Dec 4, 2008

Antony and Cleopatra | Act IV, Scenes 4, 5, and 6: Summary and Analysis

Summary
In Scene 4 at Cleopatra’s palace in Egypt the next morning, Eros and Cleopatra are helping Antony don his armor as they discuss the prospects of the day. Cleopatra retires to her chamber, and Antony and his men go forth into battle.

Scene 5 takes place on the battlefield just before the battle begins. Antony learns that his close friend Enobarbus has deserted to Octavius. With a show of magnanimity, he sends Enobarbus’ trunk and “treasure” to him in Octavius’ camp.

At Octavius’ camp in Scene 6, Octavius orders his men to take Antony alive. Octavius also has...