Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene V explained
Cleopatra, restless in Antony's absence, first seeks diversion in music and billiards, then decides to go fishing.
What happens
Cleopatra, restless in Antony's absence, first seeks diversion in music and billiards, then decides to go fishing. A messenger arrives from Rome; after a tense exchange, Cleopatra learns that Antony has married Octavia. She flies into a violent rage, striking the messenger, but eventually calms herself and orders Alexas to find out details about Octavia's appearance.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Duty
Cleopatra's emotional turmoil contrasts Antony's political marriage to Octavia with his personal bond to her.
Betrayal and Trust
Cleopatra perceives Antony's marriage as a profound betrayal, unleashing her wrath on the messenger.
Characters to notice
- Cleopatra
Shifts from playful longing to violent fury upon hearing of Antony's marriage to Octavia, then collects herself to demand details about her rival.
- Charmian
Attends Cleopatra, attempts to calm her, and retrieves the frightened messenger.
- Alexas
Sent by Cleopatra to gather information about Octavia's appearance.
- Mardian
The eunuch briefly appears when Cleopatra considers playing billiards.
- Iras
Present in the scene as one of Cleopatra's attendants.
Key passages
“Give me some music; music, moody food / Of us that trade in love.”
Music is the emotional sustenance for those of us who deal in love.
Cleopatra expresses her longing for Antony through a desire for music.
“I will betray / Tawny-finn'd fishes; my bended hook shall pierce / Their slimy jaws; and, as I draw them up, / I'll think them every one an Antony, / And say 'Ah, ha! you're caught.'”
I'll trick the fish and imagine each one is Antony, pretending I've captured him.
Cleopatra's playful fantasy reveals her obsession with Antony.
“He's married to Octavia.”
Antony has wed Octavia.
The messenger delivers the devastating news that triggers Cleopatra's rage.
“Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon, / The other way's a Mars.”
Antony may appear monstrous from one angle, but from another he is a god of war.
Cleopatra's conflicted view of Antony after learning of his marriage.