What does Shakespeare mean by in her ashes she lie

In "Antony and Cleopatra", Shakespeare uses the phrase "in her ashes she lies" to refer to the death of Cleopatra, who ultimately takes her own life, rather than face capture and humiliation by Octavius Caesar, who wants her to be paraded through his triumphal procession in Rome.

By saying "in her ashes she lies", Shakespeare signifies Cleopatra's transformation into a symbol of destruction, beauty and passion, and the ultimate end of her reign and influence. The word "ashes" carries a strong connotation of mortality, decay, and the impermanence of life.

The idea of "ashes" also highlights the destructive nature of the love between Antony and Cleopatra, as their intense passion and desire lead both to their downfall. Through this phrase, Shakespeare evokes the emotional impact of Cleopatra's tragic fate and the profound sense of loss and finality that accompanies her death.