Antony and Cleopatra, Act 3, Scene 12 summary
Act 3, Scene 12 of 42 · 2 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 12, Antony’s ambassador asks Caesar to grant Antony a place to live and preserve Cleopatra’s crown for her heirs, but Caesar rejects Antony’s request. Caesar makes Cleopatra’s acceptance depend on removing or killing Antony, then sends Thidias to win her over and observe Antony’s behavior.
What happens
- Dolabella identifies Antony’s messenger as his schoolmaster and treats this choice as evidence of Antony’s reduced power.
- The ambassador asks permission for Antony to live in Egypt or, failing that, as a private citizen in Athens.
- The ambassador also asks Caesar to preserve Cleopatra’s royal inheritance for her heirs.
- Caesar refuses Antony’s request and makes help for Cleopatra conditional on her expelling or killing Antony.
- Caesar sends Thidias to persuade Cleopatra with generous promises and report on Antony’s response to defeat.
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In this scene
What to notice
Caesar makes separating the pair an explicit goal. His instructions turn the exchange of appeals into a calculated effort to secure Cleopatra’s allegiance.
Quick check
What condition does Caesar attach to granting Cleopatra’s request?
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