# Scene IV explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Antony prepares for battle with Cleopatra's help, exchanging affectionate banter as she assists with his armor. He bids her a soldier's kiss and departs with his troops, while Cleopatra watches him go, wishing the war could be decided by single combat between Antony and Caesar.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Antony balances his affectionate farewell to Cleopatra with his urgent call to battle, illustrating the tension between personal love and martial duty.

### Honor and Reputation

Antony's emphasis on a soldier's kiss and his desire to be seen as a 'man of steel' underscore his concern for honor and reputation in warfare.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Antony

Eagerly arms himself for battle, exchanging playful words with Cleopatra and kissing her farewell before leading his soldiers.

### Cleopatra

Helps Antony with his armor and expresses a wish that the war could be settled by single combat between Antony and Caesar.

### Eros

Brings Antony's armor and assists in arming him, though Antony playfully scolds him for fumbling.

### Charmian

Urges Cleopatra to retire to her chamber after Antony departs.

## Key lines

> If fortune be not ours to-day, it is Because we brave her: come.

If luck is not on our side today, it's because we challenge fate directly.

_Antony expresses a defiant attitude toward fortune, suggesting that courage can overcome unfavorable odds._

> He that unbuckles this, till we do please To daff’t for our repose, shall hear a storm.

Anyone who removes this armor before I choose to take it off for rest will face my fury.

_Antony vows to fight fiercely, promising a storm of anger to anyone who tries to disarm him prematurely._

> That he and Caesar might Determine this great war in single fight!

I wish that he and Caesar could settle this great war by fighting each other alone.

_Cleopatra longs for a single combat between Antony and Caesar to avoid the broader conflict._

## Links

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