Cavafy takes the historical elements of ancient history and blends it with his touch of poetry to usually teach or warn the readers.
[1][4] Dionysus (Bacchus): The god of wine and pleasure, symbolises the fortune that suddenly disappears from Anthony (protagonist) which leads to his inevitable downfall.
[4][5] Midnight: The poem is set during the dead of night which is seen as peculiar for the ending of one's life as they are completely unprepared to accept or face their fate.
The troupe or ensemble symbolises the loss of happiness and excitement as it marks the end of the hero's life.
[6] Whereas Cavafy's theme was based around the city of Alexandria, Cohen's version builds around a woman named Alexandra.