# Scene V explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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