act 3, SCENE 13 LINES 1 - 78 By, Ezra and Sarah

Summary At Cleopatra’s palace in Alexandria, Enobarbus consoles Cleopatra, claiming Cleopatra has no fault in his defeat—Antony chose to let his affection for her overpower his reason, so Antony bears both the shame and the loss. This is cold comfort to Cleopatra. Antony enters with Caesar’s messenger. Antony discovers from the messenger that if Cleopatra turns him over to Caesar, Caesar will give her all sorts of honors and lands. Antony is, of course, furious, and says Caesar’s victories are only the luck of his youth—his armies would do as well if they were led by a child. Antony resolves to challenge Caesar man-to-man, sword-against-sword, and exits to write the letter of challenge. In an aside, Enobarbus laments Antony’s fall from grace. Thidias, Caesar’s other messenger, arrives. He suggests to Cleopatra that she only gave into Antony out of fear, not love, so she doesn’t deserve her dishonor, but instead deserves pity. Cleopatra says Caesar is indeed a god, and she agrees that Thidias speaks rightly, as she didn’t yield to Antony, but was conquered against her will. Enobarbus hears all of this and exits, abandoning Antony, as even Antony’s love has abandoned him. Thidias goes on, promising that Caesar would be glad to warmly offer protection (and who knows what else, warmly) to Cleopatra. Cleopatra then does the despicable, telling the messenger to pass on to Caesar that she would kneel at his feet, give over her crown, and let him pronounce doom upon Egypt (Egypt being herself).

Significance It marks the beginning of Enobarbus’ betrayal and suggests Cleopatra’s betrayal, which is what leads to their eventual death. Antony’s fall in character – he seems much smaller than he did in the beginning of the play, which could lead to his downfall. Caesar gaining the upper hand in the war against Antony.

Key themes Honor and loyalty: Enobarbus, Antony’s good friend, excuses his betrayal, saying that there is no honour in remaining loyal to a fool (Antony). On the other hand, Cleopatra’s loyalty and love for Antony is questioned, although throughout the whole play it was extremely evident. Strategy, manipulation and power: Octavius gains power after his win, and tries to manipulate Cleopatra into betraying Antony, using his servant Thidius and his flattering. Cleopatra is seen agreeing to it, very exaggeratingly, so the audience is left to wonder if Cleopatra is actually planning on betraying Antony, or if this is just another of her strategies.

Character development. Enobarbus who only sung praises of Antony in the beginning of the play, is seen speaking ill of him in this scene. Cleopatra’s more mature and noble side is shown, as the scene begins with her asking Enobarbus questions, as if she was timid and unsure, even saying “Prithee, peace.” which is much unlike the confident and manipulative queen the audience is used to. However, her manipulative side seems to return when Thidius comes to convince her to leave Antony’s side. Antony’s character seems weaker, and he is made to look like a fool, especially since he challenges Caesar to a battle right after losing one, and because of the way Enobarbus speaks of him.

Opening and Ending Opening: Scene starts with Cleopatra asking Enobarbus "What shall we do, Enobarbus?“ Shows that Enobarbus is a trusted advisor, and this makes his betrayal later more dramatic. It also shows Cleopatras change in character, now more unsure and unconfident, allowing the audience to sympathise with her. This also adds on to the complexity of her character. Ending: Scene ends with Cleopatra telling Thidias that she submits to Caesar, saying “Till from his all-obeying breath I hear/ The doom of Egypt.” It’s suspicious as to why Cleopatra would submit to Caesar just because of a few flattering lines, especially after showing genuine concern for Antony’s loss at the battle. Her intentions are unclear, which keeps the audience second guessing her actions. This makes the scene very ambiguous.

Links to the rest of the play Enobarbus leaves Antony to join Caesar’s army. (Act 4, Scene 4) Cleopatra’s troops fleeting from the battle, again. And Antony raging at her. (Act 4, Scene 12) Their death.

Language ENOBARBUS SPEAKS IN VERSE AT FIRST Only people of great importance and of a high position speak in verse in Shakespearean dramas, so the fact that Enobarbus speaks in verse shows his significance and that he is considered a respectful person in the play. It also shows that he holds some power over what happens. CLEOPATRA’S LACK OF WORDS In the beginning, this shows her doubting herself, also that she lets Enobarbus have authority which links back to his way of speech (verse). This when compared to the way she speaks to servants, is very different, as she has a lot to say about them then, “What, no more ceremony? See, my women,…”

THE END.