Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Stanley Jasspon Kunitz’s poem “Cleopatra” offers a poignant and dramatic portrayal of the Egyptian queen in her final moments, capturing the intersection of personal tragedy, political downfall, and enduring dignity. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s characterization, Kunitz explores themes of power, betrayal, and the sovereignty of self in the face of inevitable defeat.

The poem opens with an epigraph from Shakespeare, “I am air and fire…”, setting a tone of elemental power and passion that defines Cleopatra’s character. This reference frames Cleopatra as a figure of immense vitality and strength, qualities that persist even in her final, tragic moments.

Kunitz begins by situating Cleopatra in a moment of profound grief and betrayal: “She had already kissed Antony's dead lips, she had already wept on her knees before Caesar ... and her servants have betrayed her.” These lines encapsulate the depth of Cleopatra’s loss, having mourned the death of her beloved Antony and humbled herself before her conqueror, Caesar. The betrayal by her servants compounds her isolation, leaving her bereft of allies in her final hours.

As darkness falls, the atmosphere becomes charged with the ominous approach of Roman triumph: “The trumpets of the Roman eagle scream.” The Roman eagle, a symbol of imperial power and conquest, heralds the end of Cleopatra’s reign and the beginning of her subjugation. The sound of the trumpets signals the inexorable advance of Roman authority, against which Cleopatra must now define her final act.

The arrival of a Roman soldier, “the last man to be ravished by her beauty,” introduces a moment of personal confrontation. His “shamefaced whisper” delivers the humiliating news: “You must walk before him, as a slave, in the triumph.” This directive to parade as a conquered slave in Caesar’s triumphal procession underscores the complete reversal of Cleopatra’s status from queen to captive.

However, Cleopatra’s response is marked by an unyielding grace: “But the slope of her swan's neck is tranquil as ever.” This image of tranquility and poise in the face of humiliation highlights her inner strength and dignity. The “swan's neck,” a symbol of elegance and nobility, contrasts sharply with the indignity of her situation, emphasizing her refusal to be broken by external circumstances.

Aware of the fate that awaits her children, “Tomorrow they'll put her children in chains,” Cleopatra recognizes that her defeat extends beyond herself. Her children, the symbols of her legacy, are also destined for captivity, further deepening her sorrow and sense of loss.

In a final act of defiance and self-determination, Cleopatra resolves to end her life on her own terms: “Nothing remains except to tease this fellow out of mind / and put the black snake, like a parting act of pity, on her dark breast with indifferent hand.” The act of placing the asp upon her breast is depicted as one of calm resignation and control. Cleopatra’s “indifferent hand” signifies her detachment from the physical act of death, viewing it as a release rather than a surrender.

Kunitz’s portrayal of Cleopatra’s suicide as a “parting act of pity” imbues the moment with a sense of compassion and agency. By choosing death, Cleopatra asserts her autonomy and spares herself the degradation of being paraded as a trophy of conquest. The black snake, traditionally a symbol of both death and rebirth, serves as her means of escape, transforming her final act into one of sovereign dignity.

In summary, Stanley Jasspon Kunitz’s “Cleopatra” is a powerful and evocative exploration of the queen’s final moments. Through rich imagery and a reflective tone, Kunitz captures the complexity of Cleopatra’s character—her grief, her defiance, and her ultimate assertion of self in the face of inevitable defeat. The poem invites readers to consider the themes of power, betrayal, and the enduring strength of personal sovereignty, even in the darkest of times.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...