# Scene II explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Antony receives news of Fulvia's death and the political turmoil in Rome, including Pompey's rebellion and Parthian advances. He resolves to break free from Cleopatra's influence and return to Rome. Meanwhile, Charmian, Iras, Alexas, and a Soothsayer engage in playful fortune-telling, and Cleopatra senses Antony's distraction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Antony struggles between his love for Cleopatra and his political and military duties in Rome.

### Fate and Fortune

The Soothsayer's predictions and Charmian's wishes highlight themes of fate and uncertain fortune.

### Betrayal and Trust

Antony receives news of Fulvia's rebellion and the shifting loyalties of the Roman people and allies.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Antony

Receives news of Fulvia's death and political threats; resolves to leave Egypt.

### Enobarbus

Exchanges witty banter with Antony about women and duty; comments on Cleopatra's passions.

### Cleopatra

Briefly appears, sensing Antony's Roman thoughts; orders Enobarbus to fetch him.

### Charmian

Engages the Soothsayer and jokes about her fortune with Iras and Alexas.

### Iras

Participates in the fortune-telling scene with Charmian and Alexas.

### Alexas

Calls the Soothsayer and joins in the playful fortune-telling.

### Soothsayer

Reads fortunes for Charmian and Iras, predicting Charmian will outlive Cleopatra.

## Key lines

> The nature of bad news infects the teller.

The messenger who brings bad news is often blamed for it.

_Antony says this to encourage the messenger to speak plainly._

> These strong Egyptian fetters I must break, Or lose myself in dotage.

I must free myself from my attachment to Egypt, or I will waste away in foolish love.

_Antony resolves to leave Cleopatra after hearing of Fulvia's death and political crises._

> There’s a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it: What our contempt doth often hurl from us, We wish it ours again.

A remarkable woman has died! I wanted this, but now I regret losing what I once despised.

_Antony reflects on Fulvia's death with mixed feelings of relief and regret._

> You shall outlive the lady whom you serve.

You will live longer than the queen you serve.

_The Soothsayer predicts Charmian will outlive Cleopatra._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters