Antony and Cleopatra, Act 1, Scene 2 summary
Act 1, Scene 2 of 42 · 8 min to read the scene
In Act 1, Scene 2, Antony hears reports of political and military trouble, learns that Fulvia is dead, and decides to leave Egypt. While Enobarbus jokes about women and grief, Antony recognizes the dangers of his inactivity and orders preparations for departure, intending to explain his reasons to Cleopatra.
What happens
- Charmian and Iras joke with a fortune-teller, who predicts matching fortunes and says Charmian outlives her mistress.
- Cleopatra seeks Antony but leaves with her companions when he arrives with a messenger.
- Antony hears about Fulvia’s conflict with Caesar and Labienus’s military advances, then demands honest criticism of his conduct.
- A messenger reports Fulvia’s death in Sicyon, and Antony regrets rejecting her while recognizing the dangers of staying.
- Enobarbus jokes about Cleopatra’s reactions and Fulvia’s death, but Antony insists that political troubles require his presence.
- Antony describes Sextus Pompeius’s growing power and orders Enobarbus to prepare their forces for immediate departure.
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In this scene
What to notice
Antony identifies his attachment as a threat to his self-command. The line states the conflict behind his decision to depart.
Quick check
Where does Fulvia die?
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