Cleopatra reimagined: gender, sexuality, race, and empire at the fin de siècle

Motlagh, Delaram (2025). Cleopatra reimagined: gender, sexuality, race, and empire at the fin de siècle. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis argues that the diverse portrayals of Cleopatra across late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century theatre, oil paintings, novels, short stories, and poems not only mirrored evolving perceptions of gender, sexuality, race, and empire but also actively influenced contemporary debates on these issues. By exploring literature, art, and theatre, this study reveals how Cleopatra’s evolving image both reflected and shaped traditional gender norms and the ‘woman question’. This analysis examines her representation as a powerful pharaoh, sensual lover, and nurturing mother, highlighting the fluidity with which she navigates gender binaries, while exploring how these depictions mirrored shifting social dynamics. This study shows how fictional portrayals of Cleopatra offered female readers a means to explore their evolving societal roles, while simultaneously offering female writers and poets a platform to contribute to contemporary discussions on gender, sexuality, and power.

Additionally, it establishes the political implications of Cleopatra’s transformation from a vilified figure of antiquity into an icon of popular culture. This shift highlights her pivotal role in shaping discussions on power, sexuality, and resistance. As Cleopatra is reimagined from a villain to an empress striving to save her nation, noticeable parallels emerge in the source material between her and Queen Victoria. Furthermore, as the final pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra lends herself to discussions of race and empire, with portrayals ranging from a Greek woman to an Egyptian figure. This thesis demonstrates how the complexity of Cleopatra’s racial identity allowed fin-de-siècle dramatists, writers, painters, and poets, as well as their audiences, to engage with and reflect on ideas of race and empire. Ultimately, this thesis establishes that Cleopatra’s multifaceted representations serve as a lens through which shifting societal attitudes toward gender, sexuality, race, and power can be understood, highlighting her enduring influence on cultural and political discourse.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):