Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene VI explained
In Rome, Caesar, Agrippa, and Mecaenas discuss Antony's public displays of power in Alexandria, where he enthroned Cleopatra and their children, granting them kingdoms.
What happens
In Rome, Caesar, Agrippa, and Mecaenas discuss Antony's public displays of power in Alexandria, where he enthroned Cleopatra and their children, granting them kingdoms. Caesar accuses Antony of slandering him and preparing for war. Octavia arrives, having returned from Antony, and Caesar reveals that Antony has abandoned her for Cleopatra and is amassing a coalition of kings for war. Octavia laments her divided loyalties, and Caesar comforts her, condemning Antony's actions.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Antony's public distribution of kingdoms to Cleopatra and his children, and Caesar's accusations of slander and war preparations, highlight the struggle for supreme power.
Betrayal and Trust
Caesar portrays Antony as betraying Rome and Octavia by abandoning her for Cleopatra and allying with foreign kings, while Octavia feels torn between two conflicting loyalties.
Honor and Reputation
Caesar emphasizes Antony's dishonorable actions in Alexandria and his slanderous accusations, while Octavia's dignified return underscores her own honor.
Characters to notice
- Octavius Caesar
Caesar condemns Antony's actions in Alexandria, accuses him of slander, and reveals Antony's preparations for war. He welcomes Octavia and comforts her.
- Agrippa
Agrippa comments on Antony's insolence and advises that Caesar's accusations should be answered.
- Mecaenas
Mecaenas questions the public nature of Antony's actions and later welcomes Octavia, expressing pity for her.
- Octavia
Octavia returns to Rome on her own free will after hearing of Caesar's war preparations. She laments being torn between Antony and Caesar.
- Mark Antony
Antony is accused by Caesar of enthroning Cleopatra and their children, slandering Caesar, and assembling kings for war. He is described as having abandoned Octavia.
- Cleopatra
Cleopatra is depicted as having been publicly enthroned by Antony, appearing as the goddess Isis, and is blamed for turning Antony against Rome.
Key passages
“Contemning Rome, he has done all this, and more, In Alexandria: here’s the manner of’t: I’ the market-place, on a tribunal silver’d, Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold Were publicly enthroned”
Caesar describes how Antony, showing contempt for Rome, publicly enthroned himself and Cleopatra on a silver tribunal in the marketplace of Alexandria.
Caesar uses this to illustrate Antony's defiance of Roman values and his open alliance with Cleopatra.
“He hath given his empire Up to a whore; who now are levying The kings o’ the earth for war”
Caesar accuses Antony of surrendering his authority to Cleopatra, who is now gathering kings from across the world to wage war.
This reflects Caesar's propaganda to delegitimize Antony and justify the coming conflict.
“Ay me, most wretched, That have my heart parted betwixt two friends That do afflict each other!”
Octavia laments her misery, feeling torn between Antony and Caesar, who are now enemies.
Octavia's emotional distress highlights the personal cost of the political rift.