Scene IV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Ambition

  Caesar's concern over Antony's neglect of duty and Pompey's rising power highlights the struggle for control and the political ambitions driving the characters.

• Excess and Indulgence

  Caesar's description of Antony's revelry in Alexandria emphasizes the theme of excess and its consequences for leadership and responsibility.

• Honor and Reputation

  Caesar contrasts Antony's past soldierly endurance with his current decadence, underscoring how reputation and honor are compromised by indulgence.

Characters to notice

• Octavius Caesar

  Reading a letter and expressing frustration with Antony's revelry in Alexandria; he receives news of Pompey's rebellion and resolves to take action.

• Lepidus

  Defends Antony's faults as hereditary and unavoidable, but agrees to help Caesar prepare for the threat from Pompey.

• Mark Antony

  Discussed in absentia; criticized by Caesar for his indulgent lifestyle in Egypt and neglect of his political and military duties.

• Pompey

  Reported to be strong at sea, beloved by those who fear Caesar, and leading a rebellion with the help of pirates Menecrates and Menas.

Key passages

• “It is not Caesar’s natural vice to hate Our great competitor: from Alexandria This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes The lamps of night in revel; is not more manlike Than Cleopatra; nor the queen of Ptolemy More womanly than he; hardly gave audience, or Vouchsafed to think he had partners”

  Caesar claims he doesn't naturally hate Antony, but reports from Alexandria show Antony spending his nights fishing, drinking, and partying, acting no more masculine than Cleopatra and neglecting his allies.

  Caesar criticizes Antony's effeminate and irresponsible behavior in Egypt.

• “Pompey is strong at sea; And it appears he is beloved of those That only have fear’d Caesar: to the ports The discontents repair, and men’s reports Give him much wrong’d.”

  Pompey has a powerful navy and is gaining popularity among those who previously only feared Caesar; dissatisfied people are flocking to him, and public opinion sees him as wronged.

  The messenger reports Pompey's growing strength and support.

• “Antony, Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once Wast beaten from Modena, where thou slew’st Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel Did famine follow; whom thou fought’st against, Though daintily brought up, with patience more Than savages could suffer”

  Caesar urges Antony to abandon his drunken revelry, recalling how Antony once endured famine and hardship after the Battle of Modena, showing great resilience despite his refined upbringing.

  Caesar contrasts Antony's past endurance with his current decadence.