a play that grapples with deep philosophical questions.
• Ftatateeta's Murder: The character of Ftatateeta and her violent loyalty, culminating in the murder of Pothinus, serves as a stark contrast to Caesar's methods, highlighting the "barbarism" that Caesar seeks to tame or transcend. Her death at Rufio's hands is presented as a necessary act of Roman justice against savage impulsiveness.