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Act 1, Scene 3 Summary of Antony and Cleopatra
Act 1, Scene 3 of Antony and Cleopatra takes place in Cleopatra’s palace and captures the intense, volatile dynamic between the two lovers as Antony prepares to leave for Rome. The scene begins with Cleopatra searching for Antony and instructing her attendant, Alexas, to tell Antony she is “sudden sick” if he is in a good mood, or dancing if he is sad. When Charmian advises her to give Antony his way and not cross him if she truly loves him, Cleopatra dismisses the advice as foolish, and insists it is “the way to lose him.”
When Antony enters to announce his departure, Cleopatra immediately feigns illness and bitterly accuses him of betrayal. She questions how he can be true to her when he has broken his “mouth-made vows” and been false to his wife, Fulvia. Antony tries to explain the dire political situation in Rome. He cites “the strong necessity of time” that commands his services as the threat of Sextus Pompeius. Finally, he reveals the most personal reason for his departure: Fulvia is dead.
Rather than offer him comfort, Cleopatra uses this news to mock him. She sarcastically asks where his tears (“sacred vials”) for his dead wife are, and claims that his lack of grief for Fulvia shows how little he will care when she herself dies. She taunts him to “play one scene / Of excellent dissembling” and pretend his tears are genuine. Her provocations deeply anger Antony, who swears by his sword and threatens to leave.
Suddenly, Cleopatra shifts her demeanour entirely. She drops her anger, acknowledges that his “honour calls [him] hence,” and bids him a fond farewell, wishing that “upon your sword / Sit laurel victory! and smooth success / Be strew’d before your feet!” Mollified, Antony replies that their separation is merely physical. He declares that “thou, residing here, go’st yet with me,” and they exit together.
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Analysis of Act 1, Scene 3
This scene showcases Cleopatra’s intense theatricality and her calculated approach to love. She deliberately adopts the opposite of Antony’s mood to keep him off-balance and dominate his attention. Her emotional outbursts are both genuine passion and deliberate performance.
The lovers are engaged in a constant tug-of-war. Cleopatra uses the memory of Fulvia as a weapon to expose Antony’s fickleness and test his loyalty. Her taunts about “excellent dissembling” highlight the blurry line between performative romance and true devotion in their relationship.
As for Antony, he is clearly pulled back to the Roman world of duty. However, he struggles to assert his Roman authority over Cleopatra’s overwhelming Egyptian emotionality; that he is constantly being interrupted and put on the defensive.
After all the bitter, manipulative argument, the scene resolves with a profound expression of unity. Cleopatra’s sudden pivot to wishing him “laurel victory” reveals her deep affection and understanding of his need for honour. Antony’s concluding paradox—that by leaving he remains with her, and she leaves with him while staying in Egypt—cements the idea that their connection transcends physical boundaries and political allegiances.
Related:
- Act 1, Scene 1 Summary and Analysis of Antony and Cleopatra
- Act 1, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis of Antony and Cleopatra
- Act 1, Scene 4 Summary and Analysis of Antony and Cleopatra
- Act 1, Scene 5 Summary and Analysis of Antony and Cleopatra
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