Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online

theatricality of Egypt are contrasted unfavorably to the strict reserve of Rome, as Caesar recounts how Antony and Cleopatra “were publicly enthroned” “in chairs of gold” in the marketplace of Alexandria, a public declaration of their personal relationship and their power as leaders. Cleopatra, dressed as “the goddess Isis,” was made Queen of Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, and Lydia by Antony, who also entailed the monarchy on their illegitimate children. Caesar reports that Antony is demanding a share in the lands captured from Pompey, but that he has demanded a portion of Antony’s “conquered kingdoms” in return.
    Lines 44–111: Octavia arrives and Caesar deplores the insulting lack of ceremony that attends her. Realizing that Octavia is unaware of Antony’s whereabouts, he bluntly informs her that he is in Egypt and has “given his empire / Up to a whore.” Octavia is “wretched,” but Caesar and Maecenas assure her that she is loved and pitied by all of Rome.
ACT 3 SCENE 7
    Enobarbus tries to persuade Cleopatra that she should not accompany Antony into battle against Caesar. He explains that her presence will “take from” Antony’s heart and brain and “puzzle” him when he should be concentrating on war. Highlighting the tension between her roles as ruler and woman, Cleopatra insists that she will be there as the “president” of her kingdom and therefore will “Appear there for a man.” Antony arrives with reports of Caesar’s military successes. Despite advice from Canidius and Enobarbus, and a desperate plea by one of Antony’s soldiers, Antony andCleopatra decide to fight Caesar at sea. They leave with Enobarbus, and Canidius comments bitterly that Antony’s soldiers are now “women’s men.”
ACT 3 SCENE 8
    Caesar orders that his army shall not attack on land until the sea battle is finished.
ACT 3 SCENE 9
    Antony places his squadrons on the hillside so they may view the sea battle.
ACT 3 SCENE 10
    The noise of the sea battle is heard as Enobarbus enters, announcing that the Egyptian flagship has turned and fled, followed by all sixty Egyptian ships. Scarrus reports that this occurred just as they had victory in sight, and that, seeing Cleopatra flee, Antony followed, allowing Caesar victory. He blames Cleopatra, emphasizing her sexual power over Antony in unflattering terms as he describes her as a “ribaudred nag” and “a cow in June” and Antony as a “doting mallard.” This animal imagery suggests that Antony and Cleopatra have let their personal, sexual instincts overcome their reason and responsibilities. Canidius declares his intention to defect to Caesar, but Enobarbus decides to remain with Antony although it goes against his reason.
ACT 3 SCENE 11
    Ashamed, Antony urges his followers to take his remaining gold and defect to Caesar. They refuse, but he urges “Let that be left / Which leaves itself” and his sense of having somehow “left” his true self shows his awareness of the divisions and contradictions in his identity. Cleopatra is led in by her attendants, who urge her to “comfort”Antony. Cleopatra begs his forgiveness for her “fearful sails” and claims that she did not know that he would follow, but Antony argues that she knew his heart was tied to her “rudder” “by th’strings.” He says that his sword was “made weak” by his “affection” for her, an acknowledgment of his emasculation. Seeing how upset Cleopatra is, however, he forgives her and asks if his messenger has returned.
ACT 3 SCENE 12
    Dolabella comments to Caesar that Antony’s choice of messenger shows “he is plucked.” The Schoolmaster/Ambassador outlines Antony’s request that he might be allowed to live in Egypt, or if not, then as a “private man in Athens.” Cleopatra sends a message that she “submits” to Caesar’s might, and asks for the crown of Egypt. Caesar refuses Antony’s request and says that Cleopatra’s will only be granted if she either banishes