Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene II explained
In Rome, Agrippa and Enobarbas discuss the aftermath of the meeting with Pompey, noting Lepidus's affection for both Caesar and Antony.
What happens
In Rome, Agrippa and Enobarbas discuss the aftermath of the meeting with Pompey, noting Lepidus's affection for both Caesar and Antony. Caesar, Antony, Lepidus, and Octavia enter as Antony prepares to leave. Caesar entrusts his sister Octavia to Antony as a bond of peace, and the two leaders part with formal farewells, while Octavia weeps.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Duty
Octavia's tears and Caesar's emotional farewell highlight the tension between familial love and political duty in the arranged marriage.
Honor and Reputation
The characters' praises and concerns about Lepidus's loyalty and Caesar's weeping reflect the importance of honor and public perception.
Characters to notice
- Agrippa
Engages in banter with Enobarbas about Lepidus's loyalties and observes Caesar's emotional state.
- Enobarbus
Exchanges witty remarks with Agrippa, commenting on Lepidus's love for Caesar and Antony, and recalls Antony's past tears.
- Lepidus
Mentioned as troubled since Pompey's feast and as a figure who loves both Caesar and Antony.
- Octavius Caesar
Bids farewell to Antony and Octavia, expressing concern for their marriage as a cement of alliance.
- Mark Antony
Takes leave of Caesar, reassuring him of his commitment to Octavia and the alliance.
- Octavia
Weeps at parting from Rome and her brother, showing emotional distress.
Key passages
“You take from me a great part of myself; Use me well in’t.”
You are taking a part of me with you; treat her well.
Caesar entrusts his sister Octavia to Antony, emphasizing their bond.
“Let not the piece of virtue, which is set Betwixt us as the cement of our love, To keep it builded, be the ram to batter The fortress of it.”
Do not let Octavia, who is meant to unite us, become the cause of our destruction.
Caesar warns Antony not to let their marriage alliance turn into a source of conflict.
“The April’s in her eyes: it is love’s spring, And these the showers to bring it on.”
Her tears are like April rain, the beginning of love's growth.
Antony interprets Octavia's weeping as a sign of emerging love.