# Scene III explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Cleopatra manipulates Antony with feigned illness and jealousy, accusing him of betrayal and testing his devotion. Antony explains he must leave for Rome due to political pressures, including the rebellion of Sextus Pompeius and the death of his wife Fulvia. Their emotional exchange reveals the tension between love and duty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Antony is torn between his love for Cleopatra and his political obligations in Rome.

### Betrayal and Trust

Cleopatra accuses Antony of betrayal, referencing his past falsehoods to Fulvia and questioning his fidelity.

## Character check-ins

### Cleopatra

Feigns sickness and sullenness, accuses Antony of false love, and manipulates him emotionally.

### Mark Antony

Attempts to justify his departure to Rome, citing Fulvia's death and Pompey's rebellion.

### Charmian

Advises Cleopatra on how to handle Antony, warning against pushing him too far.

### Iras

Present in the scene with Cleopatra and Charmian.

### Alexas

Sent by Cleopatra to spy on Antony's mood.

## Key lines

> Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it; That you know well: something it is I would— O, my oblivion is a very Antony, And I am all forgotten.

Cleopatra says she and Antony have loved, but that's not the point; she forgets what she was going to say, comparing her forgetfulness to Antony himself, and feels completely forgotten by him.

_Cleopatra's emotional manipulation, feigning confusion to evoke Antony's sympathy._

> The strong necessity of time commands Our services awhile; but my full heart Remains in use with you.

Antony explains that urgent political demands require his service for now, but his heart still belongs to Cleopatra.

_Antony tries to reconcile his duty with his love._

## Links

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