Antony and Cleopatra, Act 3, Scene 2 summary
Act 3, Scene 2 of 42 · 3 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 2, Antony and Octavia prepare to leave Rome while Caesar urges Antony to protect the marriage that joins their interests. Octavia’s tears and the men’s guarded exchanges show affection mixed with distrust, while Agrippa and Enobarbus mock Lepidus’s extravagant praise of both leaders.
What happens
- Enobarbus reports that Pompey departs and the remaining leaders seal their agreement, while Octavia grieves over leaving Rome.
- Agrippa and Enobarbus mock Lepidus’s excessive admiration for Caesar and Antony.
- Caesar warns Antony that Octavia’s marriage must strengthen their friendship rather than destroy it, and Antony rejects his distrust.
- Octavia struggles to speak and whispers to Caesar while Agrippa and Enobarbus discuss the leaders’ tears.
- Caesar promises Octavia frequent messages, Antony embraces him, and the company exchanges farewells and leaves.
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In this scene
What to notice
Antony answers Caesar’s warning as an insult. The reply exposes tension beneath the affectionate family farewell.
Quick check
What does Caesar fear Octavia’s marriage could do?
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