A Comparative Study of Antony and Cleopatra and All for Love or, the World Well Lost Focusing on both Antonies and both Cleopatras

Abstract Background and Aims: Comparative literature deals with, among other things, finding delicate differences or similarities of literary works and it requires close reading of the texts and creativity on the side of the researcher for finding new concepts. All for Love or the World Well Lost of Dryden that is basically an imitation of Antony and Cleopatra of Shakespeare is a good example. This study aims to focus on the main characteristics of the plays and the characters of both plays i.e. Antonies and Cleopatras to show their roles, imageries and mental attitudes by focusing on their reactions and the sentences they utter in identical situations. It’s really worth discussing these matters to see if Dryden has added details, changed the mentality of the characters, and the plot or not. Methods: Close reading based on content analysis considers all important features of both plays. Conclusion: Although the name of the characters and the general situations look the same in both plays, there are major differences between plays taking into account characterization, style of writing, imagery, and heroic deeds. Antony of Shakespeare seems more soldierly, heroic, and consistent but Antony of Dryden is less consistent and more romantic or emotional. Cleopatra of Shakespeare is more queenly and determined but Cleopatra of Dryden is more domestic and wife-like