# Scene II explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In Rome, Antony and Caesar confront their grievances, but Lepidus and Mecaenas urge reconciliation. Agrippa proposes Antony marry Octavia, Caesar's sister, to cement peace. Antony agrees, and the triumvirs unite against Pompey. Enobarbus then regales Mecaenas and Agrippa with tales of Cleopatra's magnificence, including her legendary meeting on the Cydnus, and insists Antony will never leave her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Antony's agreement to marry Octavia for political stability contrasts with his passionate attachment to Cleopatra.

### Power and Ambition

Caesar and Antony negotiate terms of alliance, each seeking to secure their own authority and territorial control.

### Honor and Reputation

Antony insists on his honor being sacred and defends his actions against Caesar's accusations of oath-breaking.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Antony

Defends his actions in Egypt, agrees to marry Octavia to forge peace with Caesar.

### Octavius Caesar

Confronts Antony over broken oaths and his wife's rebellion, but accepts the marriage proposal.

### Lepidus

Mediates between Antony and Caesar, urging gentle speech and unity.

### Enobarbus

Speaks bluntly to the leaders, then vividly describes Cleopatra's splendor and Antony's devotion.

### Agrippa

Proposes Antony's marriage to Octavia to secure alliance.

### Mecaenas

Supports reconciliation and questions Enobarbus about Cleopatra's influence.

## Key lines

> The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne, Burn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold; Purple the sails, and so perfumed that The winds were love-sick with them;

Cleopatra's royal barge glowed like a polished throne on the river, with a golden stern and perfumed purple sails that made the winds themselves fall in love.

_Enobarbus describes Cleopatra's magnificent arrival on the Cydnus River, emphasizing her overwhelming allure._

> Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale Her infinite variety: other women cloy The appetites they feed; but she makes hungry Where most she satisfies:

Cleopatra never loses her charm; time and familiarity only deepen her appeal, unlike other women who become tiresome.

_Enobarbus explains to Mecaenas why Antony will never leave Cleopatra, highlighting her unique and enduring power._

## Links

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