Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene XIII explained
After the defeat at Actium, Antony and Cleopatra confront their crumbling fortunes.
What happens
After the defeat at Actium, Antony and Cleopatra confront their crumbling fortunes. Antony rages at Cleopatra's perceived betrayal and her flattery of Caesar's messenger Thyreus, whom he has whipped. Despite his fury, Antony resolves to fight again, planning one more 'gaudy night' before battle. Enobarbus, disillusioned, contemplates deserting Antony.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Trust
Antony's suspicion of Cleopatra's loyalty and Enobarbus's internal conflict highlight the erosion of trust among allies.
Honor and Reputation
Antony's rage at being supplanted by Caesar and his insistence on a one-on-one duel reflect his obsession with honor.
Excess and Indulgence
Antony's plan for a 'gaudy night' and his emotional volatility underscore the theme of excess in the face of ruin.
Characters to notice
- Cleopatra
Defensive and manipulative, she attempts to placate Antony after his rage, swearing loyalty while having earlier entertained Caesar's messenger.
- Mark Antony
Volatile and humiliated, he lashes out at Cleopatra and Caesar's messenger, but rallies with renewed determination to fight.
- Enobarbus
Increasingly disillusioned with Antony's judgment, he privately resolves to leave his master, seeing his loyalty as folly.
- Thyreus
Caesar's messenger, who is whipped on Antony's orders for his familiarity with Cleopatra.
- Euphronius
Antony's ambassador, delivering Caesar's terms and receiving Antony's defiant challenge.
- Charmian
Present as Cleopatra's attendant, silently witnessing the confrontation.
- Iras
Present as Cleopatra's attendant, silently witnessing the confrontation.
Key passages
“Think, and die.”
Reflect on your situation and then perish.
Enobarbus's cynical advice to Cleopatra, suggesting despair is the only response.
“The itch of his affection should not then Have nick’d his captainship”
His romantic desire should not have damaged his military command.
Enobarbus criticizes Antony for abandoning the battle to follow Cleopatra.
“I see men’s judgments are A parcel of their fortunes”
People's wisdom is tied to their luck.
Enobarbus reflects on how fortune influences reason.
“Mine honesty and I begin to square.”
My integrity and I are starting to conflict.
Enobarbus acknowledges his growing temptation to betray Antony.
“Authority melts from me”
My power is dissolving.
Antony laments his loss of authority and respect.
“I will be treble-sinew’d, hearted, breathed, And fight maliciously”
I will become three times as strong, courageous, and fierce, and fight with spite.
Antony vows to fight with renewed vigor despite his setbacks.
