# Scene V explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Cleopatra, restless and lovesick in Antony's absence, muses on his virtues and her past loves. She receives a messenger from Antony, Alexas, who delivers a pearl and a promise of eastern kingdoms. Cleopatra resolves to send daily greetings to Antony, even if it depopulates Egypt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Cleopatra's personal longing for Antony conflicts with her political role as queen, as she contemplates 'unpeopling Egypt' to maintain contact.

### Identity and Transformation

Cleopatra reflects on her past selves—her 'salad days' with Caesar—contrasting her youthful judgment with her current devotion to Antony.

## Character check-ins

### Cleopatra

Expresses obsessive longing for Antony, recalls past affairs with Caesar and Pompey, and vows to send daily messages.

### Charmian

Attends Cleopatra, teases her about her fixation on Antony, and is rebuked for praising Caesar.

### Iras

Present in the scene as an attendant, though without lines.

### Mardian

The eunuch is questioned by Cleopatra about his affections and responds with a reference to Venus and Mars.

### Alexas

Delivers Antony's message and a pearl, describing Antony's balanced mood.

## Key lines

> Give me to drink mandragora.

Give me a sleeping potion.

_Cleopatra wishes to sleep through the time Antony is away._

> He was nor sad nor merry.

He was neither sad nor happy.

_Alexas describes Antony's balanced mood._

> My salad days, When I was green in judgment: cold in blood.

My youthful days, when I was inexperienced and unpassionate.

_Cleopatra dismisses her past love for Caesar as immature._

## Links

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