Scene VII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love vs. Duty

  Antony's choice to fight by sea is swayed by Cleopatra's presence and wishes, prioritizing personal loyalty over military prudence.

• Power and Ambition

  Cleopatra asserts her authority as queen, insisting on participating in the war, while Antony's ambition drives him to accept Caesar's challenge.

• Fate and Fortune

  Antony's reliance on chance and hazard in the naval battle reflects a gamble with fate, as warned by Enobarbus.

Characters to notice

• Cleopatra

  Insists on participating in the war and influences Antony's decision to fight by sea.

• Enobarbus

  Argues against Cleopatra's involvement and advises against a naval battle, warning of the risks.

• Mark Antony

  Decides to fight Caesar by sea, overriding the counsel of his officers.

• Canidius

  Questions Antony's decision to fight by sea and reports on the disposition of land forces.

• Scarus

  Appears as a soldier who urges Antony not to fight by sea, advocating for land battle.

Key passages

• “I will be even with thee, doubt it not.”

  I will get back at you, make no mistake.

  Cleopatra threatens Enobarbus for opposing her involvement in the war.

• “Celerity is never more admired Than by the negligent.”

  Speed is never more admired than by those who are slow.

  Cleopatra rebukes Antony for being slow to react to Caesar's advance.

• “Your ships are not well mann'd; Your mariners are muleters, reapers, people Ingross'd by swift impress.”

  Your ships are poorly crewed; your sailors are mule drivers and harvesters hastily conscripted.

  Enobarbus warns Antony that his naval forces are inferior to Caesar's.

• “Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, From firm security.”

  You are abandoning a secure position to rely on luck and risk.

  Enobarbus criticizes Antony's decision to fight by sea instead of land.