illustration of Antony and Cleopatra facing each other with a snake wrapped around their necks

Antony and Cleopatra

by William Shakespeare

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Act 2, Scenes 3, 4, and 5 Summary

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In scene 3, Antony and Caesar meet with Octavia. Antony promises to be a better husband than his past would suggest. Antony then sees a soothsayer, who tells him that he should have stayed in Egypt and it would be best if he went back there right away. Caesar is given a more favorable prophecy, and Antony is told that it would behoove him to keep his distance from Caesar.

In scene 4, Lepidus discusses the mobilization of their armies with Agrippa and Maecenas. Lepidus agrees to meet them in a couple of days.

Scene 5 begins with Cleopatra reminiscing with her servants about the time she had spent with Antony. Her good mood is shattered when a messenger arrives to tell her of Antony's marriage to Octavia. Cleopatra nearly kills the messenger in a rage. After she calms down, Cleopatra sends a servant to inquire more about Octavia.

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Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2 Summary

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Act 2, Scenes 6 and 7 Summary