# Scene III explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

On the night before the decisive battle, Roman soldiers on watch discuss rumors and hear mysterious music, which they interpret as the god Hercules abandoning Antony.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Fortune

The soldiers interpret the mysterious music as an omen of Hercules abandoning Antony, signaling a shift in fortune.

### Death and Transcendence

The supernatural music and the sense of impending doom foreshadow the death and transcendence of Antony.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Antony

Referenced as the one whom the god Hercules loved and is now leaving.

## Key lines

> ’Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved, Now leaves him.

It is the god Hercules, whom Antony cherished, who is now abandoning him.

_The soldiers interpret the supernatural music as a sign that Antony has lost divine favor._

## Links

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