Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene VII explained
On the battlefield, Antony and Scarus celebrate a temporary victory, with Scarus boasting of his wounds and Antony promising reward for his valor.
What happens
On the battlefield, Antony and Scarus celebrate a temporary victory, with Scarus boasting of his wounds and Antony promising reward for his valor.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Scarus's pride in his wounds and Antony's promise of reward highlight the value placed on martial honor and reputation.
Characters to notice
- Mark Antony
Leads his forces in battle, encouraging Scarus and promising reward for his bravery.
- Scarus
Wounded but spirited, he boasts of his injuries and urges pursuit of the retreating enemy.
- Eros
Reports that the enemy is beaten and that victory is within reach.
- Agrippa
Commands a retreat, acknowledging that Caesar's forces are overextended.
Key passages
“Had we done so at first, we had droven them home With clouts about their heads.”
If we had fought like this from the start, we would have driven them back with ease.
Scarus expresses regret that they did not fight so fiercely earlier.
“I had a wound here that was like a T, But now ’tis made an H.”
I had a wound shaped like a T, but now it has been enlarged to an H.
Scarus humorously describes how his wound has grown larger.