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Antony and Cleopatra, Act 5, Scene 2 summary

Act 5, Scene 2 of 42 · 15 min to read the scene

In Act 5, Scene 2, Cleopatra learns that Caesar intends to display her in his victory procession, despite his reassuring promises, and arranges to die by snakebite in her royal clothes. Iras and Charmian also die, leaving Caesar to acknowledge Cleopatra's defiance and order her burial beside Antony.

What happens

  1. Proculeius captures Cleopatra and prevents her from stabbing herself, while she rejects the prospect of public humiliation in Rome.
  2. Dolabella confirms Caesar's plans for a victory procession, and Cleopatra describes Antony's greatness through the image of a dream.
  3. Caesar promises kindness but threatens Cleopatra's children; Seleucus exposes her concealed wealth, which Caesar allows her to keep.
  4. Dolabella reveals the departure timetable, and Cleopatra prepares royal clothing while a countryman delivers snakes in a basket of figs.
  5. Iras dies after Cleopatra kisses her; Cleopatra applies snakes to her body, and Charmian follows her example.
  6. Caesar examines the deaths, recognizes Cleopatra's defeat of his plans, and orders a dignified funeral beside Antony.

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In this scene

AntonyCleopatraCaesarTheme: Control and resistance

What to notice

Caesar acknowledges that Cleopatra's death defeats his intended use of her as a captive. His words recognize her independent choice and royal identity.

Quick check

What does Dolabella confirm about Caesar's intentions for Cleopatra?

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