Cleopatra · Chapter
VIII: Of the Last Supper of Cleopatra; Of the Song of Charmion; Of the Drinking of the Draught of Death; Of the Revealing of Harmachis; Of the Summoning of the Spirits by Harmachis; and of the Death of Cleopatra explained
Cleopatra, having visited Antony's tomb, holds a final supper with Iras, Charmion, and Harmachis (disguised as Olympus).
What happens
Cleopatra, having visited Antony's tomb, holds a final supper with Iras, Charmion, and Harmachis (disguised as Olympus). During the meal, she recounts the story of Harmachis's plot against her, and Charmion confesses her betrayal out of scorned love. After Charmion sings a dirge, Cleopatra dictates a letter to Octavian, then takes poison. Harmachis reveals himself and summons spirits, causing Cleopatra to die in terror, fulfilling his vengeance yet leaving him empty.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Charmion's betrayal of Harmachis due to scorned love, and Cleopatra's manipulation of Harmachis's affection, highlight the intertwining of love and treachery.
Jealousy and Revenge
Harmachis's vengeance against Cleopatra, fueled by jealousy and betrayal, culminates in her death.
Fate and Destiny
Cleopatra's fate is sealed by her past actions, and Harmachis fulfills a destiny of vengeance that leaves him hollow.
Power and Corruption
Cleopatra's power leads to manipulation and moral decay, while Harmachis's quest for power ends in corruption and emptiness.
Characters to notice
- Cleopatra
Hosts her last supper, recounts the story of Harmachis, dictates a farewell letter, and dies by poison after seeing spirits.
- Harmachis
Present as Olympus, reveals his identity, summons spirits, and achieves vengeance but feels no joy.
- Charmion
Confesses her betrayal of Harmachis out of scorned love, sings a dirge, and remains unwed.
- Iras
Attends the last supper and weeps at Charmion's song.
- Antony
Mentioned as Cleopatra's deceased lover; she visits his tomb and recalls feasts with him.
- Octavian
Addressed in Cleopatra's farewell letter as Caesar.
Key passages
“Strange are the ways of women! But little cause, methinks, had that Harmachis to thank thee for thy love.”
Cleopatra remarks on the strange nature of women, suggesting that Charmion's love brought Harmachis no benefit.
Cleopatra reflects on Charmion's betrayal and the irony of love causing harm.
“Behold thy peace, and die!”
Harmachis commands Cleopatra to see her fate and die.
Harmachis reveals himself and summons spirits to terrify Cleopatra to death.
“For Love is of the Spirit, and knows not Death.”
Love is spiritual and transcends death.
Harmachis concludes that love persists beyond mortal life, even after vengeance.