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Foreshadowing
Genre
Explanation and Analysis:
Caesar and Cleopatra is, in the broadest sense, a history play: it chronicles historical events, taking great liberty with timelines and characterization, all with the added goal of ascribing moral values to the past and reflecting critically on the present moment. Within the general umbrella of this genre, however, Caesar and Cleopatra occupies the specific niche of a satirical comedy, poking fun at historical dramas as a whole. Shaw satirizes the often over-serious tone such plays establish, all while remixing historical events to provide a more satisfying narrative. Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra—Shaw's source of inspiration—is guilty of this, being more tragic than comedic.
Instead of depending on a tragic narrative to hold the weight of his moral arguments, Shaw takes it upon himself to directly address his satire to the audience, whether indirectly through stage directions or directly using the ever-philosophical voice of Caesar. Shaw's primary object of satire is the British Empire, which he critiques both directly and by proxy through Caesar's critique of Rome. This satire is mostly comedic in nature, with many tragic or major events (including battles and death scenes) happening offstage, or prior to the conclusion of the play. Generally, Shaw aims to draw the audience's attention to how cycles of violence are perpetuated throughout history, thus awakening them to the current horrors being committed by the British Empire.
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