Difference between revisions of "William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra (1607)"
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===Act III: Scene 3.7=== | ===Act III: Scene 3.7=== | ||
| − | + | In a dialogue between Enobarbus and Cleopatra Enobarbus points out that he is against Cleopatra's participation in the war, as she would only distract Antony. Cleopatra, however, is determined to participate. Later they discuss their fighting strategy with Antony: While Cleopatra and Antony want to fight by sea, Enobarbus points out that Caesar's fleet is much better equipped and his soldiers are better experienced in sea-battles, and that his land-army is a lot stronger than Caesar's. But Antony is determined to fight by sea, the determination seemingly influenced by Cleopatra. | |
==Act IV== | ==Act IV== | ||
Revision as of 08:35, 13 May 2008
- Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, Folio edition from 1623 at EEBO
Contents
Act I
Act I: Scene 1.1
Philo (follower of Antony) enters and introduces the plot by telling what a great warrior Antony was, and how addicted he is now to Cleopatra. Antony disappoints Demetrius and Philo with his change.
One gets the impression of the love affair between Antony and Cleopatra. She is able to dominate him because he adores her so much. They argue a lot, because The Queen of Egypt does not feel loved enough (he is married with Fulvia), and disrespects Antony for taking orders from Caesar and Rome.
Act I: Scene 1.2
Act II
Act III
Act III: Scene 3.1
This scene is set in Syria, after a victory against the Parthians, and shows a dialogue between Antony's lieutenant Ventidius and another of his followers, Silius. Silius tries to urge Ventidius into further heroic deeds, but Ventidius denies fearing that, although he "could do more to do Antonius good, but 'twould offend him, and in his offence should [Ventidius's] performance perish" (l. 25-27).
Act III: Scene 3.2
The beginning of the scene shows a dialogue between Enobarbus and Agrippa, discussing the love of the triumvirs for each other in a seemingly sarcastic manner. Later it shows the parting of Antony and Octavia from Caesar: Caesar 'advises' Antony to treat Octavia well, even makes it sound like a warning. However, they part on friendly conditions. Both Caesar and Octavia are sad to part, which shows their love for each other.
Act III: Scene 3.3
Cleopatra interrogates her messanger who comes from Rome about Octavia: He tells her about Octavia's unatractiveness, and Cleopatra is happy about that report.
Act III: Scene 3.4
A dialogue between Octavia and Antony. Caesar has started a war against Pompey and talks badly of Antony. Octavia is torn whether to support her husband or her brother. Antony suggests that she should withdraw her sympathies from the one who first shows the aggressions.
Act III: Scene 3.5
A dialogue between Enobarbus and Eros. Eros reports about Caesar's battle against Pompey: Pompey has been killed and Lepidus, who had joined Caesar in the war, has been attacked and imprisoned by Caesar. Antony's ships are being prepared to sail against Caesar.
Act III: Scene 3.6
In a dialogue between Caesar, Agrippa and Maecenas Caesar tells about Cleopatra's and Antony's and Cleopatra's sons' coronation to be monarchs of several kingdoms. At the same time, Antony accuses Caesar for not having offered him his part of Pompey's Sicily and of the unjustified disposal of Lepidus. Later Octavia comes back to Rome, unexpectedly. Caesar is shocked by her plain arrival. In Athens Octavia had heard about Caesar's preparations for a war against Antony, so she came back to Rome in order to stop Caesar's aggressions. But Caesar tells her the truth about Antony, that he no longer is in Athens but in Alexandria and that it is him who is preparing a war. That is how he convinces Octavia to stay in Rome.
Act III: Scene 3.7
In a dialogue between Enobarbus and Cleopatra Enobarbus points out that he is against Cleopatra's participation in the war, as she would only distract Antony. Cleopatra, however, is determined to participate. Later they discuss their fighting strategy with Antony: While Cleopatra and Antony want to fight by sea, Enobarbus points out that Caesar's fleet is much better equipped and his soldiers are better experienced in sea-battles, and that his land-army is a lot stronger than Caesar's. But Antony is determined to fight by sea, the determination seemingly influenced by Cleopatra.
