Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Antony and Cleopatra, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Love, Pleasure, and Decadence
Honor, Loyalty, and Betrayal
Strategy, Manipulation, and Power
Messages, Warnings, and Omens
Gender Roles
Summary
Analysis
Back in Egypt, Cleopatra hears back from the messenger she sent to go see Octavia. The messenger reports on Octavia’s physical appearance, telling Cleopatra that Octavia is shorter than she is, has a low voice, has an overly round head, and is inelegant. Cleopatra is pleased, relieved to think that she faces no real competition for Antony’s affections. She gives the messenger gold.
The messenger delivers news that Cleopatra is happy to hear. She has no problems with Antony being married to another woman as long as that woman is not attractive, and poses no threat to her claim on Antony’s affections.
Themes
