Scene II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Death and Transcendence

  Antony speaks of 'bathe my dying honour in the blood' and contemplates his possible death, framing it as a means to reclaim honor.

• Honor and Reputation

  Antony is preoccupied with his 'dying honour' and the legacy he will leave, seeking to restore his reputation through battle.

• Excess and Indulgence

  Antony calls for a bounteous meal and to 'drown consideration' in drink, reflecting his characteristic indulgence even in crisis.

Characters to notice

• Mark Antony

  Antony declares he will fight by sea and land, then shows emotional vulnerability to his servants, speaking of possible death and a 'mangled shadow'.

• Cleopatra

  Cleopatra observes Antony's strange mood and questions Enobarbas about his meaning, showing concern.

• Enobarbus

  Enobarbus explains Antony's behavior as 'odd tricks which sorrow shoots out of the mind' and later chides Antony for making everyone weep.

• Charmian

  Present in the scene as part of Cleopatra's entourage.

• Iras

  Present in the scene as part of Cleopatra's entourage.

• Alexas

  Present in the scene as part of Cleopatra's entourage.

Key passages

• “To-morrow, soldier, By sea and land I’ll fight: or I will live, Or bathe my dying honour in the blood Shall make it live again.”

  Tomorrow I will fight both on sea and land; either I will survive, or I will wash my dying honor in blood so that it may be revived.

  Antony expresses his determination to restore his honor through combat, even at the cost of his life.

• “I look on you As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends, I turn you not away; but, like a master Married to your good service, stay till death.”

  I see you as someone saying goodbye. My loyal friends, I am not dismissing you; rather, like a master bound to your faithful service, I will remain with you until death.

  Antony speaks to his servants with poignant farewell, hinting at his expectation of death in the coming battle.