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Act 4, Scene 3
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
The next day, Antony prepares for battle, having Eros put on his armor. Cleopatra tries to help put on his armor, but puts some of it on incorrectly. Antony tells her to stop, calling her “the armourer of my heart.” Some captains and soldiers come to report to Antony, and he kisses Cleopatra before departing for the battle with Eros and the soldiers, leaving Charmian and Cleopatra behind. Before retiring to her room, Cleopatra says that Antony “goes forth gallantly,” but wishes Octavius had agreed to a duel rather than an open battle.
By telling Cleopatra to stop trying to arm him, Antony encourages her not to try to fulfill a man’s role (and she is shown as unsuited for the role, in the mistakes she makes while trying to put on his armor). Antony kisses Cleopatra before leaving, showing the extent to which he is motivated by his love for her. Cleopatra, though, does not predict much success for Antony in battle. She seems now genuinely concerned for Antony’s safety.
Themes
