# Scene VIII explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Caesar gives Taurus orders to avoid land battle and wait for the outcome at sea, emphasizing that their fortune depends on this decisive moment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Fortune

Caesar declares that their fortune lies upon the outcome of the sea battle, highlighting the theme of fate and chance.

## Character check-ins

### Octavius Caesar

Commands Taurus to hold the land forces and not engage until the sea battle is decided.

### Taurus

Receives Caesar's orders and is entrusted with the scroll of instructions.

## Key lines

> Strike not by land; keep whole: provoke not battle, Till we have done at sea.

Do not attack by land; keep your forces intact and do not start a fight until we have finished the battle at sea.

_Caesar instructs Taurus to avoid land engagement and wait for the naval conflict to conclude._

> Our fortune lies Upon this jump.

Our fate depends on this risky venture.

_Caesar emphasizes that the entire campaign hinges on the outcome of the sea battle._

## Links

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