1. Act III: Scene 3
By Leanne & amirul

2. Scene significance
It is the first time that the audience witnesses the pitiful side of Anthony distraught by Cleopatra’s betrayal
Shows how he was utterly defeated by his own poor judgement
Also shows how he puts Cleopatra above all else (Rome)

3. Language analysis Antithesis Repetition Contrast Foreshadowing
“You did know/How much you were my conqueror, and that my sword, made weak by my affection..”
Anthony recognises the cause of his own undoing
Repetition
The word “sword” is repeated throughout the scene possibly to express:
Grief over loss
Madness
Contrast
“His sword e’en like a dancer..”
“Swords” are usually used by warriors but the word “dancer” implies that Anthony’s sword is only the decorative ornament employed by dancers; for show only
Foreshadowing
“…and death will seize her.”
The phrase “seize her” sounds similar to Caesar, thus, it may be lampshades her own death due to circumstances involving Caesar
Personification
“Fortune knows/ We dislike her most when she offers blows”
Fortune being hated when things go wrong

4. Character development
Mark Anthony
“A most unnoble swerving”
He has acknowledged that he was not living up to expectations (ie: the man who defended Julius Caesar)
“He’s unqualified with very shame”
Iras notes that he has become petty and eager to throw excuses
“Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods./Command me.”
Anthony cares for Cleopatra greatly and knows the power Cleopatra has over him
“Command me” contrasts the life he is born into/ expected to live by (to command and order not the other way around)
“How can I convey shame out of thine eyes,/By looking back what I left behind,/’Stroyed by dishonour”
His reflects upon his own defeat and how he brought it upon himself

5. Cleopatra
In the beginning of the scene, Eros and Iras seems to be persuading her to console Anthony, thus, implying that she feels reluctance/guilt in confronting him
“O my lord , my lord,/ Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought/ You would have followed”
The breaking of the line emphasises “You” as Mark Anthony, may indicate how Cleopatra sees him
The way she says it makes it seem like she was unapologetic about it as sincere apologies do not blame the other side
Repetition of the word “pardon”
The word itself means forgiveness and its repetition in this scene tries to make her sound apologetic
“Well then, sustain me. O!”
Requires help from servants to support her in consoling Antony
Retains her sense of authority and pride, unlike Anthony…

6. Key themes Unconditional love Pride and honour Betrayal
“Fall not a tear, I say: One of them rates/ All that is won and lost”
Pride and honour
Betrayal
Differences between Egyptian and Roman cultures (East v. West)
East = exotic, pleasure-loving, sexual
West = sober, masculine, militaristic

7. Opening & closing Opening Closing
Anthony sets the scene by telling his troops to take his treasure ship, split the wealth amongst themselves, then go away
“It is ashamed to bear me… I have lost my way forever”
“I have a ship laden with gold. Take that, divide it, fly and make your peace with Caesar”
Closing
“ All is forgiven” is practically what Anthony says to Cleopatra
Significance of affection:
Depth of affection

8. Relevant links Act I Act II Anthony’s comparison to Mars
Cleopatra’s comparison to Venus