Cleopatra · Chapter
Of the Surrender of the Troops and Fleet of Antony Before the Canopic Gate; Of the End of Antony, and of the Brewing of the Draught of Death explained
Antony's fleet and cavalry defect to Caesar, leading to his despair.
What happens
Antony's fleet and cavalry defect to Caesar, leading to his despair. He attempts suicide but is saved by Olympus, then taken to Cleopatra's tomb where he dies in her arms. Meanwhile, Olympus and Atoua brew a deadly poison for Cleopatra, who resolves to die rather than be paraded in Caesar's triumph.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Antony believes Cleopatra betrayed him, yet they die in each other's arms; Harmachis struggles with lingering love and jealousy.
Jealousy and Revenge
Harmachis brews poison to avenge himself on Cleopatra, but feels jealousy of Antony and Cleopatra's love.
Honor and Shame
Antony's soldiers desert him, bringing shame; Eros chooses suicide over dishonor; Cleopatra chooses death over triumph.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
As Olympus, he brews the poison for Cleopatra, attends Antony's suicide, and helps carry him to the tomb.
- Cleopatra
Resolves to die rather than be led in triumph; mourns Antony and pulls him up into the tomb.
- Charmion
Advises Cleopatra that she can die; helps pull Antony into the tomb.
- Antony
His forces desert him; he attempts suicide, is saved by Olympus, and dies in Cleopatra's arms.
- Atoua
Helps brew the poison and brings healing draughts for Antony.
- Eros
Antony's faithful servant who kills himself rather than slay Antony.
- Iras
Helps pull Antony up into the tomb.
Key passages
“Never will I walk in chains in Caesar's triumph! What must I do? Charmion, tell me what I can do!”
Cleopatra declares she will never be paraded as a captive in Caesar's triumph and asks Charmion for advice.
Cleopatra's determination to avoid humiliation.
“Vengeance is an arrow that ofttimes falls upon the archer's head”
Harmachis reflects that revenge often harms the one who seeks it.
Harmachis's moral reflection on his quest for vengeance.
“I cannot! How can I take away the life of godlike Antony?”
Eros refuses to kill Antony, whom he reveres as a god.
Eros's loyalty and reverence for Antony.
“O Antony! my Sweet, my Husband, and my God! ... Cruel Antony, hast thou the heart to die and leave me to my lonely shame?”
Cleopatra mourns Antony, calling him her husband and god, and expresses her fear of being left alone in shame.
Cleopatra's grief and sense of abandonment.