# Author's Note explained — Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

The author explains the historical mystery of Antony and Cleopatra's downfall, suggesting a fictional plot by Egyptian patriots led by a prince named Harmachis. He notes the story is told from the perspective of an Egyptian priest who believes in the gods of Khem, and clarifies that Cleopatra's death by poison is preferred over the asp story, possibly under the advice of her physician Olympus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Patriotism and Rebellion

The author frames the plot as an Egyptian patriot's attempt to overthrow the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty and restore native rule.

### Religion and Mysticism

The narrator is a priest of Isis who believes in the gods of Khem and the mysteries of the Osirian Faith, which shape his worldview.

### Fate and Destiny

The author questions the 'malign influence' and 'secret hates' that doomed Antony and Cleopatra, suggesting a hidden destiny at work.

## Character check-ins

### Harmachis

The protagonist and narrator, a prince of royal Egyptian blood and a priest instructed in the mysteries of Isis, who plots against Cleopatra.

### Cleopatra

The Queen of Egypt, whose ruin is the subject of the historical mystery; her death by poison is discussed.

### Antony

Roman general and Cleopatra's lover, whose flight at Actium is part of the unexplained tragedy.

### Olympus

Cleopatra's physician, who is suggested to have advised her on the method of her suicide by poison.

## Key lines

> What malign influence and secret hates were at work, continually sapping their prosperity and blinding their judgment?

What evil forces and hidden enmities were constantly undermining their success and clouding their decisions?

_The author poses the central mystery of Antony and Cleopatra's downfall._

> An attempt is made in this romance to suggest a possible answer to these and some other questions.

This fictional story tries to offer a plausible explanation for those historical puzzles.

_The author states the purpose of the novel._

> That version of the death of Cleopatra has been preferred which attributes her end to poison.

The author chooses the account that says Cleopatra died by poison rather than by snakebite.

_The author explains his choice of Cleopatra's cause of death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/author-s-note
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters