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In Act 1, Scene 2 of 'Antony and Cleopatra', the scene takes place in Cleopatra's palace where Charmian, Alexas, Iras, and a Soothsayer engage in playful fortune-telling. The mood shifts dramatically when a Messenger arrives with news of Fulvia's death, prompting Antony to realize his neglect of duty in Rome. The scene highlights the contrast between the playful life in Egypt and the serious political situation in Rome, setting up the tension between love and duty for Antony.

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9 views4 pages

Untitled Document

In Act 1, Scene 2 of 'Antony and Cleopatra', the scene takes place in Cleopatra's palace where Charmian, Alexas, Iras, and a Soothsayer engage in playful fortune-telling. The mood shifts dramatically when a Messenger arrives with news of Fulvia's death, prompting Antony to realize his neglect of duty in Rome. The scene highlights the contrast between the playful life in Egypt and the serious political situation in Rome, setting up the tension between love and duty for Antony.

Uploaded by

walterkalu385
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Antony and Cleopatra — Act 1, Scene 2 (Simple Notes)

Where it happens

Still in Cleopatra’s palace in Alexandria, Egypt.

Who is there

Charmian (Cleopatra’s maid/friend).

Alexas (Cleopatra’s servant).

Iras (another maid).

Soothsayer (fortune-teller).

Later: Cleopatra, Antony, Enobarbus (Antony’s friend), a Messenger, Mardian (a eunuch),


Demetrius & Philo.

Step-by-step of what happens

Charmian, Alexas, Iras, and the Soothsayer are joking around.

The ladies ask the Soothsayer to tell their fortunes.

They want to know about love and husbands.

The Soothsayer answers playfully (example: Iras will outlive Charmian, but Charmian will have
the better luck).
Everyone laughs — it feels light and fun.

Enobarbus enters (Antony’s loyal friend).

He joins in their joking.

He makes fun of how love and pleasure control people.

Suddenly, a Messenger arrives.

He brings serious news from Rome.

He says Fulvia (Antony’s wife) is dead.

He also reports that Lepidus and Octavius Caesar are angry with Antony.

Rome is in political trouble.

Antony reacts strongly.

He feels guilty that while Rome is fighting, he has been partying in Egypt.

He realizes he must return to Rome.


He admits he has been neglecting his duty.

Cleopatra enters.

She acts upset, thinking Antony is leaving her.

She mocks him, saying he is running back to Rome like a coward.

She teases him about Fulvia: “Go to Fulvia’s funeral and cry there, don’t waste your tears here.”

Antony tries to calm her.

He says he must go because of duty, not because he doesn’t love her.

He promises he still loves her.

The scene ends with Antony deciding to prepare to leave Egypt and return to Rome.

Important lines to remember

Soothsayer (to Iras & Charmian): jokes about love and luck → shows Egyptian life is fun and
playful.

Messenger: “Fulvia, thy wife, is dead.” → shocking news for Antony.


Antony: admits he has been careless and must return to Rome.

Cleopatra: “Though age from folly could not give me freedom, it does from childishness.” → she
mocks Antony, saying even as she grows older, she can still tease and play games.

Why this scene is important

Shows contrast: Egypt (fun, pleasure, fortune-telling) vs Rome (serious politics, war, duty).

Antony gets a wake-up call: Fulvia’s death and Rome’s problems push him to act responsibly.

Cleopatra’s character: she mocks, teases, and plays games to keep Antony’s attention, but
deep down she fears losing him.

Sets up tension: Antony must choose between love in Egypt and duty in Rome.

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