# Scene III explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Cleopatra interrogates a messenger about Octavia's appearance and demeanor, seeking reassurance that Antony will not prefer her. She finds comfort in the messenger's unflattering description and decides to employ him again.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Cleopatra's jealousy over Antony's political marriage to Octavia highlights the conflict between personal desire and political necessity.

### Honor and Reputation

Cleopatra's focus on Octavia's appearance and demeanor reveals her concern for her own status and honor in Antony's eyes.

## Character check-ins

### Cleopatra

Interrogates the messenger about Octavia, showing jealousy and insecurity.

### Charmian

Supports Cleopatra's suspicions and reassures her.

### Iras

Present during the interrogation.

### Alexas

Introduces the messenger and comments on Herod's fear of Cleopatra.

## Key lines

> She creeps: Her motion and her station are as one; She shows a body rather than a life, A statue than a breather.

She moves stiffly, as if she were a statue rather than a living person.

_The messenger describes Octavia as lacking grace and vitality._

> There's gold for thee. Thou must not take my former sharpness ill: I will employ thee back again; I find thee Most fit for business.

Here is gold for you. Do not be upset by my earlier harshness; I will send you again, as you seem well-suited for this task.

_Cleopatra rewards the messenger and plans to use him again._

## Links

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