A heroic drama that has since become his most famous and frequently performed play. characterized by its tragic storyline written in blank verse. Dryden’s intent with this play was to breathe new life into serious drama. This work is dedicated to the Earl of Danby, whose full name was Thomas Osborne, 1st Duke of Leeds, who was a prominent English statesman during the late 17th century.
‘All for Love’ is a recognized imitation of Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra,’ and it primarily focuses on the final hours of its main characters. Dryden’s adaptation narrows the action to Alexandria and delves deeply into the concluding stages of the ill-fated relationship between its protagonists (Antony and Cleopatra). The play first premiered in 1677 produced by the King’s Company and was later revived in 1704. performed 123 times between 1700 and 1800, making it the preferred rendition of the story. In fact, Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ did not return to the London stage until 1813.”
John Dryden’s All for Love and Shakespeare’s play Antony and Cleopatra took their inspiration from the real-life affair between the historical figures Marc Antony and Cleopatra VII Philopator of Egypt.
Main Characters in the play:
Antony: Mark Antony is a Roman general one of the three rulers of the Roman Republic and an “emperor of half the world”. Antony is known for his passionate love affair with Cleopatra, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Cleopatra: Cleopatra is the Queen of Egypt. She is known for her beauty, charm, and manipulative skills. Her love for Antony is central to the play’s plot.
Octavia: Octavia is the sister of Octavius Caesar and the wife of Antony. She is a noble and virtuous character caught in the middle of the political and romantic conflict between Antony and Cleopatra.
Octavius Caesar: Octavius (later known as Augustus Caesar) is the great-nephew and adopted son and heir of Julius Caesar. He rules the Roman Empire with Antony and Lepidus. As the play unfolds, he becomes Antony’s rival for power.
Ventidius: Ventidius is a Roman general who serves under Antony and one of Antony’s oldest and closest friends.
Dolabella: Dolabella was a Roman officer and friend of Antony and felt attracted to Cleopatra.
Iras and Charmion: Iras and Charmion are Cleopatra’s attendants and confidantes. Like Charmion, she is with Cleopatra in her final moments and also commits suicide with her. She smuggles in the “cure of all ills,” a poisoned asp that will kill Cleopatra, demonstrating her unfailing loyalty to her mistress.
Alexas: Alexas is a eunuch a trusted advisor to Cleopatra and a messenger between Antony and Cleopatra.
Serapion: Serapion is one of the priests of the Temple of Isis and a figure of significant political influence at Cleopatra’s court.
These are the main characters in John Dryden’s “All for Love.” The play explores themes of love, power, loyalty, and the tragic consequences of passionate love and political ambition.
Plot Summary of the play:
“All for Love,” is a tragedy that reimagines the story of Antony and Cleopatra. While it draws inspiration from historical figures and events, it is not a historical account but a work of fiction. Here is a plot summary of the play:
Act One: The play opens with Egypt in a state of turmoil. Serapion, an Egyptian priest, foresees ominous signs such as storms, whirlwinds, and the flooding of the Nile, which he interprets as omens of Egypt’s impending doom. However, Cleopatra’s eunuch, Alexas, dismisses these concerns, more focused on Cleopatra’s relationship with Mark Antony. He worries that Antony may abandon Cleopatra, who is deeply in love with him. In response to these fears, Serapion arranges a festival to honor Antony.
Act Two: Ventidius, a Roman general, arrives in Alexandria and offers his support to Antony. He disapproves of Antony’s relationship with Cleopatra and suggests that Antony should distance himself from her. Meanwhile, Cleopatra desires to reunite with Antony, and her lady-in-waiting, Charmion, attempts to arrange a meeting between them. Alexas suggests a plan where Cleopatra ties a bracelet to Antony’s wrist to symbolize her commitment. When Antony and Cleopatra finally meet, Ventidius intervenes, attempting to convince Antony that Cleopatra is not his rightful partner and will betray him. Cleopatra counters this argument by presenting a letter in which she refused to yield Egypt and Syria to Octavius Caesar. Antony is overjoyed by her loyalty, and they declare their love for each other.
Act Three: Antony returns from a victorious battle, deeply in love with Cleopatra. Ventidius attempts to discuss the situation with Antony, who wishes to avoid returning to war. Antony believes that his friend Dolabella can help him maintain peace. Dolabella, previously banished due to his love for Cleopatra, returns and suggests a plan to offer Octavia, Antony’s lawful wife, and Caesar’s sister, as a peace offering. Octavia informs Antony that the war will end if he returns to her side, and they reconcile. Cleopatra’s confidant, Alexas, fails in his attempts to meddle on her behalf. An argument erupts between Cleopatra and Octavia, revealing the complex dynamics of Antony’s affections.
Act Four: Antony plans to leave Cleopatra but cannot muster the courage to tell her himself. He asks Dolabella to convey his farewell, leading to misunderstandings and jealousy. Ventidius overhears Dolabella’s interactions with Cleopatra and mistakenly believes that Cleopatra and Dolabella have become lovers. Despite seeking evidence of Cleopatra’s innocence, Antony’s doubts cause irreparable damage to his relationship with Octavia, who departs permanently. When Cleopatra and Dolabella try to explain themselves, Antony refuses to believe them.
Act Five: Antony, driven by jealousy and anger, takes control of Cleopatra’s naval fleet and attacks Caesar. However, his forces betray him as they greet Caesar’s troops like old friends, and together, they turn to attack Alexandria. When Cleopatra learns of this betrayal, Alexas advises her to flee, but she refuses to betray her love for Antony. Cleopatra escapes, leaving Alexas behind. Antony and Ventidius prepare for a final battle. In a desperate bid to save his own life, Alexas lies to Antony, telling him that Cleopatra is dead.
The play culminates in a tragic end, with Antony believing Cleopatra to be dead, and in his despair, he takes his own life. Cleopatra, upon hearing of Antony’s death, also commits suicide, choosing to die by the bite of an asp rather than be paraded in Caesar’s triumph. The play ends with the tragic deaths of the two lovers, echoing the famous tale of Antony and Cleopatra from history.