Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene XIV explained
Antony, believing Cleopatra has betrayed him and then hearing a false report of her death, resolves to die.
What happens
Antony, believing Cleopatra has betrayed him and then hearing a false report of her death, resolves to die. He commands his loyal servant Eros to kill him, but Eros instead kills himself. Antony then attempts suicide but fails to die immediately. He is discovered by guards and Diomedes, who reveals Cleopatra is alive and in her monument. Antony asks to be carried to her, and his guards bear him away.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Transcendence
Antony seeks a noble death as a bridegroom, viewing suicide as a means to reunite with Cleopatra in the afterlife.
Betrayal and Trust
Antony's belief that Cleopatra has betrayed him drives his despair, though the betrayal is based on a false report.
Honor and Reputation
Antony's shame at the thought of being paraded in Rome as Caesar's captive motivates his choice of suicide.
Characters to notice
- Mark Antony
Resolves to die after believing Cleopatra dead; attempts suicide and is carried to Cleopatra's monument.
- Eros
Loyal servant who kills himself rather than strike Antony, inspiring Antony's own attempt.
- Diomedes
Sent by Cleopatra to reveal she is alive and in her monument, arriving too late to prevent Antony's suicide attempt.
- Mardian
Brings false report of Cleopatra's death, prompting Antony's decision to end his life.
- Dercetas
Guard who takes Antony's sword to present to Caesar as a token of allegiance.
Key passages
“I will be a bridegroom in my death, and run into't as to a lover's bed.”
I will embrace death like a groom entering a wedding bed.
Antony romanticizes suicide as a joyful union with Cleopatra.
“The seven-fold shield of Ajax cannot keep the battery from my heart.”
No armor, not even the legendary shield of Ajax, can protect my heart from this grief.
Antony expresses the overwhelming emotional pain of Cleopatra's reported death.
“Unarm, Eros; the long day's task is done, and we must sleep.”
Take off my armor, Eros; the long struggle is over, and we must rest in death.
Antony resigns himself to death after hearing of Cleopatra's supposed demise.