Cleopatra · Chapter
Of the Words and Jealousy of Charmion; Of the Laughter of Harmachis; Of the Making Ready for the Deed of Blood; and of the Message of the Old Wife, Atoua explained
Harmachis is confronted by Charmion, who accuses him of falling in love with Cleopatra and betraying their cause.
What happens
Harmachis is confronted by Charmion, who accuses him of falling in love with Cleopatra and betraying their cause. After a bitter exchange, Charmion leaves, and Harmachis wrestles with his conscience and duty to kill Cleopatra. He meets with his uncle Sepa and the conspirators to finalize plans for the assassination and the revolt, including the murder of Caesarion. Despite his doubts, he commits to the plot.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Revenge
Charmion's jealousy of Cleopatra and her bitter accusations against Harmachis drive the emotional conflict.
Power and Corruption
The conspirators' willingness to murder Caesarion and Arsinoë shows the corrupting influence of the quest for power.
Love and Betrayal
Harmachis's internal struggle between his love for Cleopatra and his duty to betray and kill her.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Struggles with his feelings for Cleopatra and his duty to kill her; participates in the final planning of the revolt.
- Charmion
Accuses Harmachis of loving Cleopatra and betraying their cause; expresses jealousy and bitterness before leaving.
- Cleopatra
Mentioned as the target of the assassination plot; Harmachis reflects on his conflicted feelings toward her.
- Sepa
Leads the conspirators' meeting; urges Harmachis to proceed with the assassination and orders the murder of Caesarion.
- Caesarion
Mentioned as a potential threat; Sepa plans to have him killed to prevent any claim to the throne.
- Arsinoë
Mentioned as a potential rival; conspirators plan to assassinate her after Cleopatra's death.
Key passages
“Thou art in danger of the great offence. This Cleopatra has cast her fatal wiles about thee, and thou goest near to loving her, Harmachis—to loving her whom tomorrow thou must slay!”
Charmion warns Harmachis that he is falling in love with Cleopatra, the woman he is supposed to kill the next day.
Charmion's accusation highlights the central conflict of the chapter.
“I would frankly give my royal birthright to be free from its necessity! But, alas! I knew that there was no escape.”
Harmachis wishes he could renounce his claim to the throne to avoid having to kill Cleopatra, but feels trapped by his duty.
Harmachis's internal turmoil and reluctance to commit murder.
“The chicken is still in the egg. 'Yea, Prince,' said my uncle, 'but his beak shows through.'”
Harmachis says the plan is not yet fulfilled, but Sepa reassures him that success is imminent.
Metaphor for the impending revolt and Harmachis's rise to power.