Antony and Cleopatra, Act 3, Scene 3 summary
Act 3, Scene 3 of 42 · 3 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 3, Cleopatra questions a messenger about Octavia's appearance, voice, and manner, then accepts his unflattering account as reassurance about Antony's interest in her rival. With Charmian supporting her judgments, Cleopatra rewards the messenger, regrets her harsh treatment of him, and prepares to send him away with letters.
What happens
- Alexas reports the messenger's fear, and Cleopatra calls him forward to answer questions about Octavia.
- The messenger describes Octavia as shorter than Cleopatra, with a low voice and a stiff manner.
- Charmian praises the messenger's judgment while Cleopatra treats his descriptions as evidence of Octavia's lack of appeal.
- The messenger estimates Octavia's age at thirty and describes her round face, brown hair, and low forehead.
- Cleopatra gives him gold, regrets her harshness, and tells him to prepare to carry letters.
- Cleopatra asks Charmian to bring him to her writing place and expresses hope that matters can go well.
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In this scene
What to notice
Cleopatra turns the messenger's descriptions into reassurance about her rival. Her conclusion rests on his report, reinforced throughout by Charmian.
Quick check
What does Cleopatra give the messenger after his description of Octavia?
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